Cooperation and Awareness for Pollution-free and Environmentally Sustainable Black Sea

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B NEXT Black Sea Basin

Date of latest update: 2026-09-07

Description

Description (EN):

The CARE SEA project is proposed by a partnership of 5 higher education and /or research organizations. The lead partner is LP1 - BSU - The Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University from Georgia. The other partners are from Moldova (PP2 - USPEE which is a private university from Chisinau), Türkyie (PP3 - KTU - The Technical University in Trabzon), Greece (PP4 - AUTH - Aristotle University in Thessaloniki) and Romania (PP5 - DDNI - the National R&D Institute for Danube Delta in Tulcea). The partners have both experience in previous projects as well as experience in co-operation among each other within other partnerships. The overall objective of the project is enhancing protection and preservation of nature and biodiversity by raising awareness on different types of pollution among communities and providing practical means of action towards a greener and cleaner Black Sea region during a 24-month period. The overall objective is in line with Programme's Priority 2 and relates to Policy's objective 2 by assessing risks and providing management instruments. All activities relate to Specific objective 7. CARE SEA addresses the common territorial challenge of pollution with various components including plastic and microplastic which is acknowledged as a major threat for the Black Sea ecosystem. The Work Plan is divided into 6 activities: A. 1. 1. Development of common instruments and methodology for smart environmental observation (period 1 - 5), A. 1. 2. State of art of plastic pollution in study areas of the BSB ecosystem, analysis of the challenges and measures to reduce it (period 2 - 5). A. 1. 3. Exchange of experience / cross-border monitoring and assessment (period 3 - 5), A. 1. 4. Development of recommendations for the ecological rehabilitation of the studied ecosystems (period 4 - 6), A. 1. 5. Advancing public engagement with science and environmental knowledge production (period 3 - 6) and A. 1. 6. Valorization and dissemination of the collected data (period 4 - 6). Among the main outputs of the activities there are a common methodology and instruments for monitoring and assessing pollutants including a numerical model able to simulate the transport, advection, dispersion and weathering of small plastic particles that flow/float in a water body, a cross - border (Romanian and Moldovan) impact assessement of Prut River pollutants and cross - border (Georgian and Turkish) management plans and action plans for the Choroki river corresponding areas, an International Conference. Results understood as changes determined by outputs of the project include 4 organizations that will continue to cooperate after the end of the project as the implementation of the management and action plans for the Choroki River Georgian - Turkish border will require further cooperation between LP1 and PP3 - KTU and PP2 - USPEE and PP5 - DDNI will cooperate for implementation of common solutions on the Romanian - Moldovan border after the end of the project. Among the results is expected an improved management of the Choroki river target regions. LP1 - BSU and PP3 - KTU are in a position to provide assistance to local / regional authorities as well as to local communities to put into practice nature - based solutions and mitigation measures regarding pollution risks. Also, contribution to citizen science leading to increased awareness on pollution factors in BSB target regions within local communities and valuable information resources, based on sound scientific research but explained for layman use that can support local decision making processes and direct actions for fighting the effects of plastic and other types of pollution. The CARE SEA project activities are targeted towards a wide array of stakeholders, from local communities and local and regional communities, to national authorities and agencies, but provide also information and solutions for businesses in the area, students, people and NGOs that are simply interested in improvind their living conditions by enhancing controll upon pollutants and implementing mitigation measures. In order to reach all these target groups, the communication objective is to provide accessible information to larger categories of public and to local communities on various types of pollution in the project's area, means to reduce it and actions that can be taken. As citizen science grows more and more prominent, it is more and more important to bring in front of the public the results of reasearch as soon as they are available. The other communication objective is to highlight the funding that makes possible all the endeavours in the project in a way that complies with the visibility rules of the Programme.

