Initiating bottom-up management solutions to reduce plastic waste in the Danube Basin

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B Danube

Date of latest update: 2025-12-17

Description

Description (EN):

The importance of rivers is unquestionable. Throughout history, rivers have served as crucial sources of water, food, irrigation, and more recently, hydropower generation. However, it wasn't until the mid-2010s that we truly began to comprehend the magnitude and consequences of riverine plastic pollution. It required the collaborative efforts of researchers, water authority experts, and environmental NGOs to raise awareness and shed light on the profound impact of plastic pollution in rivers. This collective endeavor has started to bring about a shift in attitudes and actions. Studies indicate that a significant proportion of marine plastic pollution, approximately 80%, originates from rivers. Plastics, which were once perceived as non-degradable, actually break down into microplastic particles when exposed to sunlight and fluctuating temperatures. This realization has prompted a heightened focus on addressing plastic pollution in rivers. The updated 2021 Danube River Basin Management Plan by the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR) highlights the urgency of tackling plastic pollutants as a top priority. The people behind the development of the AQUATIC PLASTIC (AQPLA) proposal come from a generation that can be described as the "pre-plastic breed." We have vivid memories of what rivers used to look like just a few decades ago when they were free from plastic bottles. Unfortunately, the younger generation growing up in the Eastern and Southern parts of the Danube River Basin now considers plastic floods, coastal landfills and riverine litter accumulations as "normal". We are aware that plastic pollution is just one of the many risks that threaten surface waters. Freshwater resources are confronted with a multitude of other challenges, ranging from habitat degradation, the loss of biodiversity, to the war in Ukraine and the impacts of global warming. In the past, the success of a river cleanup action was primarily measured by its effectiveness in removing pollutants. Nowadays, with the recent severe droughts of 2022 and increasing awareness of environmental impacts, we must consider additional factors such as the carbon footprint and environmental stress caused by these cleanup efforts. For this reason every solution, innovative tool, and output developed within AQPLA is guided by a strong commitment to sustainability. The multinational and multicultural population of the Danube River Basin is a rich source of inspiration for many of the novelties and innovations within AQPLA. The diverse partnership brings together a wide range of expertise, resulting in the development of new solutions to address the challenges of riverine plastic pollution. The application of newly developed driftnets, microplastic pumps, remote sensing technologies and machine learning plays a crucial role in detecting and monitoring riverine litter particles. The creative application of the citizen science approach brings about active participation and engagement of communities and individuals in data collection and monitoring efforts. The adoption of a collaborative working methodology fosters cooperation among stakeholders, organizations, and sectors, so that we can pool our knowledge, resources, and experiences to develop comprehensive and holistic solutions. The development, testing and implementation of environmentally friendly riverine litter traps make a better use of the natural power of the river current. AQPLA solutions reduce carbon emissions and environmental stress associated with conventional cleanup methods. AQPLA's solutions also facilitate the separation of the collected waste. By incorporating recycling into the cleanup operations, AQPLA reduces the overall costs of mitigation efforts while promoting a circular economy approach. Furthermore, AQPLA emphasizes the importance of raising awareness through activities such as the Transnational River Cleanup Challenge. This initiative engages individuals and communities in hands-on cleanup efforts, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility for protecting rivers. The main objective of the AQUATIC PLASTIC project is to use our growing knowledge to significantly reduce riverine litter within water catchment areas like the Danube River Basin (DRB). The project will deliver several outputs, including solutions to cost-efficiently assess microplastic contamination of rivers, solution for managing and recycling large waste deposits collected at HPPs; a software to monitor potential infiltration points; a proactive stakeholder group, the RiverSaver Participatory Platform to enhance water quality in the DRB; a policy advocacy package for the upcoming update of the DRBMP to address riverine litter. By focusing on the largest accumulations of riverine plastic and the empowerment of stakolders, the AQUATIC PLASTIC project aims to achieve significant improvements in river water quality.

Actual Achievements (EN):

