Integrated waste reduction strategies and solutions in protected and Natura 2000 areas

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A Italy-Croatia

Date of latest update: 2025-12-09

Description

Description (EN):

THE COMMON CHALLENGE OF THE PROGRAMME AREA WASTEREDUCE is the first Interreg Italy-Croatia project that supports EU and local environmental protection policies and practices related to waste management in protected areas and Natura 2000 sites. The cross-border challenge is reducing waste's impact on green and blue areas and improving waste management in protected and Natura 2000 areas. The emphasis is on aquatic and coastal areas, specifically vulnerable areas affected by anthropogenic waste. WASTEREDUCE brings together eight key public and private partners from Italy and Croatia. With their knowledge, experience, and the transfer of knowledge on this subject, the partnership will work in synergy to fight against pollution, i.e., reduce the impact of waste on the environment of protected and Natura 2000 areas and, indirectly, to preserve their ecosystems. THE OVERALL PROJECT'S OBJECTIVE AND THE EXPECTED CHANGE THIS PROJECT WILL MAKE The Project aims to improve waste management in protected areas and Natura 2000 sites by implementing concrete and joint actions to address the waste phenomenon from different angles and intervention methods. To this end, the Project will implement concrete actions to monitor, prevent, reduce, and mitigate waste's impact. The expected change includes a) improving the existing waste management policies and practices, b) raising awareness and changing visitors' and other stakeholders' behavior, c) reducing the environmental, socio-economic costs of waste management and related impacts, d) improving the cooperation between stakeholders at the cross-border, national, regional and local levels in the field of waste management. OUTPUTS AND ITS BENEFICIARIES The main outputs will be: a) joint reports, policies, strategies, and solutions for monitoring, preventing, reducing and mitigating waste's impact in protected and Natura 2000 areas b) pilot-protected areas and Natura 2000 sites with implemented WASTEREDUCE approach to waste prevention and reduction c) participatory waste governance and awareness-raising/capacity-building activities, d) network of protected areas and Natura 2000 sites and key stakeholders, and the waste management mechanism where WASTEREDUCE approach is replicated The Project will directly or indirectly address the needs of a wide range of target groups at cross-border, national, regional, and local levels (public authorities, sectoral agencies, enterprises except for SME and SMEs, higher education and research organizations, interest groups including NGOs, the general public). The Project's end users are institutions managing and operating in protected and Natura 2000 areas and visitors. WASTEREDUCE APPROACH The Project will develop, test and implement a new, integrated participatory, and holistic landscape-level WASTEREDUCE approach, adapted to the specificities of protected and Natura 2000 areas to minimize the harmful effects of waste with specific regards to rivers and coastal areas. The approach will follow the impact mitigation hierarchy, working on four levels to achieve integrated waste management: Measuring, Avoiding/Preventing, Reducing, and Mitigating the impact of waste. The four levels will integrate governance, socio-economic, technological, and cultural domains to achieve the expected results. A CROSS-BORDER APPROACH Italy and Croatia share the Adriatic sea but also challenges/problems such as its pollution. Due to the increasing number of visitors, waste in protected and Natura 2000 areas accumulates on land uncontrollably and leads primarily to environmental pollution of these areas (green areas). Furthermore, waste (e.g., carried by the river and created by coastal tourism) often goes into the Adriatic Sea, severely threatening the aquatic environment (blue areas). This problem is one of the most significant environmental problems with cross-border effects, and there is a need for joint waste management. Cross-border cooperation is vital as any waste reduction measure in common Adriatic sea areas must be cross-border coordinated to avoid one-sided approaches that are not efficient and could potentially endanger the other side. PROJECT ORIGINALITY The Project is original due to its comprehensiveness in terms of the following: 1. spatial coverage (terrestrial, freshwater, marine and coastal areas) 2. the scope of measures covering a) the four-level approach to waste management (monitoring, prevention, reduction, and mitigation) applied at the landscape level (it's the first time looking at diffuse source waste pollution, using a landscape level approach and not only the point source level), b) different levels of analysis (policies, behaviors, technologies, communication), and various actions 3. collaboration (institutions that manage protected and Natura 2000 areas; protected and Natura 2000 areas management authorities with waste utilities, academic institutions, local, regional and national authorities, business companies and NGOs)

Actual Achievements (EN):