Actual Achievements (EN):

During the first reporting period, the following work was completed. Project Management - Organization of the CARE SEA project implementation was completed. - Permanent monitoring of the CARE SEA project implementation is ongoing. - An order for project team establishment was issued, and employment/service contracts were finalized. - A contract between the partner and controller for management verification was concluded, except for AUTH, as it incurred no expenses. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KlUMTNYxPLU - The project was registered with the Ministry of Finance of RM by all partners, and applications for VAT and customs duty exemptions were submitted. Project Kick-Off Meeting The Project Kick-Off Meeting was successfully conducted with the participation of all five partner organizations. Relevant documents, including the participants' list and agenda, are annexed..https://bsu.edu.ge/sub-51/page/2-347/index.html Project Steering Committee (PSC) A Project Steering Committee (PSC) was established, comprising one representative from each project partner (PP). The PSC oversees strategic decisions, progress monitoring, adjustments, and conflict resolution. Each PP holds one voting right. It was broadcast on local and regional television Communication Tools WhatsApp and email groups were created at the project’s inception to facilitate coordination among PPs, ensuring quick and efficient communication for decision-making. Corporate Identity The project’s corporate identity was developed to enhance credibility and recognition. This includes logo design, consistent visual style, and templates for project documentation. Website, Social Media Visibility Materials A project website and social media accounts were established to increase visibility and engagement. Visibility materials, including a triplet brochure and a roll-up poster summarizing the project, were designed in English. These materials are being translated into the official languages of all PPs . The events were covered by the media. Development of Recommendations for the Ecological Rehabilitation of Studied Ecosystems Work began on developing recommendations for the ecological rehabilitation of studied ecosystems. A doctoral research topic and a master’s research topic in ecology were outlined. LP1-BSU is developing a master’s programme in landscape ecology, utilizing open science principles. Scheduled for implementation in the fifth period, the programme will be offered at the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Health within the Biology Direction. Citizen Science Initiatives BSU, as the lead partner (LP), initiated citizen science initiatives and formed volunteer groups within the community. This approach fosters public participation in data collection, analysis, and reporting, amplifying the impact and reach of research efforts. Methodology The implementation of the first activity - Development of common instruments and methodology for smart environmental observation - has started and will continue in the next reporting periods (initial outlines where provided by partners LP, PP2, PP3, PP4, PP5. Field Investigations and Workshops A workshop on sampling strategies and a field study were organized on the Georgian side of the Chorokhi River. Corresponding preparations and sampling locations were established on the Turkish side (sampling protocol is uploaded by KTU PP3). https://bsu.edu.ge/sub-51/page/3061/index.html The second Steering Committee (SC) meeting of the CARESEA project was held in Trabzon on March 13–14. This project, jointly conducted by five countries—Georgia, Greece, Moldova, Romania, and Türkiye—has successfully completed its second phase, during which updates from the past eight months were shared. The meeting was co-organised and attended by the Georgian Lead Partner, Batumi Shota Rustaveli University. Cosmin Ungureanu, Project Officer from the Joint Secretariat of the Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin Programme, also joined the sessions virtually. The third reporting period of the CARE SEA project represented a crucial stage in strengthening transnational cooperation and scientific inquiry across the Black Sea Basin. Each partner institution contributed in a distinctive manner, and their combined efforts significantly advanced the project’s objectives in environmental monitoring, pollution assessment, and ecosystem-based adaptation. USPEE (Moldova) USPEE provided a comprehensive scientific assessment of the “Lower Prut” Biosphere Reserve through analyses of water and sediments. By applying Roentgen-fluorescence spectrometry and calculating the geoaccumulation index, the team identified alert levels for cadmium, copper, and lead while confirming that most ecosystems remained below critical contamination thresholds. In addition, trophic state indices revealed the degree of eutrophication. USPEE also identified both upstream and local drivers of plastic pollution, combining scientific data with methodological collaboration to refine sampling procedures. BSU (Georgia) Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University reinforced the methodological and infrastructural pillars of the project. Equipment procurement, including a drone and monitoring