Know What You Breathe: Mobilizing Communities for Air Quality in the Black Sea Basin

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

Date of latest update: 2025-09-26

Description

Description (EN):

Over the past 65 years, global climate change and its impact on various disciplines have become pressing concerns. The 2015 Paris Agreement united nations to combat climate change and work towards a sustainable, low-carbon future. Greenhouse gas emissions play a crucial role in climate change and in air pollution rates. Air pollution is a global health concern, with 99% of the world's population living in areas with substandard air quality levels. According to the European Environment Agency's "European Air Quality Report (2023), air pollution is one of the biggest environmental risks in Europe. Europe is significantly affected by air pollution, which even leads to premature deaths and has many economic consequences. Air pollution is also a significant issue for the countries in the Black Sea Basin. The Black Sea Basin experiences air pollution from various sources, impacting human health and the region's environmental sustainability. The partner countries of the current project, which include Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, and Ukraine face the adverse effects of air pollution due to heavy industry, urbanization, residential heating, and vehicular traffic. According to the World Health Organization, these pollutants can lead to increased respiratory diseases, cardiovascular problems, lung cancer, and other health issues. These health consequences have economic consequences too, such as shortened lives, increased medical costs, and decreased productivity due to lost working days. Air pollution problem also leads to a decline in the public’s quality of life and migration problems. Since air pollution is a serious threat to the development and welfare of basin countries, there is a great need to address this common problem through educational awareness-raising activities in order to avoid its economic, social, environmental, and medical effects. To address air pollution challenges in the Black Sea Basin, "Know What You Breathe: Mobilizing Communities for Air Quality in the Black Sea Basin” (AIRQUEST) project will establish an open-access online platform for air pollution data and enhance environmental awareness among communities. For an accurate description of the air pollution situation in this region and take measures that help to lower air pollution rates at local, regional, and cross-border levels, there is a need for a monitoring center that collects and analyzes air pollution data collected from the partner countries and to utilize this data for increasing the knowledge and awareness of different stakeholders about air pollution in the Black sea basin. The project will integrate satellite-based and land-based monitoring data from the partner countries and provide comprehensive information on air quality in the basin. By using remote sensing technology and information gathered from these stations, the basin will be monitored closely, and carbon emissions will also be computed from air quality data. The ultimate aim of the project will be to put this platform into the use of the general public, schools, universities, NGOs, and local public authorities for the purpose of increasing their environmental awareness about air pollution and their capacity to use and interpret the data presented in the monitoring system for taking preventive actions. Expected outputs include an air quality monitoring system with a website and mobile application, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)-based products developed by 10-17-year-old students that focus on finding a solution for air pollution problems, e-story books with the theme of air pollution written by these students, digital game that integrates air pollution data from the air quality monitoring system and gets people to find solutions related to decreasing the harmful gasses in the air, seminars for the general public and local authorities, a scientific symposium and a project book that will be shared with policymakers. The transnational approach taken in the project will help to: -integrate and synchronize the land-based and the satellite-based air quality monitoring data from partner countries for quality monitoring and forecasting in the Black Sea basin -increase the awareness and knowledge of the general public, especially those with health risks about the severity of air pollution and develop their competency to use the air pollution data obtained from the open-access online data platform -enhance environmental awareness and education, particularly among young people, about air pollution and individual carbon footprints and their environmental and health impacts in the Black Sea Basin and suggest preventive measures against these problems. -engage with local public authorities, NGOs, higher education and research institutions, schools, and the general public to promote collaboration and coordinated action for addressing air pollution in the Black Sea Basin.

Actual Achievements (EN):