The implementation of the project started with active cooperation of 13 partners coming from nine countries covering the riverbanks of the Danube from Austria to the Black Sea. The partnership structure is built on three SO leaders and quality managers acting in pairs, led by a Project manager, a Communication manager and a Financial manager dedicated for the entire project. The partnership holds monthly online Working Group meetings to ensure smooth communication regarding the implementation of the foreseen activities. One personal kick-off meeting has been organised in Vienna in June back-to-back with the Microplastic Assessment Workshop organised by BOKU. Within SO1 a microplastic sampling plan has been discussed and prepared aimed at developing a harmonised microplastic assessment methodology for the Danube Basin. The partners agreed to measure MIP contamination of the water column with net and pump in the research of a cost-effective assessment method. The preferable species for biota assessment is still under discussion similar to the potential ways of cooperation with the ongoing Sediment Q2 Interreg project on how to share sediment samples for assessment between the two projects. The engagement of Hydropower plants is crucial to take a leap in magnitude of the collected plastic waste flowing in the Danube Basin. The monitoring of the accumulated waste in front of these structures will help understand underwater waste structure. The developed HPP questionnaire is to gather data from the HPP operators. The English version has been drafted by the partnership, awaiting its dissemination in original language to national HPP operators. The development of a remote sensing software as one of the main drivers within SO2 has also started. The observed high-risk leakage points are to be chosen based on an online questionnaire handed out to the project partners. A virtual “necklace model” has been developed to support the partners in the classification of potential leakage points. The two most experienced project partners in cleanup actions have held online discussions to exchange experiences in preparation of the pilot cleanup actions to be organised later in the course of the project. SO3 targets the establishment of a RiverSaver community. The list of interviewees has been compiled to serve the main dissemination surface of the project: the Transnational River Cleanup Challenge podcast series. First three recordings have been made starring Nick Thorpe, Gudrun Obersteiner, Ian Davies, Sydney Steenland and Carlos Steenland. A Train the Trainer co-creation workshop will be held in November as initial step to prepare partners for the national co-creation roundtable discussions in their countries. The methodology for choosing the candidates, and the establishment of the co-creation helpdesk has been prepared. To support knowledge sharing of on-site experts, the concept for the NGO and youth training has been developed. Earlier than planned, in response to invitations, the partnership introduced the AQPLA concept planned activities at the ICPDR Pressures and Measures Expert Group meeting, ICPDR Hydropower Workshop and M3 Plastics Small Training in Vienna. A DRP 2.3 Priority Meeting has been initiated by the project to strengthen cooperation with projects of the same priority. The SEDIMENT Q2, TETHYS, MicroDrink projects, and AQUATIC PLASTIC were represented by their project managers. The projects identified synergies and practical future cooperation steps, such as sharing water samples and data, fostering closer connections among projects. During Period 2 of the AQUATIC PLASTIC (AQPLA) project, the Partnership organization was fully established and functioning efficiently, ensuring the smooth implementation of project activities. The monthly Working Group (WG) meetings became a well-established platform for collaboration, where partners shared progress updates, exchanged insights, and received support. One personal partner meeting has been organised in Bratislava in November back-to-back with the Train the Trainer co-creation workshop organised jointly by VUVH and HAEE. The co-creation workshop was successful. The First Year Review of the project took place Following the Train the Trainer workshop. Topics discussed included overall project progress, achievements within the three SOs, financial performance and procurement updates, as well as challenges and obstacles encountered by Partners so far. The JS was represented by Mr. Gusztáv Csomor, who emphasised his satisfaction with project progress in general, yet signalled that there is room for improvement in the partners communication and dissemination habits and not to solely rely on the lead partners inputs. The partner meeting was held on the third day of the personal meeting, where the activities under implementation have been discussed by the partners with the use of the previously learned co-creation methods- providing immediate field practice for the participants of the Train the Trainer workshop. As it prooved very useful and effective, the Partnership keeps using the learnt co-creation methods during the monthly Working Group meetings also in the online space. Building on the strong foundation laid in Period 1, all Specific Objectives (SOs) advanced effectively in RP2. The activities under SO1, aimed at improving water quality in the Danube River Basin through the microplastic (MIP) monitoring, progressed according to the plan. All partners have purchased the necessary MIP assessment devices for the implementation of the planned activities. Having completed the MIP assessment training and the devices at hand, all partners are set for the MIP assessment according to plan. Preparations have started for the sediment and biota analytics also. Multisalva started the preparation of the Engagement plan to help partners approach hydropower plants (HPPs) being key stakeholders to the HPP monitoring activity. Additionally, PC prepared a substantial set of documents for the “Message in the Bottle!” citizen science initiative, designed to inspire and mobilize partners to engage schools for the participation in the plastic bottle monitoring activity. SO2 continued to advance with the development of the macroplastic (MAP) monitoring software. The Bratislava workshop brought great additional input to the software development process- proving the effectiveness of participatory design methods. The preparations of the intervention methodology for large scale pilot actions and the monitoring for potential small scale pilot sites has begun. HAEE summoned potential plastic recycling accreditation procedures, summarising its findings in a document. To ensure the scientific accuracy and quality of the work, PC hired a professional expert to provide scientific input for the Partnership related to MIP and MAP monitoring, and establish independent quality management. This addition ensured the alignment with project goals and high-quality outputs. SO3 experienced a particularly dynamic period, with co-creation activities taking the leading role. The highlight of the period was the three-day co-creation workshop held in November in Bratislava with the participation of future moderators from all partner countries. The first two days included a methodical introduction with important stakeholders, such as ASP1 ICPDR and ASP4 MFAT providing valuable insights on how to best approach decisionmakers throughout the participatory roundtable process. The last day of the workshop was held as a field practice for the facilitator participants – testing the lessons learnt by moderating the activity discussions with co-creational methods. Also in the frame of SO3, the first two podcast episodes have been aired, strengthening ties within the transnational river saver community. During the third reporting period, the AQUATIC PLASTIC (AQPLA) project built strongly on the foundations of the first two years, moving from planning and preparation into the most active field of implementation and finalisation of outputs. The partnership now works as a well-functioning network, with monthly Working Group meetings and the co-creation methods learned earlier firmly integrated into everyday cooperation. This collaborative approach has proven essential in tackling the complex, cross-border challenges of riverine plastic pollution. In SO1 Partners finalised and applied cost-effective methods for sampling microplastics in water, sediment, and biota. More than 100 samples were collected across seven countries, providing the first harmonised dataset of its kind for the Danube basin. Work advanced on a new open-access database, which will allow decision makers and researchers to access standardised information on MIP pollution. At the same time, hydropower plants were engaged as key stakeholders, and innovative monitoring tools such as sonar and floating platforms were tested in pilot sites in Hungary, Slovakia and Romania. Citizen science also played a strong role: the “Message in the Bottle” initiative expanded, with over 100 bottles tagged and tracked, inspiring schools and communities to actively contribute to data collection. A major step forward in SO2 was the finalisation of the remote-sensing model for detecting large accumulations of floating waste. Field pilots will be underway to test and refine the model in Slovakia and Hungary. Monitoring expeditions on land and water identified numerous hotspots of illegal dumping and plastic leakage, with results documented and shared to guide the planned clean-up actions. In parallel, the partnership assessed international certification schemes for recycling riverine plastics. Two systems—Ocean Bound Plastic and RecyClass—were identified as most suitable, to be tested at the Riversaver Centre, Kisköre, Hungary. The certification ensures that collected plastics can be upcycled into products that meet global market standards, adding economic value and credibility to cleanup efforts. The co-creation Helpdesk under SO3 was launched to support national roundtables, offering both group and one-on-one guidance by professional facilitators. Roundtables have already taken place in Bulgaria, Slovenia and Romania, with others planned for autumn 2025, ensuring broad stakeholder dialogue across the basin. The first Youth Training workshop was successfully held, empowering young Riversavers to take initiative in their home countries. Preparations are underway for the autumn NGO Training workshop. Communication and outreach also flourished: new podcast episodes brought inspiring voices from the global fight against plastic pollution, social media content reached hundreds, and AQPLA was represented at high-level events such as EU Ocean Mission Days and regional waste management conferences. In conclusion, RP3 marks a turning point: AQPLA has shifted from planning into visible action, delivering field data, pilot interventions, and policy-relevant results while deepening cooperation across borders.