The project aims to establish new waste management solutions, detailed in a report that encompasses methodologies, research, and community involvement regarding waste issues. This report will consolidate all knowledge, documents, and achievements from the project. During Period 1, all activities were completed, and deliverables were produced collaboratively by all partners. Output 1.1, a cross-border participative strategy designed to prevent and reduce waste in protected and Natura 2000 areas, is planned for Period 2. The activities in Work Package 1 (WP1) serve as preparation for this output. The strategy intends to create a framework and a participatory process for implementing the WASTEREDUCE strategy at each pilot and replication site. In WP1, which focuses on developing cross-border participative strategies for waste reduction, we have partially achieved our specific objective of understanding, identifying, and assessing the current state of waste reduction strategies through our implemented activities. We successfully met our goals by producing essential documents related to this effort. From Activity 1.5, which involved a review and meta-analysis of the effectiveness of behavioral interventions and communication policies for waste reduction (including in protected areas), we produced: - D1.5.1: Methodology for conducting the meta-analysis. From Activity 1.6, focused on analyzing human behavior related to waste disposal and waste reduction strategies in protected and Natura 2000 areas, we produced: - D1.6.1: Methodology for implementing the state-of-the-art analysis of human behavior. From Activity 1.7, which identified strategies, policies, best practices, and gaps in waste reduction in protected and Natura 2000 areas, we produced: - D1.7.1: Methodology for identifying strategies, policies, best practices, and gaps in waste reduction. From Activity 1.8, which involved conducting in-depth interviews, surveys, and behavioral observation sessions, we produced: - D1.8.1: Methodology for developing and conducting questionnaires, interviews, and behavioral observations. From Activity 1.9, which focused on identifying, marking, and mapping locations in pilot-protected and Natura 2000 areas where waste accumulates, we produced: - D1.9.1: Methodology for identifying, marking, and mapping waste accumulation sites. Regarding communication efforts, IPTPO has produced both the original and updated versions of the Communication and Dissemination Plan, and all activities outlined in the plan have been carried out successfully. The project aims to establish new waste management solutions, detailed in a report that encompasses methodologies, research, and community involvement regarding waste issues. Reports in this WP will consolidate all knowledge, documents, and achievements from the project so far. During Period 2, all activities were completed, and deliverables were produced collaboratively by all partners. Three deliverables (D1.9.2., D1.12.1., D2.13.1.) were shifted from Period 2 to the Period 3. Output 1.1, Cross-border participative strategy designed to prevent and reduce waste in protected and Natura 2000 areas, is completed in the Period 2. Wastereduce strategies for all three pilot sites of the project—Sakarun Bay, West Istrian Coast, and Middle Brenta contains European, National, Regional and local framework on waste management, local context, causes and consequences of waste in the pilot area, strategic priorities and objectives, strategic lines of action, financing the strategy and monitoring, reporting and evaluation. Strategies intend to create a framework and a participatory process for implementing the WASTEREDUCE strategy at each pilot and replication site. In the WP 2 four outputs are predicted. Their progress is described below. Realisation of the Output 2.1 Training tours and workshops through the organisation of excursions in the pilot areas. Output 2.2 Waste reduction action plan foreseen for the period 3 will contain the elements collected through several deliverables completed in previous periods (mostly D1.7.2., D1.8.2., D1.8.3. O1.1.). In order to reach the Output 2.3 Established pilot-protected and Natura 2000 areas that have implemented the WASTEREDUCE approach all the activities on the pilot areas must be completed. Output 2.4 Report on methodologies, research and solutions on the waste issues and involvement of civil society foreseen for the period 4 is a collection of documents created during all previous periods. Specific objective of understanding, identifying, and assessing the current state of waste reduction strategies was achieved through our implemented activities. We successfully met our goals by producing essential documents related to this effort. In the second period we finished the WP1 and developed cross-border participative strategies for waste reduction. In particular we produced through deliverables the following documents Methodologies: D1.5.1. Methodology for the implementation of meta analysis and state of the art analysis of human behaviour (UNITS) D1.11.1 Participatory methodological framework for the Wastereduce strategies (ETIFOR) Databases, reports, plans: D1.1.1. Project progress reports (IPTPO) D1.1.2. Project financial reports (IPTPO) D1.4.6. Production of promotional materials (IPTPO) D1.4.8. Participation in 3rd party event (IPTPO) D1.4.9. Evaluation reports (IPTPO) D1.7.2 Database of strategies, policies, and good practices in waste reduction (NH) D1.8.2 Analysis of the opinions and attitudes