The AIRQUEST Project has made significant progress in establishing an integrated air quality monitoring system across the Black Sea Basin. This innovative platform will merge satellite and land-based data, enabling near real-time tracking of key air pollutants, including PM2.5, PM10, NO2, and O3. These advancements will provide stakeholders with comprehensive insights into regional air pollution, supporting informed decision-making and the development of sustainable air quality strategies. Regarding data integration, vital information has been collected from project partners, including monitoring station details, pollutants, and geographical coordinates. This dataset forms the backbone of the monitoring system, which is now partially operational and accessible via the platform: https://cleanair.bsbairquest.com/. Satellite data is being integrated, with land-based data to follow in the next phase. Enhanced visibility has been achieved through the development of a project website (https://bsbairquest.com/) to centralize project information and facilitate stakeholder engagement. This site also serves as a hub for the monitoring platform. Collaborative tools and meetings have ensured efficient coordination through shared digital resources, including a centralized document repository, and the successful execution of key events such as the kick-off meeting in Zonguldak in October 2024 and the management meeting in Varna in November 2024. The project’s outputs achieved during the project so far include the integration of satellite data into the monitoring platform, with plans to incorporate land-based data to deliver real-time pollutant tracking across partner countries. Communication materials such as a project logo, posters, and roll-ups have been created to ensure consistent and widespread project visibility. Additionally, a digital communication strategy has been established through the creation of social media accounts across major platforms and regular updates via institutional websites, enhancing outreach and engagement. The AIRQUEST Project showcases the power of cross-border collaboration in addressing environmental challenges. By pooling resources, expertise, and data, the project delivers a cohesive and scalable solution to air quality monitoring for enhancing the awareness of different target groups including local authorities, educational institutions, NGOs, and the public. The integrated approach fosters regional understanding and supports the development of regulations and practices that enhance sustainability and public health. The project’s ongoing efforts and the planned completion of land-based data integration underscore its commitment to creating a comprehensive, user-friendly, and impactful system for air quality management in the Black Sea Basin. The AIRQUEST Project successfully completed the establishment of an integrated air quality monitoring system across the Black Sea Basin. This innovative platform combines satellite and land-based data, enabling near real-time tracking of key air pollutants such as PM2.5, PM10, NO₂, and O₃. By providing comprehensive data through the website https://cleanair.bsbairquest.com, the system raises awareness among local authorities, educational institutions, NGOs, and the public. All partner countries contributed data, which is now stored locally to allow access to information from the past 10 years or earlier when available. Georgia has also been included in the monitoring area. Recent changes in the pollution index required system updates, which are currently being implemented. In addition to the monitoring system, all partners also contributed ideas on the design and functionality of the mobile application intended for different target groups. During this period, project partners participated in three coordination meetings. In the online Scientific Committee meeting held on January 15, members from all partner institutions exchanged ideas on the content, target audience, and methods for upcoming awareness-raising seminars. They conducted preliminary studies on local needs to ensure the seminars address relevant issues and include region-specific air pollution data. Partners also shared useful resources on the health impacts of air pollution and brainstormed possible seminar topics and presenters. At the Scientific Committee meeting in Varna on February 5, partners collaboratively reviewed brochure samples (prepared by PP5 ATG) and agreed on a STEM scenario. For the digital game component, they discussed integrating region-specific pollution sources. The lead partner shared a sample scenario as a reference. In the second online management meeting, all partners reflected on lessons learned from the first phase, discussed challenges, and coordinated efforts for STEM activities, digital tool development, and reporting. Following the meeting, the lead partner provided the common Technology-Focused STEM Education Learning Scenario, and all partners began outreach to educational institutions for STEM training. Throughout the second period, the project’s outputs included a fully functional monitoring system and strengthened communication efforts through social media and institutional websites. The AIRQUEST Project continues to demonstrate the power of cross-border collaboration in addressing air pollution, promoting regional cooperation, and supporting sustainable environmental practices.

Project outputs: Air quality monitoring system for Black Sea Basin(EN)
Air quality monitoring website(EN)
Air quality mobile application(EN)
A Digital game(EN)
A scientific symposium(EN)
Student-created STEM products(EN)
Stem exhibition(EN)
Cooperation in Black Sea(EN)

Thematic information

Institutional cooperation and cooperation networks Waste and pollution Climate change and biodiversity

Priority: (VI-B_BSB_P2) Clean and Green Region

Priority specific objective: RSO2.4. Promoting climate change adaptation and disaster risk prevention and resilience, taking into account eco-system based approaches

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: 060 Adaptation to climate change measures and prevention and management of climate related risks: others, e.g. storms and drought (including awareness raising, civil protection and disaster management systems, infrastructures and ecosystem based approaches)

Partners (5)

Lead Partner: Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit Üniversitesi

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 931849319

Partner’s ID if not PIC: N.a.