Project outputs: Pilot actions to find cost effective microplastic assessment methods in the DRB
(EN)
Database and joint methodology to be used as joint solution for frequent microplastic monitoring in the Danube River Basin(EN)
Pilot actions to test monitoring methods for quantification of waste accumulations before HPPs(EN)
Aquatic Plastic vol. 2 - Joint protocol for retrieving and recycling riverine litter accumulations(EN)
Pilot monitoring of high-risk leakage points(EN)
Automated evaluation protocol (software)(EN)
Intervention methodology for authorities to prevent infiltration of river waters from high-risk leakage points(EN)
Pilot actions to prevent infiltration of river waters(EN)
Pilot testing audited certification schemes (EN)
Obtaining accreditation for upcycling environmental plastics(EN)
Pilot awareness raising trainings for the engagement of RiverSavers and future river cleanup coordinators(EN)
Development of a RiverSaver training method(EN)
Co-creation roundtable events to test the effectiveness of the co-creation methodology in participatory legislative procedures(EN)
Co-creation methodology to provide an innovative solution for the inclusion of stakeholders in legislative procedures(EN)
Organisations cooperating across borders(EN)
Website: https://interreg-danube.eu/projects/aquatic-plastic

Thematic information

Managing natural and man-made threats, risk management Waste and pollution

Priority: (VI-B_D_2) Priority 2 - A greener, low- carbon Danube Region

Priority specific objective: RSO2.5. Promoting access to water and sustainable water management

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: 064 Water management and water resource conservation (including river basin management, specific climate change adaptation measures, reuse, leakage reduction)

Partners (15)

Lead Partner: PET Kupa Egyesület

Partner’s ID if not PIC: HU18228476

Address: Gutenberg tér , 5000 Szolnok, Hungary

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: http://www.petkupa.hu

Total budget: EUR 366 999.80

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 293 599.84

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 73 399.96

Contractors:

Name: Kádasi Attila Zoltán
VAT registration or tax identification number: HU5619696614
Name: SzövetségElőTiszáértEgyesület
VAT registration or tax identification number: HU18841149
Name: KonszenusAlapítványBudapest
VAT registration or tax identification number: HU18108361
Name: Dr. Tímea Kiss
VAT registration or tax identification number: HU54338742
Name: Bamli Művek Kft
VAT registration or tax identification number: HU12734117
Name: Ex Ante Tanácsadó Iroda Kft
VAT registration or tax identification number: HU12951501
Name: Fufafa és Társa Bt.
VAT registration or tax identification number: HU20850656
Name: Agrolánc Kft.
VAT registration or tax identification number: HU10476015
Name: Ex Ante Tanácsadó Iroda Kft.
VAT registration or tax identification number: HU12951501

Regionalni centar za obrazovanje i informisanje iz održivog razvoja za Jugoistočnu Evropu Sarajevo

Name: Regionalni centar za obrazovanje i informisanje iz održivog razvoja za Jugoistočnu Evropu Sarajevo

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 201057800003

Address: Topal Osman Paše, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: https://reic.org.ba/

Total budget: EUR 103 997.83

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 83 198.26

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 20 799.57

Contractors:

Name: Plus Minus Ltd
VAT registration or tax identification number: 202851330000

Ministarstvo ekologije, održivog razvoja i razvoja sjevera

Name: Ministarstvo ekologije, održivog razvoja i razvoja sjevera

Department: Department for Ecology

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 2760517

Address: IV proleterske , 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro

Department address: IV proleterske , 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro

Legal status: public

Organisation type: National public authority

Website: http://www.mepg.gov.me

Total budget: EUR 108 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 86 400.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 21 600.00

Centar za ekotoksikološka ispitivanja Podgorica

Name: Centar za ekotoksikološka ispitivanja Podgorica

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 30/31-11824-6/

Address: Bulevar Sarla de Gola , 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.ceti.me

Total budget: EUR 88 999.70

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 71 199.76

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 17 799.94

Contractors:

Name: Eurofins Hungary Kft.
VAT registration or tax identification number: HU10772452

Fakultet tehničkih nauka Novi Sad

Name: Fakultet tehničkih nauka Novi Sad

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 100724720

Address: Trg Dositeja, 21000 Novi Sad, Serbia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.ftn.uns.ac.rs

Total budget: EUR 222 998.80

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 178 399.04

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 44 599.76

Contractors:

Name: Eurofins
VAT registration or tax identification number: 14130179-2-44
Name: Prirodno matematički fakultet
VAT registration or tax identification number: 101635863
Name: Astra Company d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 105449928
Name: InforNess Training Kft.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 25799628-2-41, HU25799628

Organizația Neguvernamentală Ecologistă "Mare Nostrum"

Name: Organizația Neguvernamentală Ecologistă "Mare Nostrum"

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 7015190

Address: 215 Tomis Boulevard, 900647 Constanta, Romania

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: http://www.marenostrum.ro/

Total budget: EUR 89 999.50

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 71 999.60

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 17 999.90

Vyskumny ústav vodného hospodárstva

Name: Vyskumny ústav vodného hospodárstva

Department: Slovak National Water Reference Laboratory

Partner’s ID if not PIC: SK2020798593

Address: Nábr. arm. gen. L. Svobodu, 81249 Bratislava, Slovakia

Department address: Nábr. arm. gen. L. Svobodu, 81249 Bratislava, Slovakia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Sectoral agency

Website: http://www.vuvh.sk

Total budget: EUR 136 199.70

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 108 959.76

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 27 239.94

Contractors:

Name: B5, spol. s r.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 50962752
Name: Allegro
VAT registration or tax identification number: PL5252674798
Name: IKEA Bratislava
VAT registration or tax identification number: 35849436
Name: Voda-Plyn-Kúrenie
VAT registration or tax identification number: 13996631
Name: Kaufland,Tesco
VAT registration or tax identification number: 35790164 and 31321828
Name: Filter Technik Slovakia,s.r.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 36589063
Name: SHD s.r.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 53062566