devices, strengthened field research capacity. Remote sensing advances under the Open Data Cube supported spatial analyses, while fieldwork produced GIS habitat maps of the Chorokhi River Delta, highlighting vulnerable and degraded ecosystems. Alongside research, BSU conducted extensive awareness-raising activities in schools and communities, organized exhibitions and workshops, and produced a documentary film, ensuring strong integration of science, education, and public engagement. A 14.01-minutes video was also produced, showcasing the project's objectives, implemented activities, and the habitats present within the study area https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bmtIP9t1Zc. Two banners measuring 2 m × 1 m were produced. One banner was installed in the courtyard of BSU, and the other at the entrance of the BSU Institute of Phytopathology and Biodiversity. KTU (Türkiye) Karadeniz Technical University focused on empirical research and training. Field sampling in key rivers generated essential baseline data for comparative studies. A major achievement was the establishment of a microplastic laboratory at the Faculty of Marine Sciences, providing advanced microscopy capacities. Through collaboration with BSU, KTU delivered training workshops for Georgian researchers, thereby enhancing regional expertise. Although data analysis continues, these initiatives created the foundation for a robust cross-border monitoring system. AUTh (Greece) Aristotle University of Thessaloniki advanced computational modeling and transnational knowledge exchange. Hydrodynamic and particle-tracking models for marine plastic pollution were completed and validated, providing a harmonized analytical framework applicable across the partner regions. Five technical reports surpassed project requirements and aligned field datasets with advanced modeling. Public outreach in Thessaloniki, including World Environment Day events, emphasized the societal relevance of research and stimulated dialogue between science, policy, and citizens. DDNI (Romania) The Danube Delta National Institute played a pivotal coordinating role. Sampling campaigns and laboratory analyses expanded the empirical dataset for the Black Sea Basin. DDNI engaged with the Interreg NEXT Joint Secretariat to ensure compliance in procurement and reporting. A key achievement was the elaboration, with USPEE, of a joint cross-border monitoring protocol, strengthening methodological unity and future cooperation. By combining administrative oversight with research coordination, DDNI safeguarded both scientific quality and institutional accountability. Conclusion Together, the contributions of all partners highlight the interdisciplinary and international essence of the CARE SEA project. From field sampling and laboratory analysis to advanced modeling, awareness-raising, and protocol development, the consortium created a scientifically rigorous and socially engaged foundation for tackling plastic and chemical pollution in transboundary aquatic ecosystems. These achievements demonstrate not only the collective capacity to address shared environmental threats but also the value of sustained cooperation across the Black Sea Basin. BSU (LP1). A significant achievement was the hybrid-format training session on marine micro- and macro-debris monitoring, held on September 22, 2025 (was not reported in previous reporting period). This event engaged both local stakeholders and students, over 50% of whom actively participated in practical exercises such as beach cleanups. Furthermore, BSU contributed to the finalization of the transboundary plastic pollution monitoring framework between Georgia and Türkiye, facilitating coordinated efforts in addressing cross-border environmental issues. BSU’s research on atmospheric air quality and ecological status assessments within RAMSAR-listed Kolkheti Protected Areas was advanced. PP2USPEE continued its research within the Lower Prut Biosphere Reserve, focusing on the pollution impacts of heavy metals and plastic waste on the Prut River and nearby lakes, including Beleu and Manta. Key scientific activities in this period included microplastic sampling and evaluation of sampling techniques under Activity A1.2, which contributed significantly to improving the standardization of monitoring practices. Collaborative efforts between Romanian and Moldovan teams fostered knowledge exchange, resulting in optimized sampling methodologies and the identification of key pollution sources. In terms of public engagement, USPEE organized a seminar titled “Together towards a Cleaner and Healthier Environment” in November 2025. PP3 KTU's scientific contributions were central to understanding microplastic pollution in the Çoruh River Valley. Ongoing sampling activities and data analysis provided critical insights into the seasonal dynamics of microplastic contamination. A major milestone was the two-day study meeting in Trabzon, where KTU and BSU partners harmonized microplastic analysis methodologies, strengthening cross-border data comparability. This collaboration allowed for a deeper understanding of microplastic pollution in transboundary water bodies. KTU also organized an awareness meeting in Fındıklı Municipality to engage local stakeholders in