Department: Engineering Faculty

Address: University Street, 67100 Zonguldak, Turkey

Department address: University Street, 67100 Zonguldak, Turkey

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://w3.beun.edu.tr/

Total budget: EUR 417 043.20

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 375 338.88

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 90.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 41 704.32

Contractors:

Name: Elsa Bilişim A.Ş.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 3330788292
Name: Özden Yönetim Eğt. Ltd. Şti.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 6820502250
Name: RUUL BİLİŞİMDANIŞMANLIK A.Ş.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 7352041474
Name: Mahmut Arıkan (BeeSense)
VAT registration or tax identification number: NL002451287B73
Name: Karaelmas Turizm A.Ş.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 5100428639
Name: Aymer Bilgisayar Bil. Tek.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 1230492459

Galati Tehnopol Association

Name: Galati Tehnopol Association

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 936905832

Partner’s ID if not PIC: N/A | 17590372

Address: Mircea cel Batran, 800023 Galati , Romania

Department address: Mircea cel Batran, 800023 Galati , Romania

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: http://www.tehnopol-gl.ro

Total budget: EUR 192 657.78

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 173 392.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 90.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 19 265.78

Contractors:

Name: DONARINI TRUST SRL
VAT registration or tax identification number: RO36710335
Name: VELVET TRAVEL SRL
VAT registration or tax identification number: RO36766115
Name: ADDICTED NET SRL
VAT registration or tax identification number: RO38818946
Name: REAL PLAST PRODUCTION SRL
VAT registration or tax identification number: RO45268063
Name: REPERUL CXR MEDIA PRODUCTION
VAT registration or tax identification number: 43762086
Name: LYRA TOUR SRL
VAT registration or tax identification number: 32476674
Name: EUROTER DISTRIBUTION SRL
VAT registration or tax identification number: 14406638

Odesa I. I. Mechnikov National University

Name: Odesa I. I. Mechnikov National University

Department: Odesa I. I. Mechnikov National University

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 998376284

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 020710915533 | 02071091 | ID Code: E10212488 (EN)

Address: Dvoryanska, 65082 Odesa, Ukraine

Department address: Lvivska, 65016 Odesa, Ukraine

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://onu.edu.ua

Total budget: EUR 195 681.60

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 176 113.44

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 90.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 19 568.16

Българска асоциация за трансфер на технологии и иновации

Name: Българска асоциация за трансфер на технологии и иновации

Department: International projects

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 933980700

Partner’s ID if not PIC: N/A | 176712293 | ID Number (EN)

Address: 14 Kesten Str., entr. 4, 9009 Varna, Bulgaria

Department address: 49A Slivnica Blvd., 9000 Varna, Bulgaria

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: http://www.batti.eu

Total budget: EUR 192 150.60

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 172 935.54

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 90.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 19 215.06

Contractors:

Name: ОФИС В ООД
VAT registration or tax identification number: 124510429
Name: Екстрийм България ЕООД
VAT registration or tax identification number: 103816814
Name: БИО ФРЕШ РИТЕЙЛ ООД
VAT registration or tax identification number: 206029943
Name: БОНАТО ООД
VAT registration or tax identification number: 103663927
Name: БМ-ФК ООД
VAT registration or tax identification number: 201878227
Name: МОРЕ 2020 ООД
VAT registration or tax identification number: 202616509
Name: Видеосфера ЕООД
VAT registration or tax identification number: 206151250
Name: Antonia Miovska
VAT registration or tax identification number: 6901257614
Name: ЕЙ ПИ ЕЛ ЮНИКОМС ООД
VAT registration or tax identification number: 201053538
Name: Ардес Информационни Технологии
VAT registration or tax identification number: 103857070
Name: Milena Arabadzhieva
VAT registration or tax identification number: 8408214517
Name: Nevyana Troyanska-Dimitrova
VAT registration or tax identification number: 6010271130
Name: Doroteya Velikova
VAT registration or tax identification number: 7701027719
Name: Хотел Инвестмънт ООД
VAT registration or tax identification number: 103656622
Name: Jasmina Velinova
VAT registration or tax identification number: 7611170955
Name: ВИВАЛЕНТА ЕООД
VAT registration or tax identification number: 206769986
Name: Лаборбио ЕООД
VAT registration or tax identification number: 000711860
Name: СТЕМ ЕДЮКЕЙШЪН ООД
VAT registration or tax identification number: 206293341
Name: Спийд Компютри ЕООД
VAT registration or tax identification number: 148096673

Doğu Karadeniz Kalkınma Ajansı

Name: Doğu Karadeniz Kalkınma Ajansı

Department: Economic and Social Development Unit

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 929129245

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 309 033 8132

Address: Nemlioğlu, 61030 TRABZON, Turkey

Department address: Nemlioğlu, 61030 TRABZON, Turkey

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Regional public authority

Website: https://www.doka.org.tr/

Total budget: EUR 197 479.20

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 177 731.28

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 90.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 19 747.92

Contractors:

Name: Yeşim KILIÇ
VAT registration or tax identification number: 29204467846
Name: Haliloğulları Ltd. Şti.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 4551142809
Name: Abanoz Medya
VAT registration or tax identification number: 0010375198

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

Galati Tehnopol Association

Know What You Breathe: Mobilizing Communities for Air Quality in the Black Sea Basin

Partners and Projects info

Odesa I. I. Mechnikov National University

Know What You Breathe: Mobilizing Communities for Air Quality in the Black Sea Basin

Partners and Projects info

Bulgarian Association for Transfer of Technology and Innovation - BATTI

Know What You Breathe: Mobilizing Communities for Air Quality in the Black Sea Basin

Partners and Projects info

Eastern Black Sea Development Agency

Know What You Breathe: Mobilizing Communities for Air Quality in the Black Sea Basin

Partners and Projects info

Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University

Know What You Breathe: Mobilizing Communities for Air Quality in the Black Sea Basin

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Know What You Breathe: Mobilizing Communities for Air Quality in the Black Sea Basin

Project acronym: AIRQUEST

Project ID: BSB00168

Project start date: 2024-07-26

Project end date: 2026-07-25

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) (EN) | CAMS is operated by the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) on behalf of the European Commission. It monitors the levels of carbon dioxide (CO₂), nitrous oxide (N₂O), and methane (CH₄) from air and ground sources that entered service in 2015. These data are published in the form of 5-day weather forecasts. Though similar to the AIRQUEST project in terms of providing data about air pollution albeit on a global scale, it does not provide near real-time access to the data and does not provide forecasting service. The data is also comprehensible for field experts, not for the general public. The current project has many different assets. In the AIRQUEST project, there will be a mobile data center specific to the Black Sea region and data received from the satellite will be collected in a single data center. The obtained data will be made available to anyone who wishes and is understandable for all people. With the data to be recorded in the data center and presented in a user-friendly manner, seasonal and long-term forecasts specific to the Black Sea Region will be made. Policy developers, local governments, and non-governmental organizations will be able to prepare action plans using this data. Even after the project is completed, all developed applications will continue to be updated and used. (EN), Riga Air-Text (EN) | It is a project developed by the Municipality of Riga. It informs citizens about air quality via e-mail and social media tools. One of the outputs of this project is Riga airTEXT, which is presented as a free service to the public and makes air quality forecasts available up to three days ahead online and via a phone app. It also informs the public about air quality through free text and email alerts and makes information available through the Riga airTEXT Facebook and Twitter pages. This project is similar to the current project due to its focus on informing the local public about the air quality. However, a difference between the projects is that Riga Air-Text is only for the Riga region while AIRQUEST covers a wider territory in the Black Sea Basin for promoting effective cross-border cooperation. As another difference, there is no access to real data, and satellite and land-based data are not integrated in that project. (EN), CITI-SENSE (EN) | CITI-SENSE, a completed Horizon 2020 project, aimed to encourage citizen participation in monitoring air pollution and environmental conditions in Europe. In addition to targeting different cities in Europe, this project focused on pollution in the Black Sea Basin, aiming to make a difference through geographical expansion. Similar to the CITI-SENSE project, which utilized microsensors for measuring air quality, the AIRQUEST project will also incorporate data from air quality stations and satellite data, rather than focusing on a limited region. Satellite data utilizes remote sensing techniques to monitor the distribution and movement of gases and particles in the atmosphere. This enables the assessment of regional or global air quality beyond the scope of microsensors. Moreover, satellite data can overcome the limitations of microsensors and provide a more comprehensive view of air quality, supporting the development of broad-scale decisions and policies. However, as a shortcoming, this project is limited to Europe. (EN), MACC II (Monitoring Atmospheric Composition and Climate) (EN) | MACC II (Monitoring Atmospheric Composition and