Институт по Океанология – Българска академия на науките

Name: Институт по Океанология – Българска академия на науките

Partner’s ID if not PIC: BG000080612

Address: Parvi Mai, 9000 Varna, Bulgaria

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.io-bas.bg

Total budget: EUR 106 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 84 800.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 21 200.00

Contractors:

Name: ITB-Inter Travel Bulgaria, Ltd
VAT registration or tax identification number: 103866621
Name: Idilium Development
VAT registration or tax identification number: 206029128
Name: SGS Bulgaria Ltd
VAT registration or tax identification number: 000653802
Name: Tutrakan Tourism Development
VAT registration or tax identification number: 176472549
Name: EurofinsAnalyticalServicesHU
VAT registration or tax identification number: HU10772452

Inštitut za vode Republike Slovenije

Name: Inštitut za vode Republike Slovenije

Partner’s ID if not PIC: SI97072842

Address: Einspielerjeva ulica, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: National public authority

Website: http://www.izvrs.si/?lang=en

Total budget: EUR 187 499.20

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 149 999.36

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 37 499.84

Contractors:

Name: GH Livada d.o.o.
VAT registration or tax identification number: SI11610395
Name: ZAAN STORITVE D.O.O.
VAT registration or tax identification number: SI16542738
Name: INTERMEDIA D.O.O.
VAT registration or tax identification number: SI78304431
Name: MEDICO TEHNIKA D.O.O.
VAT registration or tax identification number: SI88292223

Asociatia Multisalva

Name: Asociatia Multisalva

Partner’s ID if not PIC: RO28107253

Address: Padurea Noroieni, 440135 Satu Mare, Romania

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: http://www.multisalva.ro

Total budget: EUR 212 599.80

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 170 079.84

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 42 519.96

Contractors:

Name: S.C. AREA NOVUM S.R.L.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 37956347
Name: Tresten Consulting SRL
VAT registration or tax identification number: 37919730
Name: HÁRFA
VAT registration or tax identification number: HU19331492

Universität für Bodenkultur Wien

Name: Universität für Bodenkultur Wien

Department: Institute of Waste Management and Circularity

Partner’s ID if not PIC: ATU16285008

Address: Gregor Mendel Straße, 1180 Wien, Austria

Department address: Muthgasse, 1190 Wien, Austria

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.wau.boku.ac.at/en/abf/

Total budget: EUR 218 699.40

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 174 959.52

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 43 739.88

Országos Vízügyi Főigazgatóság

Name: Országos Vízügyi Főigazgatóság

Partner’s ID if not PIC: HU15796019241

Address: Márvány, 1012 Budapest, Hungary

Legal status: public

Organisation type: National public authority

Website: http://www.ovf.hu

Total budget: EUR 75 999.80

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 60 799.84

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 15 199.96

Környezetvédelmi Szolgáltatók és Gyártók Szövetsége

Name: Környezetvédelmi Szolgáltatók és Gyártók Szövetsége

Partner’s ID if not PIC: HU18013021

Address: Keleti Károly, 1024 Budapest, Hungary

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Website: https://kszgysz.hu/en/

Total budget: EUR 248 499.30

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 198 799.44

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 49 699.86

Udruženje građana "Eko centar" Višegrad

Name: Udruženje građana "Eko centar" Višegrad

Department: NVO

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 4404639760004

Address: Trg palih boraca, 73240 Višegrad , Bosnia and Herzegovina

Department address: Trg palih boraca, 73240 Višegrad , Bosnia and Herzegovina

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Interest groups including NGOs

Total budget: EUR 103 998.50

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 83 198.80

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 20 799.70

Ministarsto ekologije, Prostornog planiranja i Urbanizma

Name: Ministarsto ekologije, Prostornog planiranja i Urbanizma

Department: Department for Ecology and Climate change

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 2760517

Address: IV proleterske , 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro

Department address: IV proleterske , 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro

Legal status: public

Organisation type: National public authority

Website: http://www.mepg.gov.me

Total budget: EUR 108 000.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 86 400.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 80.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 21 600.00

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

Regional Education and Information Centre for Sustainable Development of South-East Europe

Initiating bottom-up management solutions to reduce plastic waste in the Danube Basin

Partners and Projects info

Ministry of Ecology, Sustainable Development and Northern Region Development

Initiating bottom-up management solutions to reduce plastic waste in the Danube Basin

Partners and Projects info

Center for Ecotoxicological Research Podgorica

Initiating bottom-up management solutions to reduce plastic waste in the Danube Basin

Partners and Projects info

Faculty of Tehnical Sciences Novi Sad

Initiating bottom-up management solutions to reduce plastic waste in the Danube Basin

Partners and Projects info

Mare Nostrum

Initiating bottom-up management solutions to reduce plastic waste in the Danube Basin

Partners and Projects info

Water Research Institute Bratislava

Initiating bottom-up management solutions to reduce plastic waste in the Danube Basin

Partners and Projects info

Institute of Oceanology-Bulgarian academy of sciences

Initiating bottom-up management solutions to reduce plastic waste in the Danube Basin

Partners and Projects info

Institute for Water of the Republic of Slovenia

Initiating bottom-up management solutions to reduce plastic waste in the Danube Basin

Partners and Projects info

Multisalva Association

Initiating bottom-up management solutions to reduce plastic waste in the Danube Basin

Partners and Projects info

University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna

Initiating bottom-up management solutions to reduce plastic waste in the Danube Basin

Partners and Projects info

Országos Vízügyi Főigazgatóság

Initiating bottom-up management solutions to reduce plastic waste in the Danube Basin

Partners and Projects info

Hungarian Association of Environmental Enterprises

Initiating bottom-up management solutions to reduce plastic waste in the Danube Basin

Partners and Projects info

PET Kupa Egyesület

Initiating bottom-up management solutions to reduce plastic waste in the Danube Basin

Partners and Projects info

Citizen association "Eko centar" Visegrad

Initiating bottom-up management solutions to reduce plastic waste in the Danube Basin