discussions about the detrimental effects of microplastic pollution on aquatic ecosystems, further promoting environmental stewardship among the local population. PP4 AUTh made significant advancements in the development of a numerical model for simulating microplastic transport, advection, dispersion, and weathering. This model, refined through the integration of local data, provides valuable insights into the movement and fate of microplastics across the project’s study areas. The model's calibration ensures its applicability across the partner regions, facilitating the development of management strategies for the protection of marine and riverine ecosystems. AUTh also played a leading role in organizing a series of public-facing events in Thessaloniki, including the 3rd Steering Committee Meeting (SCM), an Educational Seminar, Training Sessions, and a Collaborative Workshop. PP5 DDNI. During the reporting period instrumental in advancing research in the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve, focusing on the monitoring of chemical pollutants and microplastics. A key achievement was the joint sampling campaign with USPEE, which targeted the cross-border area between Romania and Moldova. This campaign, which involved surface water quality assessment and the analysis of microplastics and heavy metals, contributed to a more comprehensive understanding of pollution in this vital transboundary ecosystem. The samples were analyzed in DDNI’s chemistry laboratory, providing valuable data for further scientific analysis. Main Achievements and Outputs Scientific Advancements: The project produced robust, scientifically validated data on chemical pollution, microplastic contamination, and ecosystem health in the Black Sea Basin. This includes the development of new models for microplastic transport and innovative sampling methodologies for pollution monitoring. Cross-Border Cooperation: The project’s success in cross-border collaboration is exemplified by the harmonization of monitoring methodologies and the exchange of data between institutions from Georgia, Turkey, Romania, and Moldova. Public Engagement and Citizen Science: The CARE SEA project has actively engaged citizens in environmental protection efforts through seminars, workshops, and media campaigns. By utilizing citizen science, the project has not only raised awareness about plastic pollution but has also contributed to the collection of vital environmental data. Restoration and Management of Freshwater Ecosystems: The Chorokhi River Delta restoration plan addresses ecological challenges such as hydrological instability, plastic pollution, and invasive species. Training and Capacity Building: The project has supported numerous capacity-building initiatives, including training local communities, students, and professionals in marine pollution monitoring and data analysis. During the reporting period, the CARE SEA partnership achieved significant progress in the implementation of its core technical activities related to the assessment, monitoring and management of plastic and microplastic pollution in the Black Sea Basin. Under Activity A1.2, partners completed the assessment of plastic pollution sources, accumulation hotspots, environmental pressures and mitigation measures in the project study areas located in Georgia, Türkiye, Greece, Romania and Moldova. A transboundary monitoring scheme for the Chorokhi River basin was developed jointly by the Georgian and Turkish partners, providing a common framework for the assessment of plastic pollution within the shared ecosystem. Under Activity A1.3, the partnership strengthened cross-border cooperation through the exchange of monitoring data, methodologies and scientific expertise. A harmonised approach for monitoring and assessing plastic and microplastic pollution was applied across the study areas, enabling the generation of comparable datasets and supporting a common understanding of pollution dynamics in the Black Sea Basin. The numerical modelling system developed within the project was successfully tested and applied using monitoring data provided by project partners, allowing the assessment of microplastic transport pathways and dispersion patterns under different environmental conditions. In addition, two comparative studies were completed for the Georgian–Turkish and Romanian–Moldovan border areas. These studies provided a comparative assessment of pollution sources, monitoring results, environmental pressures and transboundary implications, highlighting common challenges and supporting the identification of coordinated management responses. The results generated during the reporting period establish a solid scientific basis for the development of recommendations, management measures and action plans foreseen in the subsequent project activities. They also strengthen cooperation among partner organisations and contribute to a shared evidence base for addressing plastic pollution and protecting biodiversity within the Black Sea Basin. The achievements of the reporting period demonstrate the added value of transnational cooperation by integrating expertise, monitoring results and analytical approaches from five countries into a common framework for environmental assessment and decision-making.