of the examinees on waste reduction actions (UNITS) D1.8.3 Analyses on visitor's binning and waste abandonment behaviour (UNITS) D1.11.2 Report on the developed strategies for each pilot (ETIFOR) D1.11.3 The environmental and social waste costs and innovative financing strategies for waste management (ETIFOR) Regarding communication efforts, IPTPO has implemented the Communication and Dissemination Plan, and all activities outlined in the plan have been carried out successfully. We achieved and exceeded many communication targets. So far, we engaged 102 stakeholders, 24 in Period 1 and 78 in Period 2, from Italy and Croatia. All partners together reached the target values for all target groups. In total, we have involved 103883 targets (institutions, bodies, individuals). The project aims to establish new waste management solutions, detailed in a report that encompasses methodologies, research, and community involvement regarding waste issues. Reports in this WP will consolidate all knowledge, documents, and achievements from the project so far. Seven deliverables (D1.6.1., D2.7.1., D2.13.4., D2.13.5., D2.15.1., D2.15.2., D2.15.3) were shifted from Period 3 to the Period 4. Output 1.1, Cross-border participative strategy designed to prevent and reduce waste in protected and Natura 2000 areas, is completed in the Period 2. In the WP 2 four outputs are predicted. Their progress is described below. Output 2.1 Training tours and workshops through the organization of excursions in the pilot areas has been finalized in the third period. Output 2.2 Waste reduction action plan is in progress, but its delivery has been postponed to a later stage. The development of the Action Plan was too early, as the Action Plan should also incorporate the results of the following activities and deliverables whose delivery is in the next (4th) period: D.2.8.1, D2.9.1, D2.11.1, D2.16.1, A2.14 and 2.15. This will not affect the whole realization of the project and will contribute to the more quality realization of the Action Plan. In order to reach the Output 2.3 Established pilot-protected and Natura 2000 areas that have implemented the WASTEREDUCE approach all the activities on the pilot areas must be completed. Output 2.4 Report on methodologies, research and solutions on the waste issues and involvement of civil society foreseen for the period 4 is a collection of documents created during all previous periods. Specific objective „implementation and test of best practices and identified approaches“ was partly achieved through P3. We produced through deliverables the following documents: D2.5.1, D2.6.1, D2.10.4, D2.10.3, D2.13.1, D2.13.2, and D2.13.3. Several activities still need to be completed in the upcoming period to finalize the S.O. The deliverables that will further contribute to the achievement of this specific objective are planned for the fourth reporting period (D2.7.1, D2.8.1, D2.9.1, D2.13.5, D2.14.1, D2.18.1, D2.18) and the fifth period (D2.13.4). Regarding communication efforts, IPTPO has implemented the Communication and Dissemination Plan, and all activities outlined in the plan have been carried out successfully. We achieved and exceeded many communication targets. So far, we engaged 120 stakeholders, 24 in Period 1, 78 in Period 2, and 18 in Period 3 from Italy and Croatia. All partners together reached the target values for all target groups. In total, we have involved 470 975 targets (institutions, bodies, individuals). During the P3, the project focused on improving coordination, communication, and outreach. WP1 activities concentrated on maintaining coordinated project implementation, including compiling a database of waste accumulation sites and types (D1.9.2) and producing a brochure presenting project achievements as a cross-border communication tool (D1.12.1). WP2 emphasized awareness-raising, stakeholder engagement, and field monitoring through educational excursions (D2.5.1), stakeholder analyses (D2.6.1), ecological days, plogging races, seabed clean-ups (D2.10.1–D2.10.3), and gastronomic events (D2.10.5). Key achievements also include updating the project’s website (D2.3.1), quality assurance documents (D2.2.1–D2.2.4), and stakeholder database (D2.3.2). Media visibility increased via newsletters (D2.12.1), press releases (D2.12.3), and social media posts (D2.3.4). Innovative monitoring methods, such as video surveillance (D2.13.1), image analysis, and satellite imagery (D2.13.3), were tested and implemented to track waste in pilot areas, supporting joint methodologies and cross-border impact. The stakeholders have increased in the third period reaching the total of 120. During the P3 the project achieved progress toward its specific objectives, delivering key outputs that include educational and professional excursions, stakeholder analyses, formal agreements with municipalities and associations, and seabed cleaning activities in Natura 2000 protected areas. Innovative monitoring methods were implemented, such as video surveillance to combat illegal waste dumping, image analysis of waste disposal sites, and the development and testing of satellite-based marine monitoring techniques. The main output delivered in P3 was Output 2.1 – Training tours and workshops. The cross-border added value was achieved through shared pilot actions and the transfer of best practices, supported by activities such as educational excursions (D2.5.1) in Natura 2000 areas and stakeholder analyses (D2.6.1) to identify effective waste reduction measures.