Partners and Projects info

Ministry for Ecology, Spatial Planning and Urbanism Directorate of Ecology and climate changes

Initiating bottom-up management solutions to reduce plastic waste in the Danube Basin

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Initiating bottom-up management solutions to reduce plastic waste in the Danube Basin

Project acronym: AQUATIC PLASTIC

Project ID: DRP0200235

Project start date: 2024-01-01

Project end date: 2026-06-30

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

DanubeSedminet_Q2 (EN) | The partners from the Tid(y)Up project have actively communicated with other relevant projects such as the SIMONA and the SEDIMENT implemented within the same Interreg DTP priority. Microplastic tests have been harmonised with the SIMONA project, as both partnerships used the sedimentation boxes of the JDS4 for their sampling activities. To further deepen this former cooperation the partners decided not to duplicate sediment samples, but rather to share them.
According to agreement DanubeSediment_Q2 as continuation of the SIMONA and SEDIMENT projects offers its sediment samples collected with the standard JDS4 passive sediment trap box and its sediment quality monitoring results to Aquatic Plastic, while receiving information on sediment and water conditions from AQPLA (OT 1.2.). The mutual share of results, experience (OT 1.1, OT 1.3.) and contribution to communication events such as workshops and meetings within SO3 are also planned. (EN), Microplastic research activity implemented at University of Szeged (EN) | Microplastic research activity implemented at Szeged: … LP will continue to involve their knowledge on microplastic sampling activities throughout project implementation, especially focusing on channelling input to OT 1.1, OT 1.2. (EN), MicroDrink (EN) | MicroDrink: The two projects have realised their shared interest in water sampling activities although their field of activity differs (surface waters and drinking water), and mutual discussions have started to include relevant stakeholders in the cooperating projects activities such as the microplastic sampling workshop planned within AQPLA. Outputs OT1.1. and OT 1.2. will be shared with the MicroDrink project, and their stakeholder group will be invited to participate and also share their respective project outputs regarding tap water analysis in the microplastic assessment workshop held in Slovenia (AT1.1.)
The outputs of the MikroDrink project will be channelled into the activities of SO3. (EN), Tid(y)Up (EN) | Interreg DTP Tid(y)Up project is the predecessor of current Aquatic Plastic project, recognized as a flagship project by EUSDR PA4.
The 10 Tid(y)Up partners observed, studied, and fought plastic pollution in the Danube River Basin. Their efforts led to the removal of 18 tons of riverine litter and an inspiring 60% recycling rate. They also laid the foundation for a harmonious microplastic assessment; created a pollution map for the Danube region; launched a zero-waste exhibition (FLEX) on the river; published a much-needed transnational river cleanup handguide, encouraging everyone to take action for cleaner rivers. #interregtidyup
The microplastic assessment results of the Tid(y)Up project serve as starting point for the activities AT 1.1. and AT 1.2. The transnational river cleanup handguide will be used as a baseline within cleanup activities AT 2.4., FLEX will be used to host the workshop planned in AT 3.1., the results of the roundtable discussions will be used throughout the planning of the co-creational roundtable events within AT 3.4. The professional contacts established throughout the implementation of the Tid(y)Up project will be used as dissemination channels of the project outputs within the AQUATIC PLASTIC project.
(EN), LitOUTer (EN) | The project specifically focuses on the Manahoz Stream, the aquatic plastic influx at the Sakarya River estuary, and organising awareness-raising events on the topic of marine litter. The GIS based hydrodynamic litter model, the stakeholder surveys and the animation cartoon developed within the project can serve as inputs on dissemination events organised for the general public within the AQPLA project. (EN), ANEMONE (EN) | Anemone, funded by the EU under the ENI CBC Joint Operational Programme "Black Sea Basin 2014-2020" (83530/20.07.2018), assesses the vulnerability of the Black Sea marine ecosystem to human pressures. AQPLA intends to capitalise on the research results and experiences gained through the application of the citizen science approach, with a particular emphasis on comparing "river-influenced" beaches along the Black Sea coast from Romania to Turkey, as well as the Danube Delta. (EN), JOINTISZA (EN) | JOINTISZA, a Danube Interreg project co-funded by the European Union (ERDF, IPA funds), focuses on the utilisation of the already existing DanubeGIS system and the expansion of the database with information about tributaries of the Tisza River Basin. AQPLA will heavily rely on the unique dataset compiled by the project, considering the water catchment area of the Danube's largest tributary, the Tisza. The List of water bodies, the List of protected areas in the Tisza River Basin, the Ecological status and ecological potential of surface water bodies, and the Updated Integrated Tisza River Basin Management Plan will serve as substantial sources of informationwithin AT 2.1. and AT 2.2.. (EN), Plastic Pirates - GoEurope! (EN) | Plastic Pirates - GoEurope! is a European Union-funded project (HORIZON-MISS-2021-OCEAN-IBA-02) that aims to raise awareness throughout Europe about the importance of rivers, the protection of natural resources, and the significance of international research collaboration. The PlasticPiratesEU, a partner organisation previously selected as the official partner of the GoEurope! campaign, collaborated with AQPLA and provided skills and knowledge to implement an effective citizen science campaign on the migration of plastic bottles throughout the Danube River Basin. Outputs of the Plastic Pirates GoEurope project will be included in AT 1.6 and AT 2.1. (EN), PlasticFree Danube (EN) | PlasticFree Danube, a bilateral Slovakian-Austrian Interreg project supported by the European Regional Development Fund, focuses on macro plastic waste (particles larger than 5 mm) in and along the river Danube. AQPLA refers to the project's data on the migration of riverine litter particles on the Austrian and Slovakian sections of the Danube River, as well as the "Design rules for hydraulic engineering structures for plastic accumulation," considering that the overall plastic load of this Danube section is lower than that of the low-flow sections in Serbia, Romania, and Bulgaria. The outputs of the project have been included in the Tid(y)Up project, and will also serve as inputs within AT 2.1 and AT2.2. (EN), SOCIENTIZE (EN) | Socientize: Green paper on Citizen Science for Europe: Towards a society of empowered citizens and enhanced research (FP7 project, RI-312902). Following the FAIR principles and in line with the Digital Agenda for Europe, AQPLA will employ citizen science methods for data collection on plastic pollution in rivers. The Green Paper on Citizen Science offers an overview of EU-funded projects associated with citizen science and serves as a valuable resource for developing effective citizen science campaigns. (EN), 5 countries 1 river (EN) | 5in1, an Erasmus+ project funded by the European Union, implements constructive cooperation between the countries sharing the Tisza River Basin (Ukraine, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, and Serbia). The project focuses on developing effective education and training activities based on best practices, mobilising young schoolchildren living in contaminated areas, and supporting educators with professional knowledge and support.
AQPLA utilises the outputs of 5in1, such as the RiverSaver handguide, the River Trashlab Handguide, and the Plastic Pirate Logbook within AT 3.1., the workshop held for students coming from all partner countries of the AQPLA partnership. (EN), Joint Danube and Joint Tisza Surveys (EN) | The repeated monitoring surveys conducted along the Danube River and its longest tributary, the Tisza, generate extensive data on MIP and MAP pollution, as well as protocols and methodologies. Since the first Joint Danube Survey (JDS), riverine litter and solid waste pollution have become significant concerns requiring intervention from multiple sectors. In the AQPLA partnership, we will make good use of the Transnational Monitoring Network and the collaborative contribution of the hydropower sector, facilitated by AQPLA ASP ICPDR, especially within activities 1.3, 1.4. and 1.5 (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 2 166 492.83