Project outputs: Partners from five Black Sea region countries to implement the project(EN)
Cross - border (Georgian and Turkish) management plans and action plans for the Choroki river corresponding areas(EN)
International Conference(EN)
Development and implementation of common methodology, instruments, and tools(EN)

Thematic information

Sustainable management of natural resources

Priority: (VI-B_BSB_P2) Clean and Green Region

Priority specific objective: RSO2.7. Enhancing protection and preservation of nature, biodiversity and green infrastructure, including in urban areas, and reducing all forms of pollution

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO2 A greener, low-carbon transitioning towards a net zero carbon economy and resilient Europe by promoting clean and fair energy transition, green and blue investment, the circular economy, climate change mitigation and adaptation, risk prevention and management, and sustainable urban mobility

Type of intervention: 079 Nature and biodiversity protection, natural heritage and resources, green and blue infrastructure

Partners (5)

Lead Partner: ბათუმის შოთა რუსთაველის სახელმწიფო უნივერსიტეტი

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 966798419

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 096135 | identification code 245428158

Department: BSU Institute of Phytopathology and Biodiversity (https://bsu.edu.ge/sub-22/page/2-93/index.html?lang=en), Department of Kolkheti Mire and Water Ecosystem Conservation (https://bsu.edu.ge/sub-22/page/3-133/index.html?lang=en)

Address: Ninoshvili/Rustaveli, 6010 Batumi, Georgia

Department address: Haidar Abashidze, 6200 Kobuleti, Georgia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://bsu.edu.ge

Total budget: EUR 195 116.64

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 175 604.97

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 90.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 19 511.67

Contractors:

Name: Batumi Avia Tour
VAT registration or tax identification number: 0
Name: ELZA MAKARADZE
VAT registration or tax identification number: 0
Name: I.E Mindia Malakmadze
VAT registration or tax identification number: 0
Name: I.E Megi Abuladze
VAT registration or tax identification number: 0
Name: LTD "Absolut"
VAT registration or tax identification number: 0
Name: IRINE BARAMIDZE
VAT registration or tax identification number: 0
Name: MAMUKA GVILAVA
VAT registration or tax identification number: 0
Name: IA IAKOBADZE
VAT registration or tax identification number: 0
Name: Ltd Made To Make
VAT registration or tax identification number: 0
Name: Ltd Invest Group 2022
VAT registration or tax identification number: 0
Name: Ltd Megatest
VAT registration or tax identification number: 0
Name: Ltd Prodact Space
VAT registration or tax identification number: 0
Name: Ltd Edison Store
VAT registration or tax identification number: 0
Name: Ltd Marco
VAT registration or tax identification number: 0
Name: Phi Key Eph Georgia
VAT registration or tax identification number: 0
Name: Beqa Abuladze
VAT registration or tax identification number: 0
Name: GI TI ES GROUP
VAT registration or tax identification number: 0
Name: EM KA ES
VAT registration or tax identification number: 0
Name: LTD :Midas Lab"
VAT registration or tax identification number: 0
Name: LTD "Beta print"
VAT registration or tax identification number: 0
Name: LTD "Midas Lab"
VAT registration or tax identification number: 0
Name: LTD "Saga Food"
VAT registration or tax identification number: 0
Name: Ajarian wine house
VAT registration or tax identification number: 0

Institutul National de Cercetare - Dezvoltare ”Delta Dunarii” Tulcea

Name: Institutul National de Cercetare - Dezvoltare ”Delta Dunarii” Tulcea

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 972472240

Partner’s ID if not PIC: RO2646378 | J36/290/2015

Address: Babadag, 820112 Tulcea, Romania

Department address: Babadag, 820112 Tulcea, Romania

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://ddni.ro/wps/

Total budget: EUR 174 457.08

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 157 011.37

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 90.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 17 445.71

Contractors:

Name: SC COFETARIA AMALIA MARIA SRL
VAT registration or tax identification number: 39899280
Name: CARL ZEISS INSTRUMENTS S.R.L.
VAT registration or tax identification number: RO6970643
Name: EST ORIGIN SERVICES SRL
VAT registration or tax identification number: RO39954180

ΑΡΙΣΤΟΤΕΛΕΙΟ ΠΑΝΕΠΙΣΤΗΜΙΟ ΘΕΣΣΑΛΟΝΙΚΗΣ - ΕΙΔΙΚΟΣ ΛΟΓΑΡΙΑΣΜΟΣ ΚΟΝΔΥΛΙΩΝ ΕΡΕΥΝΑΣ

Name: ΑΡΙΣΤΟΤΕΛΕΙΟ ΠΑΝΕΠΙΣΤΗΜΙΟ ΘΕΣΣΑΛΟΝΙΚΗΣ - ΕΙΔΙΚΟΣ ΛΟΓΑΡΙΑΣΜΟΣ ΚΟΝΔΥΛΙΩΝ ΕΡΕΥΝΑΣ

Department: Faculty of Civil Engineering

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 999895692

Partner’s ID if not PIC: EL090049627

Address: K.E.D.E.A. Build., AUTH Campus, Tritis Septemvriou, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece

Department address: AUTH Campus, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.auth.gr

Total budget: EUR 145 348.80

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 130 813.92

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 90.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 14 534.88

Contractors:

Name: CONSORTIS GEOSPATIAL
VAT registration or tax identification number: 999432860, 800492380

Karadeniz Teknik Üniversitesi, Deniz Bilimleri Fakültesi

Name: Karadeniz Teknik Üniversitesi, Deniz Bilimleri Fakültesi

Department: FACULTY OF MARINE SCIENCES, DEPARTMENT OF MARITIME BUSSINES ADMINISTRATION

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 998172972

Partner’s ID if not PIC: TR5900378262

Address: Kanuni Kampüsü, Ortahisar, 61080 Trabzon, Turkey

Department address: Kanuni Kampüsü, Ortahisar, 61080 Trabzon, Turkey

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://www.ktu.edu.tr/en

Total budget: EUR 180 915.60

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 162 824.04

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 90.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 18 091.56

Contractors:

Name: Çeliker Analitik medikal
VAT registration or tax identification number: 2410775365
Name: Çeliker Analitik
VAT registration or tax identification number: 2410775365
Name: Cem Çolak, Dizayn Teknoloji
VAT registration or tax identification number: 57919457760

Universitatea de Studii Politice şi Economice Europene „Constantin Stere”

Name: Universitatea de Studii Politice şi Economice Europene „Constantin Stere”

Department: Faculty of Ecology and Environment Protection

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 905561737

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 1002600043325

Address: Stefan cel Mare si Sfint, MD - 2004 Chisinau, Moldova

Department address: Stefan cel Mare si Sfint, MD - 2004 Chisinau, Moldova

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://uspee.md

Total budget: EUR 149 470.44

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 134 523.39

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 90.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 14 947.05

Contractors:

Name: Moșanu Elena
VAT registration or tax identification number: 2001089313863
Name: Lozan Raisa
VAT registration or tax identification number: 2001048034714
Name: Tărîță Anatolie
VAT registration or tax identification number: 0982907482984
Name: Dvornikov Dmitri
VAT registration or tax identification number: 0980107015715
Name: Micu Alexandru
VAT registration or tax identification number: 0961212547571
Name: Kulikova Olga
VAT registration or tax identification number: 0952205882999
Name: DRON ASSISTANCE SRL
VAT registration or tax identification number: 0509009

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

Danube Delta National Institute for Research and Development Tulcea

Cooperation and Awareness for Pollution-free and Environmentally Sustainable Black Sea

Partners and Projects info

ARISTOTELIO PANEPISTIMIO THESSALONIKIS - EIDIKOS LOGARIASMOS KONDILION EREVNAS

Cooperation and Awareness for Pollution-free and Environmentally Sustainable Black Sea

Partners and Projects info

Karadeniz Technical University

Cooperation and Awareness for Pollution-free and Environmentally Sustainable Black Sea

Partners and Projects info

University of European Political and Economic Studies "Constantin Stere"

Cooperation and Awareness for Pollution-free and Environmentally Sustainable Black Sea

Partners and Projects info

LEPL Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University

Cooperation and Awareness for Pollution-free and Environmentally Sustainable Black Sea

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Cooperation and Awareness for Pollution-free and Environmentally Sustainable Black Sea