Project outputs: Cross-border participative strategy aimed at preventing and reducing waste in protected and Natura 2000 areas(EN)
Training tours and workshops(EN)
Waste reduction action plan(EN)
Established pilot-protected and Natura 2000 areas that have implemented the WASTEREDUCE approach(EN)
Report on methodologies, research and solutions on the waste issues and involvement of civil society(EN)
WASTEREDUCE final conference(EN)
Website: https://www.italy-croatia.eu/web/wastereduce

Thematic information

Governance, partnership Waste and pollution

Priority: (VI-A_I-Hr_2) Green and resilient shared environment

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: 078 Protection, restoration and sustainable use of Natura 2000 sites

Partners (8)

Lead Partner: Institut za poljoprivredu i turizam

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 968408328

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 03850982961 | 03850982961 | institut@iptpo.hr (EN)

Department: Department of Agriculture and Nutrition

Address: Karla Huguesa, 52440 Poreč, Croatia

Department address: Karla Huguesa, 52440 Poreč, Croatia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.iptpo.hr

Total budget: EUR 246 984.68

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 197 587.74

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 49 396.94

Istarska županija

Name: Istarska županija

Department: Administrative Department for Sustainable Development

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 972876342

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 90017522601 | 90017522601 | bruno.kostelic@istra-istria.hr (EN)

Address: Flanatička, 52100 Pula, Croatia

Department address: Flanatička, 52100 Pula, Croatia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Regional public authority

Website: https://www.istra-istria.hr/hr/

Total budget: EUR 208 380.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 166 704.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 41 676.00

Contractors:

Name: ALPHERA d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 93272581932
Name: Obrt ARTIMI
VAT registration or tax identification number: 95982763550
Name: Gradevinski fakultet u Rijeci
VAT registration or tax identification number: 92037849504
Name: K&K PROMOCIJA d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 94335451436

Javna ustanova Natura Histrica

Name: Javna ustanova Natura Histrica

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 951587655

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 45370781471 | 45370781471 | info@natura-histrica.hr (EN)

Address: Riva, 52100 Pula, Croatia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Sectoral agency

Website: http://www.natura-histrica.hr

Total budget: EUR 208 600.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 166 880.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 41 720.00

Contractors:

Name: SEA CRAS d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: HR70844303390
Name: Centar za podvodne aktivnosti
VAT registration or tax identification number: HR03826961354
Name: ISTRUN
VAT registration or tax identification number: HR62274555269
Name: I-VEM
VAT registration or tax identification number: HR74964279599
Name: POP d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: HR13483141269

Udruga za prirodu, okoliš i održivi razvoj Sunce

Name: Udruga za prirodu, okoliš i održivi razvoj Sunce

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 999810526

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 17644269011 | 17644269011 | info@sunce-st.org (EN)

Address: Obala hrvatskog narodnog preporoda , 21000 Split, Croatia

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: http://www.sunce-st.org

Total budget: EUR 222 240.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 177 792.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 44 448.00

ETIFOR Srl Società Benefit

Name: ETIFOR Srl Società Benefit

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 950498442

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 04570440281 | 04570440281 | etifor@pec.etifor.it (EN)

Address: Piazza Alcide De Gasperi , 35131 Padova, Italy

Legal status: private

Organisation type: SME

Website: http://www.etifor.com

Total budget: EUR 236 800.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 236 800.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 100.00%

Agenzia Regionale per la Prevenzione e Protezione Ambientale del Veneto

Name: Agenzia Regionale per la Prevenzione e Protezione Ambientale del Veneto

Department: U.O. Economia Circolare Ciclo dei Rifiuti End of Waste e sottoprodotti; U.O. PNRR, Progetti e Reti Scientifiche Ufficio Monitoraggio e coordinamento progetti

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 999625159

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 03382700288 | 92111430283 | protocollo@pec.arpav.it (EN)

Address: Via Ospedale Civile, 35121 Padova, Italy

Department address: Via Ospedale Civile, 35121 Padova, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Sectoral agency

Website: https://www.arpa.veneto.it/

Total budget: EUR 142 440.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 142 440.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 100.00%

ENERGIA TERRITORIO RISORSE AMBIENTALI ETRA SPA

Name: ENERGIA TERRITORIO RISORSE AMBIENTALI ETRA SPA

Department: n/a

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 953522611

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 03278040245 | 03278040245 | protocollo@pec.etraspa.it (EN)