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 1 733 194.26

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 80.00%

Co-financing sources:

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Deliverables:

Comparative assessment of tested MIP monitoring methods
Standardised protocols for MIP monitoring
Documentation of the Kick-off conference
Open access database for riverine MIP pollution
Engagement plan for HPPs in the DRB
Summary of monitoring and assessment techniques for largescale retained riverine waste accumulations
Documentation of Implemented Professional River Cleanup Pilot Actions
Assessment of Best Practices for Managing and Removing Large Floating, Flowing Waste Accumulations
Assessment of Citizen Science Results: Understanding the Findings
Documentation on the setup of the tested remote sensing monitoring methods
Documentation of the pilot monitoring activity
Action plan for authorities to prevent infiltration of river waters from high-risk leakage points
Assessment of the implemented pilot actions
Detailed documentation of available certification schemes
Documentation on the available certified production procedure
Educational material to educate the next ‘river friendly’ generation
Documentation of the piloted workshops
15 podcasts - Starting river literacy
Communication plan of the AQPLA project
Documentation of the final conference
Innovative co-creation toolkit to overcome policy-silos for cleaner rivers
Dissemination and communication guidance for participatory stakeholder events
Co-creation methodology report
Assessment of the piloted co-creation methods
Common Solution document
Presentations on project outputs prepared for Expert Group meetings and international fairs