Climate), supported by the European Space Agency and the European Commission, and completed in 2014, utilized data from satellites and air quality monitoring networks to collect and analyze information on the chemical composition of Europe's atmosphere and climate change. The MACC project, on the other hand, was primarily focused on data collection and analysis. The planned project aims to not only utilize satellite-derived data but also encourage citizen participation. Interactive methods such as education, events, and data sharing are employed to raise awareness and educate communities about air pollution. It involves targeted efforts toward a specific audience. In addition to obtaining data, the current project’s target audience also includes local governments, civil society, teachers, students, teacher candidates, and non-governmental organizations. With the prepared project, an educational digital game on air pollution will be developed. With the educational digital game, an audience of all ages who play digital games will be reached and awareness of air pollution will be raised. One of the important differences of the prepared project will be to produce engineering-based solutions to air pollution with STEM applications. (EN), The CityAir App (EN) | The CityAir App project involves the development of a mobile application called CityAir App to track air quality in various cities in Europe. The application provides users with real-time air quality information and aims to raise awareness about air pollution. On the other hand, the proposed project has a similar goal but focuses on establishing an open-access data platform for the Black Sea Basin region. This platform aims to integrate ground-based and satellite-based data to provide comprehensive information on air pollution in the region. This project aims to present air quality data from a broader perspective compared to the CityAir App project, as its focus is on data sharing and raising awareness rather than a mobile application. The mobile application to be developed within the scope of the current project is similar to the CityAirApp project. (EN), iSCAPE (EN) | This Horizon 2020 project is a research project aimed at improving air quality in cities. Within the project, strategies and methods have been developed to reduce air pollution in cities using innovative solutions such as environmental sensors, smart city technologies, and green infrastructure. The experiences gained from the awareness-raising activities of the iSCAPE project can be a valuable resource for the informative campaigns and educational materials of the proposed project. Good practice examples and lessons learned can be used to raise awareness among the local community about air pollution and promote behavior change. The proposed project may also include elements such as regional focus, community engagement, regional collaboration, and data integration in addition to the outputs of the iSCAPE project. These additional pieces of information can contribute to making the air quality management and awareness-raising solutions provided by the project more specific and effective. (EN), EMBLAS Plus (EN) | EMBLAS Plus project (2019-2020) has conducted various environmental monitoring studies in the Black Sea Basin. As different from the scope of the AIRQUEST project, the EMBLAS Plus project collected data on various topics such as chemical and microplastic pollution, eutrophication, non-native species, marine mammal populations, and antibiotic resistance. However, since the EMBLAS Plus project is also related to environmental monitoring, the AIRQUEST project is in line with the EMBLAS Plus project’s focus on pollution-related monitoring in the Black Sea Basin. (EN), TIMMOD Innovation Network (EN) | TIMMOD Innovation Network has undertaken several initiatives to develop collaborative environmental monitoring and modeling for the assessment of fish and non-fish living resources in the Black Sea. Similar to AIRQUEST, these efforts focus on technological innovation and cross-border data sharing providing accessible data for different stakeholders in Black Sea Basin. (EN), Lİfe IP Clean Air (EN) | The EU-funded LIfe IP Clean Air project supports the implementation of the Air Quality Programs of Sofia Municipality, Burgas Municipality, Ruse Municipality, Stara Zagora Municipality, Veliko Tarnovo Municipality, and Montana Municipality. The project includes a public air quality database similar to that of the AIRQUEST project; however, only particulate matter has been studied in this project. AIRQUEST project, therefore, expands this project by analyzing a wider range of pollutants including nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and sulfur dioxide (sO2) within the territory of the Black Sea. (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 1 195 012.38