Address: LARGO PAROLINI, 36061 BASSANO DEL GRAPPA - VICENZA, Italy

Department address: Via del Telarolo, 35013 Cittadella (PD), Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Infrastructure and (public) service provider

Website: http://www.etraspa.it

Total budget: EUR 242 298.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 242 298.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 100.00%

Contractors:

Name: NIVI SPA
VAT registration or tax identification number: IT04105740486
Name: GIANT S.r.l.
VAT registration or tax identification number: IT00947480190
Name: 3PARENTESI SSD ARL
VAT registration or tax identification number: IT05118550283
Name: B.A.A.P. S.R.L.
VAT registration or tax identification number: IT02790980243

Università degli Studi di Trieste

Name: Università degli Studi di Trieste

Department: Department of Life Sciences

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 999842051

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 00211830328 | 80013890324 | dsv@pec.units.it (EN)

Address: Piazzale Europa, 34127 Trieste, Italy

Department address: Via Weiss, 34128 Trieste, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://www.units.it/en

Total budget: EUR 149 999.55

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 149 999.55

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 100.00%

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

Region of Istria

Integrated waste reduction strategies and solutions in protected and Natura 2000 areas

Partners and Projects info

Public Institution Natura Histrica

Integrated waste reduction strategies and solutions in protected and Natura 2000 areas

Partners and Projects info

Association for Nature, Environment and Sustainable Development Sunce

Integrated waste reduction strategies and solutions in protected and Natura 2000 areas

Partners and Projects info

ETIFOR Srl Società Benefit

Integrated waste reduction strategies and solutions in protected and Natura 2000 areas

Partners and Projects info

Regional Agency for Environmental Protection and Prevention of Veneto

Integrated waste reduction strategies and solutions in protected and Natura 2000 areas

Partners and Projects info

ENERGY TERRITORY ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES - ETRA SPA

Integrated waste reduction strategies and solutions in protected and Natura 2000 areas

Partners and Projects info

University of Trieste

Integrated waste reduction strategies and solutions in protected and Natura 2000 areas

Partners and Projects info

Institute of Agriculture and Tourism

Integrated waste reduction strategies and solutions in protected and Natura 2000 areas

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Integrated waste reduction strategies and solutions in protected and Natura 2000 areas