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

EUStrategyDanubeRegion The EUSDR’s main objective is to coordinate existing provisions and initiatives across the Danube Region consisting of four DRS Priority Areas including the Water Quality Priority Area (PA4).Taking up three major objectives out of four under PA4:a) supporting the achievement of management objectives set out in the Danube River Basin Management Plan;b) reducing the nutrient levels in the Danube River to allow the recovery of the Black Sea;c) contributing to the completion of the Delta management Plan through Danube Delta Analysis Report; the AQUATIC PLASTIC Project will provide valuable input through the achievement of its specific objectives: SO1 quantification of microplastic contamination and macroplastic accumulations at HPPs; SO2 Identification and restoration of high-risk leakage points in the Balkan Eastern-European rivers; SO3 empowering human resources to fight against water pollution in the Danube River Basin.
The EUSDR also puts an emphasis on EU Cohesion policy such as the PO4 “a more social Europe” and SPOs promoting sustainable water management, and water resource conservation (restoration, leakage reduction) also supported by the Project’s SOs:citizen’s science and other educational events.
Activities involving key stakeholders interactions (roundtables) are supporting Enlargement and EU Neighbourhood Policy Provisions by shaping the rules, standards, policies and practices to align with the EU and harmonise strategies across borders with third country regions.Actions for data collection on microplastic, remote sensing, reduction measures of riverine litter accumulations esp.at HPPs will provide information and guidance to close knowledge gaps on monitoring of hazardous and emerging substances in surface waters, biota and sediment; determine sources and pathways of hazardous and emerging substances emissions; to build capacity in monitoring, modelling and management of hazardous substances pollution as set out in the EUSDR Action Plan, Action1 targets.
EuropeanGreenDeal The European Green Deal is the response of the Community to the current climate and environmental-related challenges. The growth strategy that aims to transform the EU into a resource-efficient and competitive economy, while protecting and enhancing the EU's natural capital.
The European Green Deal is a comprehensive plan to make Europe the first carbon-neutral continent by 2030 and to tackle environmental degradation. In relation to the AQUATIC PLASTIC project there are several Green Deal priorities focusing on reducing water pollution, transitioning to a circular economy, and improving waste management. To support the EU Green Deal, several funding mechanisms are already in place, with over €1 trillion in investments expected to be mobilised over the next decade. To protect European citizens and ecosystems from various forms of water pollution, the EU must improve its prevention, monitoring, and reporting practices, as well as rehabilitation efforts for contaminated natural habitats. A more systematic approach is needed to achieve the ambitious targets set out in detailed legislation, regulations, and actions. To coordinate these efforts, the Zero Pollution Action Plan was adopted in 2021 recognising the importance of water quality amongst soil and air.
Another key aspect of the EU Green Deal is moving beyond the end-of-pipe approach and focusing on prevention. Sustainable processes produce less waste, and therefore, companies, states, and the EU must invest directly in sustainable projects and activities such as the AQUATIC PLASTIC project.
TerritorialAgenda2030 The Territorial Agenda underlines the importance of and provides orientation for strategic spatial planning and calls for strengthening the territorial dimension of sector policies at all governance levels. The Agenda focuses on halting loss of biodiversity and land consumption, and the melioration of air, soil and water quality among many other areas to respond to the increasing pressure concerning sustainable development and climate change. Endorsed by the AQUATIC PLASTIC project, the Agenda sets objectives to reach a better ecological livelihood across Europe, climate-neutral and resilient regions.
In order to contribute to these goals, actions implemented under the Project will strengthen coordinated sector policy territorial impacts and coherence; territorial cohesion at cross-border, transnational, inter- and intra-regional level by promoting and assisting to the formulation and implementation of territorially, sectorally and socially inclusive river basin management plans.
Other The EU Water Framework Directive:
The main objective of the project is to enhance the quality of river water and foster effective communication and collaboration among diverse stakeholders involved in water management. The project's aim aligns with the objectives outlined in the Water Framework Directive, which emphasizes achieving good surface water quality and establishing sustainable transnational water management within the Danube basin. The project encompasses two key activities: measuring and mitigating plastic pollution in rivers and empowering stakeholders engaged in this domain. These activities are well-aligned with the goals of the Directive, as they contribute to the overall improvement of water quality and promote sustainable practices in water management. By measuring and reducing plastic pollution, the project addresses a significant environmental challenge and supports the preservation of aquatic ecosystems. Furthermore, empowering stakeholders active in this field enhances their capacity to implement effective solutions, encourages collaboration, and fosters a shared responsibility for maintaining and improving river water quality. The collaborative and transnational approach adopted by the project reflects the Directive's emphasis on stakeholder involvement and cross-border cooperation, ultimately fostering a more comprehensive and effective approach to water management.
Overall, the project's activities and objectives demonstrate a strong commitment to the principles and targets of the Water Framework Directive, contributing to the achievement of sustainable and transnational water management in the Danube basin.
Other ICPDR ‒ Danube River Basin Management Plan (Update 2021):
The Danube River Basin Management Plan (DRBMP) recognises rivers amongst surface waters as the main carriers of pollutants. Riverine litter accumulations being source of plastic floods are threatening biodiversity by creating a huge environmental pressure in the floodplains. According to the DRPBM untreated waste causes the greatest issues in water management and the overall water quality in form of point sources in the Danube Basin.
The AQUATIC PLASTIC Project is dedicated to preventing and reducing water pollution from point and diffuse sources in the Danube Region, especially related to emerging substances inter alia by promoting best management practices, collecting data on riverine litter (macro-and microplastics), identifying and restoring high-risk leakage points, while also providing data for the elaboration and contributing to the implementation of sub-basin management plans, such as the Tisza sub-basin and the Danube Delta management plan.
The Project’s efforts are also focused on capacity building activities within the DRB countries to enable the above-mentioned consistent monitoring and riverine waste treatment efforts.
Policy recommendations will be formulated during the Project to gain control over hazardous substances, and solid waste pollution from the source to HEPPs in accordance with the DRPBM.
Measures to reduce transport between the soil systems and rivers are also highlighted in the Action Plan since some of the indicator substances, soil related pathways like erosion of top-soils, drainage flows and groundwater flows are responsible for a large share of the emissions to surface waters. Measures to reduce transport between the adjacent soil systems and rivers can be expected to directly reduce such emissions. This concerns Project activities that promote the introduction of buffer strips, wetland and floodplain restoration also in response to climate change.
Other Integrated Territorial Instrument of the Danube Delta (World Bank, ESI Funds):
The Integrated Territorial Instrument for the Danube Delta was established by EU Cohesion Policy (2014-2020) in order to enable the strategic and financial support for integrated development of the area. Its actual implementation is guided by the Integrated Strategy for the Development of the Danube Delta (ISDDD), which constitutes a blueprint for the economic, social and environmental development of the Delta. The strategy ISDDD establishes a vision and strategic objectives for the development of the Danube Delta region (Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve Area; Neighbouring Area of the Danube Delta) for a period of 15 years, until 2030. The implementation of the AQUATIC PLASTIC project greatly supports the conservation of the unique environmental and natural resource assets through scientifically-guided environmental management, and through empowerment of local communities as proactive guardians of the unique global heritage of the Delta as set out in the ISDDD.
Other EU Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR):
The general objective of the EUSAIR is to promote economic and social prosperity and growth in the region by improving its attractiveness, competitiveness and connectivity. With four EU members and four non EU countries the strategy will contribute to the further integration of the Western Balkans. As 6 out of 14PPs in the AQUATIC PLASTIC project are part of the EUAIR Region, the Project will make significant contributions the area through halting the loss of biodiversity and the degradation of ecosystem services by carrying out restoration activities, and through improving waste management by reducing waste flows to the sea and, to reduce nutrient flows and other pollutants to the rivers and the sea (Pillar 3: Environmental Quality).