Project acronym: CARE SEA

Project ID: BSB00559

Project start date: 2024-07-19

Project end date: 2026-11-18

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) (EN) | MSFD was put in place to protect the marine ecosystem and biodiversity upon which our health and marine-related economic and social activities depend. While the Directive sets out 11 illustrative qualitative descriptors, it is acknowledged that research efforts (which are the core part of CARE SEA project) are needed to better define the descriptors to achieve a good environment status (GES). (EN), EU Mission: Restore our Ocean and Waters (EN) | With a 2030 target, the EU Mission "Restore our Ocean and Waters" aims to protect and restore the health of our ocean and waters through research and innovation, citizen engagement and blue investments. As the Mission supports regional engagement and cooperation through area-based “lighthouses” in major sea/river basins: Atlantic-Arctic, Mediterranean Sea, Baltic-North Sea, and Danube-Black Sea, the results of the project will be able to contribute to the future Danube - Black Sea "lighthouse". (EN), Interreg NEXT Romania - Moldova (EN) | The activities that will be carried out by PP5 - DDNI and PP2 - USPEE are relevant in terms of synergies with activities supported within Priority 1 - Green Communities of the Romanian - Moldovan Cross border Programme. Set of actions 4 is targeted at monitoring the quality of water in rivers, thus the open access results of CARE SEA project could be used as reference by beneficiaries in the Interreg NEXT RO - MD Programme (EN), Commission on the Protection of the Black Sea Against Pollution (EN) | The main role of the Commission is to implement the Convention on the Protection of the Black Sea Against Pollution. The results of the research within the CARE SEA project can sustain further sets of recommendations made by the Working Groups of the Commisssion. (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 845 308.56

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 760 777.69

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 90.00%

Co-financing sources:

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

SeaBasinStrategyBlackSea The Common Maritime Agenda (CMA) for the Black Sea is a sea basin initiative to enhance regional cooperation for achieving a sustainable Blue Economy in the Black Sea. It has three main goals that are further developed into ten priorities. By its outputs and expected results, the project contributes to Goal 1 - Healthy marine and coastal ecosystems, priority 1 - Ensure the protection and sustainability of the marine ecosystem and priority 2 - Address marine pollution and plastic litter.
In the mean time, by developing management and action plans for some areas (such as the Choroki River), or joint solutions for environmental surveillance , the activities of the project are in line with Goal 2 of CMA, priority 1 being able to contribute to fostering research and innovation towards sustainable growth.
EUStrategyDanubeRegion The EU Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR) is a macro-regional strategy jointly developed by the Danube Region countries and stakeholders and the European Commission, designed to deal with major common challenges. One of the identified common challenges in the Danube region regards environment: the Danube is highly polluted and the impact of transport links, tourist developments, and new energy-producing facilities must be considered. The 2020 EUSDR Action Plan was developed to answer the common challenges. The activities of CARE SEA project are in line with the types of intervention proposed regarding the Danube Region in terms of promoting monitoring, prevention and reduction of water pollution deriving from hazardous and emerging substances, enhancing cooperation, increase and exchange knowledge in the region, provide support for risk management plans for different hazards or building the capacity of national and local authorities, non-governmental organisations, and the expert and scientific community in environmental issues.
Other The Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda for the Black Sea (SRIA) is the scientific pillar of CMA developed as a follow up of the Burgas Vision Paper. One of the four pillars of SRIA is addressing fundamental Black Sea research challenges, called the Black Sea Knowledge Bridge. The activities and outputs of CARE SEA project relate to both Black Sea Knowledge Bridge goals which are:
- Developing innovative multi-disciplinary research, building on existing initiatives, including data sharing mechanisms that will generate the knowledge needed to increase ecosystems resilience and
- Providing new knowledge to mitigate the impacts of global climate change and the multiple environmental and anthropogenic stressors in the Black Sea from land-sea interface to the deep basin.

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 116 - Jointly developed solutions, Measurement unit:
RCO 084 - Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects, Measurement unit:
RCO 087 - Organisations cooperating across borders, Measurement unit:
RCO 115 - Public events across borders jointly organised, Measurement unit:

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 084 - Organisations cooperating across borders after project completion, Measurement unit:
RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSDR

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B NEXT Black Sea Basin

Latest month of project-partner-call data publication

2026-09

No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)

83 / 83 (100%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

373 / 374 (99.73%)

Notes on the data

There are discrepancies in this programme's financial data in keep.eu. Namely, in one or more cases, the sum of the project partners' budgets exceeds the total budget of the respective project. Interact is working with the Programme to correct those figures.

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Cooperation and Awareness for Pollution-free and Environmentally Sustainable Black Sea

Description

Thematic information

Partners (5)

Partners map

Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

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