Project acronym: WASTEREDUCE

Project ID: ITHR0200425

Project start date: 2024-02-01

Project end date: 2026-07-31

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

SMART WASTE (EN) | SMART WASTE Interreg project, which goal is to improve public policy instruments supporting innovation within waste management procedures by developing smarter, more effective, sustainable, and cost-efficient waste management, benefiting all territorial stakeholders. (EN), LIFE Waste To Resources IP (EN) | LIFE Waste To Resources IP is a LIFE Programme financed project that aims to minimize the amount of waste produced, by implementing strategies that enhance the reuse of materials and promote circularity. (EN), Interreg Project NOWASTE Interreg V-A Italy-Austria 2014-2020 - Progetto n. ITAT 2022 (EN) | The project aims to create a thematic tourist route in the programme area, based on the use of biodiversity, environmental and cultural resources and the concept of 'no waste'. Flax, hemp and nettle are traditional regional crops and a perfect example of a 'no waste life cycle', as they grow very quickly, even on marginal land, without the use of pesticides, and all their components are basic products: fibres for paper, textiles or composites; seeds for traditional foods and high quality oils; extracts for cosmetics. They are therefore an ideal tool for the creation of a "thematic trail" that will wind its way through our region and introduce our visitors to the concept of "NO WASTE" through concrete examples and tangible products. (EN), Interreg project AGROTUR II, Sustainable Agriculture and Tourism in the Cross-Border Karst Region (EN) | Experience shows that climate change will increase the likelihood of climate extremes. This is particularly true for urban and peri-urban areas, with possible direct adverse impacts on human health and human activities such as agriculture. The hydrological cycle will be altered in the future due to the expected increase in intensity and frequency of heavy precipitation and droughts, suggesting that novel solutions for water retention and reuse will need to be implemented to cope with future changes in water availability. WASTERUDUCE will respond to this challenge by providing an in-depth analysis of existing management solutions and by stimulating the development of novel measures that could be implemented in different regions to mitigate the effects of climate change. (EN), 2018–2020 ML-REPAIR (Reducing and Preventing, an Integrated Approach to Marine Litter Management in the Adriatic Sea) funded under the 2014–2020 Interreg V-A, Italy-Croatia CBC Program. (EN) | The overall goal of the ML-REPAIR project was to prevent and reduce the incineration and spraying of waste in the Adriatic Sea. Some of the activities of this project were researching educational tools to encourage positive changes in attitudes and behaviour towards marine litter and pollution in general, among future generations in the local community (younger population). Also, the goal was to reduce marine litter through a participatory approach, improving cooperation between all stakeholders while raising the awareness of the local community and tourists, and providing data and innovative tools to decision makers. (EN), 2020 - 2022. For Plastic Free Croatian Islands; founded by Beyond Plastic Med foundation (EN) | The project partner of the WASTEREDUCE, SUNCe was the lead partner. The overall goal of the project was to contribute to the reduction of the use of single-use plastics, as well as to reduction of plastic pollution in the Adriatic and therefore the Mediterranean Sea. This has been achieved by implementing sustainable waste management measures based on the principles of reducing, reusing, recycling in the municipality of Sali on the island Dugi otok and Stari Grad on the island Hvar. As a result of this project, two plastic-free plans were created and adopted by the city and municipality that participated as partners in the project. Along with the implementation of this plan, they educated tourists and the local communities through public events and forums. Also, they organized the first conference on the topic of marine litter in Croatia, where they gathered the international scientific community, educational institutions, utility companies, private companies and organizations who works in the environmental and nature protection. (EN), 2020–2021 Plastic smart cities Croatia; founded by WWF Mediterranean (EN) | The overall goal of the project was to reduce own plastic footprint (by stopping the use of single-use plastics and improving the waste plastic management system) in accordance with WWF’s Plastic Smart City initiative. This project was a part of Mediterranean Marine Initiative (MMI) actions plan to improve protection and environmental conservation of the Mediterranean area. In Croatia, the cities of Trogir and Dubrovnik participated, joining other cities from this global initiative, one of which is Venice. As a result of this project, two plastic-free plans for cities of Dubrovnik and Trogir were created.The best solutions from all over the world are related to through the initiative. (EN), 2020 Actions to clean up marine litter – Sunce’s Service for the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development (EN) | The goal of creating a protocol for the implementation of cleaning actions and simplified monitoring for marine waste was pursued in this project. To obtain the necessary information, 21 cleaning actions were organized in seven Croatian counties with access to the sea. The knowledge and experience gained from these actions will be shared and utilized by the participants of the clean-up actions. A prepared protocol will be provided to them for organizing the actions according to it. (EN), 2022-2023 Service “Significant Landscape Cetina River Canyon Plastic Free Zone” for the Public institution for the management of protected parts of nature in the Split-Dalmatia County “More and Krš” (EN) | The goal of this project was to increase specific knowledge and available information on waste management, the use of single-use plastics and the level of plastic pollution in order to create a legal framework within Cetina Canyon. (EN), 2022-2023 Service “Plastic free zone project – “Lake without plastic”” for the Public institution Nature Park “Vransko jezero”Synergies (EN) | The goal of this project was to increase specific knowledge and available information on waste management, the use of single-use plastics and the level of plastic pollution in order to create a legal framework within Nature Park Vransko jezero. (EN), Project “Development of Natura 2000 Management Framework”. (EN) | The main goal of the project is to establish a framework for effective management of Natura 2000 in Croatia through participatory development of management plans, including protected areas, development of individual and institutional capacities for management and raising public awareness on the importance of protection of these areas. It is implemented by the Croatian Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development. Within the project SUNCEis coordinating participatory development of 8 management plans that include a total of 23 protected areas and 70 Natura 2000 sites, in the coastal area. Process started in March 2021 and management plans are to be finalised by July 2023. (EN), Interreg Central Europe 14-20-CIRCE2020 - Expansion of the CIRcular Economy concept in the Central Europe local productive districts (EN) | The project aims to facilitate a larger uptake of an innovative environmental management approach in 5 specific Central Europe industrial areas by changing patterns from single&sporadic company recycling interventions to integrated redesign of industrial interactions based on the circular economy. (EN), Life PLUS 14-20 RETHINKWASTE - Rethinking municipal tariff systems to improve urban waste governance (EN) | The project envisages equipping Public Administrations with a system to improve separate collection and recycling through the combined action of a tariff based on the precise measurement of waste and adequate information to citizens.This could have important effects on municipal waste management such as increasing separate waste collection, reducing residual waste per capita and increasing the recovery rate, while reducing the average household waste bill.
(EN), Int. Italy-Croatia MARLESS - MARine Litter cross-border awarenESS and innovation actions. (EN) | The project addresses the phenomenon of marine litter from different points of view, implementing concrete actions of monitoring, management, prevention, and removal of the marine litter considering the multiple sources of pollution. It also proposes innovative and experimental techniques that allow the treatment of plastic waste collected from a circular economy perspective. (EN), Life Brenta 2030 - Promoting good governance and innovative financing schemes for biodiversity and water conservation of Brenta river. (EN) | The LIFE Brenta 2030 project, started in autumn 2019 and still ongoing, aims to increase biodiversity and improve the provision of water-related ecosystem services of river habitats, wetlands and agricultural areas of the Natura 2000 site called "Grave e Zone Umide del Brenta".
The project mainly focuses on the drinking water sector because it is the most economically relevant ecosystem service and is a priority field of work for all the institutions involved. To combine multiple objectives, the project intends to promote good governance by creating positive synergies between drinking water and biodiversity conservation, mitigating and transforming the main threats into funding opportunities for the conservation of the Natura 2000 site it addresses.
(EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 1 657 742.23