Other EU Biodiversity Strategy and Water Framework Directive:
The AQUATIC PLASTIC project's main objective is to meliorate water quality in the Danube River Basin, which is closely related to the Water Framework Directive's goal for good quality surface water supply. Also by giving rights to rivers a higher protection of aquatic environments can be achieved, further serving the goals of the Directive and the EU Biodiversity Strategy in terms of strengthening legal framework for restoring nature. As previously stated, cross-sectoral roundtables will be organised to bring stakeholders of land use and of water management closer, which can result in the improvement of both river water quality and agroecosystems as indicated in the Strategy. A significant part of the project is the involvement of citizens’ in scientific research in order to achieve a whole-society-approach also stated in the Strategy.
Other Waste Framework Directive: The Waste Framework Directive (2008/98/EC) establishes the fundamental concepts and definitions related to waste management, serving as a direct legal instrument. It sets out basic waste management principles and introduces the “Polluter Pays Principle” and “Extended Producer Responsibility.” These ensure, among other obligations, the financial responsibility of polluters and producers throughout Europe for their end-of-life products, including plastics.
Other UNEA Resolution 5/14:
The resolution, entitled “End plastic pollution: Towards an international legally binding instrument”, established an intergovernmental negotiating committee (INC) with the aim of completing a legally binding agreement by the end of 2024 to end plastic pollution. This agreement will address the entire lifecycle of plastics, including the design of reusable and recyclable products and materials, and the need for enhanced international collaboration. Open-ended working groups were organised for stakeholders impacted by the proposed international instrument, and their input will help to ensure faster adaptation of the instruments in practice. This global-level effort is a significant step towards addressing the issue of plastic pollution.
Other Global Commitment 2022:
Led by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation in collaboration with the UN Environment Programme, the Global Commitment has united over 500 organisations behind a common vision of a circular economy for plastics. These organisations, representing 20% of all plastic packaging produced globally, have committed to ambitious targets for 2025 aimed at tackling plastic pollution at its source. The Global Commitment is an excellent example of how collective action and collaboration can lead to concrete solutions for a pressing environmental issue. The AQUATIC PLASTIC project will make significant effort to contribute to the circularity of the Danube Region through implementing actions that discover the possibilities to recycle, reuse and monitor macroplastics in the river basin.
Other IOC-UNESCO, Ocean literacy for all: a toolkit and the Strategic Action Plan for the Environmental Protection and Rehabilitation of the Black Sea:
The Ocean Literacy Framework was originally developed for use in the United States, but its impact has since spread globally. The framework has inspired several significant efforts to promote ocean literacy, including conferences and meetings in countries such as Portugal, Japan, Belgium, Chile, Australia, Fiji, and Italy. In addition, organisations such as the European Marine Science Educators Association have also dedicated themselves to promoting ocean literacy. The European Commission has recognised the importance of ocean literacy and has funded two large H2020 initiatives, Sea Change and ResponSEAble, to spread awareness and understanding of the seas across Europe. These efforts align with the EU's Action Plan to protect and restore marine ecosystems, which includes the elaboration of marine litter action plans in regions such as the Black Sea where the AQUATIC PLASTIC project will carry out microplastic sampling activities in the Danube Delta.
The Ocean Literacy toolkit provides educators and learners worldwide innovative tools. It also presents the essential scientific principles and information needed to understand the cause-effect relationship between individual and collective behaviour and the impacts that threaten the ocean health. This publication will be the basis for each strategic, educational and disseminative document assembled during the AQUATIC PLASTIC Project in order to inspire readers - scientists, educators and learners - to take greater personal responsibility for riverine pollution (being the a major root cause for litter accumulations in seas and oceans and other marine life threatening issues), as well as to enable them to act as citizens, working through partnerships and networks, sharing ideas and experiences and developing new approaches and initiatives in support of river literacy.
Other REGULATION (EU) 2020/852 on the establishment of a framework to facilitate sustainable investment Corporate Social Responsibility Directive (CSRD):
The EU Taxonomy (Reg. EU 2020/852) was developed to create a level playing field for stakeholders and provide a classification system for environmentally sustainable activities. The Commission has created lists of environmentally sustainable activities by defining technical screening criteria for each environmental objective through "delegated acts." The Taxonomy can play a crucial role in redirecting investments towards sustainability and help implement the European Green Deal.
The European Commission has also released a proposal for the new Corporate Social Responsibility Directive (CSRD) in conjunction with the introduction of the taxonomy. The CSRD aims to establish a new sustainability reporting framework starting from 2023 and will replace the Non-Financial Reporting Directive (NFRD) which was previously in effect. This new reporting system will serve as an additional driving force in the transition towards a green economy by providing a means of making sustainable efforts comparable and transparent.
Other COM/2018/028, A European Strategy for Plastics in a Circular Economy:
As part of the EU's circular economy action plan, the European Plastic Strategy builds on existing measures to reduce plastic waste, contributing to the objectives of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Climate Agreement. The Plastic Strategy aims to transform the design, production, use, and recycling of plastic products in the EU. By 2030, all plastic packaging should be recyclable. The Strategy will be used as guidance during the process indicating critical points of collection to give added value to upcycled plastic materials originated from riverine waste under the AQUATIC PLASTIC project.
Other Directive on single-use plastics:
The Directive on single-use plastics (SUP) aims to reduce the volume and impact of plastic products and is a one-of-a-kind regulation that addresses the root of the problem by banning certain products from the EU markets where sustainable alternatives are readily available and affordable. These products include cotton bud sticks, cutlery, plates, straws, stirrers, and bars for balloons, as well as cups, food and beverage containers made of expanded polystyrene, and all products made of oxo-degradable plastic. These measures aim to achieve a "measurable quantitative reduction" by 2026 compared to 2022 through actions such as national consumption reduction targets, promotion of reusable alternatives, and marketing restrictions.
Other Ecodesign Directive – COM/2022/140
on making sustainable products the norm:
The European Commission has also released a communication emphasising the importance of making sustainable products the norm. This communication highlights the proposed Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), which will establish a framework for setting ecodesign and information requirements for specific product categories. The ESPR aims to significantly improve the circularity, energy performance, and other environmental sustainability aspects of products, which will be the basis for the testing of innovative production processes for added value of upcycled river waste products.
Other Marine Strategy Framework Directive; HELCOM Regional Action Plan on Marine Litter Fertilising Products Regulation; REACH
restriction proposal; Plastics strategy:
The European Commission is announcing new initiatives to address the unintentional release of macro- and microplastics in the environment, such as developing labelling, standardisation, certification, and regulatory measures, delivering harmonised data on microplastics concentrations in seawater, and closing gaps in scientific knowledge related to the risk and presence of microplastics in the environment, drinking water, and food. Many activities in the AQUATIC PLASTIC Project aim for the better understanding of the effects of macro- and microplastics by gathering and analysing data, complementing the scope of the above-mentioned initiatives.

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:

Delivered output indicator(s):

(RCO84) Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects : 1.0

Programme Common Result Indicator:

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

Programme Result Indicator:

ISI - Organisations with increased institutional capacity due to their participation in cooperation activities across the borders, Measurement unit: No. of organisations

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 Danube

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

2025-12-17

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

138 / 139 (99.28%)

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

1 413 / 1 382 (102.24%)

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Initiating bottom-up management solutions to reduce plastic waste in the Danube Basin

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Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

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

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