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 1 075 511.14

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:

EUStrategyDanubeRegion The European strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR) is a European Union (EU) macro-regional policy aimed at promoting collaboration and sustainable development in the Danube River Basin. To achieve its objectives, the EUSDR operates through a network of thematic priority areas, known as Priority Areas (PAs). There are 4 pillars and 11 thematic Priority Areas and, two countries serve as Priority Area Coordinators (PACs) for each priority area. In EUSDR one of the targets of Priority Area 6 " Biodiversity, landscapes, and air and soil quality " is to decrease air pollution in the Danube Region. The database that will be provided by the project will be available to decision-makers by providing a detailed, high-quality, and common data set on air quality including carbon equivalences. The project also aligns with Priority Area 7 “To develop the Knowledge Society (research, education, and ICT)”, which aims at enhancing regional research and education cooperation and increasing the annual output of co-publications by presenting the scientific data belonging to activities at the Project’s symposium. The project will also encourage scientific partnership. Priority 10 of the European Strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR) focuses on promoting institutional capacity and cooperation for more effective implementation of the strategy. It contributes to the strategy's overarching goals by facilitating coordination, knowledge sharing, and policy and action alignment across the Danube region. The database that will be presented during and after the project will be available to decision-makers by providing a detailed, high-quality, and common data set on air quality.
SeaBasinStrategyBlackSea Common Maritime Agenda (CMA), Black Sea Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda (SRIA): The Common Maritime Agenda (CMA) is a strategic framework that encourages maritime cooperation and coordination among European Union (EU) Member States. With the key objectives of enhancing knowledge and innovation, the Common Maritime Agenda emphasizes the value of research, data collection, and information sharing in order to enable evidence-based decision-making and innovation. It promotes collaboration among stakeholders, academics, and research institutions in order to address knowledge gaps and foster long-term development. The project aligns with the EU's Black Sea Strategic Research and Innovation Agenda under the section “Building of critical support systems and research infrastructures for the benefit of Black Sea communities'' by developing a smart and integrated air pollution monitoring system with the aim of addressing scientific and socio-economic challenges of the Black Sea, maintaining a sustainable ecosystem, mitigating climate change impacts, and accurate forecasting of the region for its adaptive management. The project’s main objective is setting up an open-access database including land-based and satellite-based greenhouse gasses data and their carbon equivalences in line with the following actions: Produce, collect, and make available compatible high-quality data sets (the FAIR principles and open data access) and Integrate, strengthen and upgrade monitoring, modeling and forecasting capacities to address societal challenges.
Other The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which was endorsed by all UN Member States in 2015, presents a shared roadmap for peace and prosperity for people and the planet today and in the future. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are at the heart of it, and they represent an urgent call to action by all developed and developing countries in a global partnership. They acknowledge that efforts to reduce poverty must be combined with initiatives to promote health and education, decrease inequality, and stimulate economic growth while the problem of climate change and the protection of our oceans and forests are also given considerable attention. Goal 13 aims to address climate change and mitigate its negative effects. Its goal is to advocate worldwide initiatives to mitigate climate change. Goal 13's primary aims include supporting initiatives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, raising awareness of climate change, and improving communities', governments', and enterprises' capacity to battle against climate change. This includes such actions as providing training to different communities, organizing public awareness campaigns, and giving technical assistance. The project contributes to the achievement of SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) by promoting climate action and cooperation among different stakeholders, including local communities, public authorities, and NGOs. International cooperation and partnership are essential for the success of Goals 13 and 17. Cooperation and knowledge sharing between countries, local governments, businesses, and non-governmental organizations is necessary.
Other The European Union's Clean Air Policy Package: The European Union's Clean Air Policy Package is a comprehensive approach that includes a set of policies and measures to improve the European Union's (EU) air quality. The Clean Air Policy Package aims to reduce the environmental and health impacts of air pollution and meet EU air quality standards. The EU has set strict air quality standards for various pollutants. These standards cover pollutants such as particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), lead, benzene, and carbon monoxide. Member states should monitor air quality and take action to meet these standards. The EU cooperates internationally to address cross-border air pollution problems. It collaborates with neighboring countries and international organizations, develops joint measures, shares best practices, and sets emission reduction targets for pollutants with cross-border impacts. The project aligns with the EU's efforts to improve air quality in Europe, particularly in the Black Sea Basin region. The project's focus on integrating satellite-based and land-based air quality monitoring data, promoting cross-border cooperation, and raising awareness about air pollution aligns with the EU's Clean Air Policy Package.
Other The Black Sea Synergy initiative: The project aligns with the EU's Black Sea Synergy initiative, which aims to promote cooperation among countries in the Black Sea region in various fields, including environmental protection. The project's focus on promoting cross-border cooperation and raising awareness about air pollution in Turkey, Georgia, Ukraine, and possibly Romania aligns with the goals of the Black Sea Synergy initiative.
Other The aim of the proposed project is to contribute to the objectives outlined in item 4 (Environmental and climate change), subsection (r) of Regulation (EU) 2021/947 of the European Parliament and of the Council of June 9, 2021. These objectives include: "Promoting resource efficiency and sustainable consumption and production, in particular throughout the entire supply chain, towards the transition to a circular economy, including by curbing the use of natural resources financing conflicts, and by supporting compliance by stakeholders with relevant initiatives; tackling pollution, reducing air pollutants, in particular, black carbon and promoting a sound management of chemicals and waste." The proposed project aims to contribute to the objectives of addressing pollution as outlined in the EU Regulation, particularly by raising awareness about the reduction of pollutants such as carbon that impacts air quality and supporting the implementation of necessary measures.

Programme Common Output Indicator:

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

Delivered output indicator(s):

(RCO116) Jointly developed solutions: 1.0

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

Last month that data in keep.eu was retrieved from the Programme's website or received from the Programme

2025-09-26

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

42 / 42 (100%)

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

189 / 189 (100%)

Notes on the data

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Know What You Breathe: Mobilizing Communities for Air Quality in the Black Sea Basin

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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