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 1 326 193.78

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 88.21%

Co-financing sources:

ERDF: Amount, EUR 1 326 193.78. Co-financing rate, 88.21%.
Others: Amount, EUR 154 307.51.

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

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Deliverables:

Project progress reports
Project financial reports
Project operational workplan
Quality assurance plan
Quality assurance reports
Impact assessment reports
Communication & dissemination plan
Stakeholders and beneficiaries database (in Open Data format)
Intra-organizational communication actions and logs
Kick-off meeting
Communication training for partners
WASTEREDUCE website content
WASTEREDUCE e-mail campaigns
Press conferences
Press releases
Meetings with media representatives
Production of promotional materials
WASTEREDUCE social media pages
Participation in 3rd party event
Evaluation reports
Methodology for the implementation of meta analysis and state of the art analysis of human behaviour
Report on behavioral interventions and waste reduction communication policies/human behavior
Methodology for identification of strategies, policies, good practices and gaps in waste reduction
Database of strategies, policies, and good practices in waste reduction
Methodology for developing/conducting questionnaires, interviews, behavioral observations
Analysis of the opinions and attitudes of the examinees on waste reduction actions
Analysis on visitors' binning and waste abandonment behavior
Methodology for identifying, marking and mapping locations where waste accumulates the most
Database of a) locations where waste is systematic accumulated and b) types of waste
Project meeting
Participatory methodological framework for the WASTEREDUCE strategies
Report on the developed strategies for each pilot
The environmental and social waste costs and innovative financing strategies for waste management
Brochure
Press conference
Press releases
Meetings with media representatives
Posts on social media
Workshop
Project progress reports
Project financial reports
Updated project operational workplan
Updated quality assurance plan
Updated quality assurance reports
Updated impact assessment reports
Updated INHERIT website content
Updated stakeholders and beneficiaries database (in Open Data format)
Library of short interviews and videos
Updated social media pages
Evaluation reports
Intra-organisational communication actions and logs
Implementation of educational/professional excursions
Analyzes in cooperation with key stakeholders
Waste reduction Action plan
Solutions aimed to waste sorting and disposal
Established WASTEREDUCE pilot areas
Public ecological days
Plogging races on the coastal area
Cleaned seabed within the Natura 2000 area
Agreements with municipalities and associations
Gastronomic events during underwater cleaning actions
Workshops
Newsletter
Press conference
Press releases
Posts on social media
Video surveillance
Conducted image analysis for the identification and monitoring of waste disposal sites
Developed and tested method of monitoring the marine environment by analyzing satellite images
Conducted scientific research on microplastics in marine environment and coast
Conducted scientific research on existing and planned wastewater treatment facilities
Testing behavioural strategies focused on waste abandonment and binning behavior
Communication campaign
Video materials
Educational materials
Campaign on tested behavioural strategies
Newsletter
Interventions in educational institutions (priority to high schools and faculties)
Project partner meeting
Info days
A mobile application was created and the necessary technical equipment was purchased and installed
Exhibition set up in an already existing exhibition space with a high frequency of visitors
Project progress reports
Project financial reports
Updated project operational workplan
Updated quality assurance plan
Updated quality assurance reports
Updated impact assessment reports
Updated website content
Updated stakeholders and beneficiaries database (in Open Data format)
Library of short interviews and videos
Intra-organisational communication actions and logs
Final meeting
Final conference

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

EUStrategyAdriaticIonianRegion This project is in line with the objectives of the EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR). In particular with the EUSAIR flagships 2. (Protection and enhancement of natural terrestrial habitats and ecosystems) and 3. (Promotion of sustainable growth of the Adriatic-Ionian region by implementing ICZM and MSP as well as to contribute CRF on ICZM of Barcelona convention and the appropriate monitoring and management of marine protected area) defined within Pillar 3 – Environmental Quality. The flagship 2. aims connecting all EUSAIR countries protected areas including Natura 2000 areas and other networks with tourism and protecting delicate habitats, which is in line with outputs of this project. This project will propose sustainable management of coastal protected areas in terms of monitoring, preventing, and reducing waste in these areas which will contribute to decreasing marine pollution (marine litter, micro plastic). This is in line with the goals/expected impacts and proposed actions of the flagship 3.
EuropeanGreenDeal The present project is in line with the European Green Deal and its targets. All targets are aimed at mitigation g climate changes. One of the main targets is working with nature to protect our planet and health by enhanced circular and sustainable management of all resources. Pollution and inappropriate waste treatment are one of the main reasons for nature endangering, this project offer new insights and solutions for its managements.
Other One of the goals of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan of the Republic of Croatia is to improve waste management, water protection and biodiversity in order to strengthen resistance to climate change, which is related to the goals of this project.
Other This project is also in line with the national Operational Program Competitiveness and Cohesion 2021-2027. This project aims to develop policies for waste management in protected and Natura 2000 areas which especially fits in Priority 3. Promotion of energy efficiency and renewable energy sources, adaptation to climate change, risk prevention, environmental protection and resource sustainability within Specific objective RSO2.7. Strengthening the protection and preservation of nature, biodiversity and green infrastructure, including in urban areas, and reducing all forms of pollution, emphasizing this need in Natura 2000 areas.
Other Protected and NATURA 2000 areas are often sites with the most frequent tourist activities and therefore increased risks of waste pollution, therefore, the development of integrated waste reduction strategies and solutions is fully in line with the strategic goal 2. Tourism with a preserved environment, space and climate included in the Strategy for the Development of Sustainable Tourism of the Republic of Croatia until 2030.
Other The goals of this project contribute to regional County Development Strategy of Istria County (Goal 3: Strengthening infrastructure, environmental protection and sustainable management of space and resources).
Other The proposed project is in line with The Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). Article 1(b) and Article 3 (5b,8) in this Directive refers to preventing and reducing anthropogenic inputs in the marine environment, marine protected areas or special areas of conservation (Article 13(4)) that can lead to marine pollution.
Other One of the main purposes of the Directive 2000/60/EC is to ensure the protection and pollution prevention of inland surface waters, transitional waters, coastal waters and groundwater within protected and Natura 2000 areas (Article 6, Annex IV).
Other The Directive (EU) 2018/851 on waste states measures by preventing, reducing and managing the generation of waste, in particular marine litter, and improving the efficiency of resource use. This project will contribute to the aims of mentioned Directive by developing and implementing solutions for monitoring, preventing, and reducing waste.
Other The main objective of the Directive (EU) 2019/904 on single-use plastic are preventing and reducing the impact of certain plastic products on the environment, in particular the aquatic and marine environment, as well as to promote the transition to a circular economy with innovative and sustainable business models, which is in line with the aims of this project.

Deliverable (other than infrastructural investment) areas:

Italia (IT), BASSANO DEL GRAPPA - VICENZA, LARGO PAROLINI, 82/5, 36061

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 084 - Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects, Measurement unit:
RCO 116 - Jointly developed solutions, Measurement unit:
RCO 083 - Strategies and action plans jointly developed, Measurement unit:
RCO 085 - Participations in joint training schemes, Measurement unit:
RCO 115 - Public events across borders jointly organised, Measurement unit:

Delivered output indicator(s):

(RCO83) Strategies and action plans jointly developed: 1.0
(RCO85) Participations in joint training schemes: 210.0

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:

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

EUSAIR Priority (Policy) area / Horizontal action:

EUSAIR Degree of compliance:

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

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-A Italy-Croatia

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

2025-12-09

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

76 / 76 (100%)

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

486 / 486 (100%)

Notes on the data

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Integrated waste reduction strategies and solutions in protected and Natura 2000 areas

Description

Thematic information

Partners (8)

Partners map

Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

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

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