Initiating bottom-up management solutions to reduce plastic waste in the Danube Basin
Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B DanubeDescription
(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
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 (13)
Lead Partner: PET Kupa Egyesület
Partner’s ID if not PIC: HU18228476241
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: Ex Ante Tanácsadó Iroda Kft.
VAT registration or tax identification number: HU12951501
- Udruženje građana "Eko centar" Višegrad
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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
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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
- Centar za ekotoksikološka ispitivanja Podgorica
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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
- Fakultet tehničkih nauka Novi Sad
-
Name: Fakultet tehničkih nauka Novi Sad
Partner’s ID if not PIC: 100724720
Address: 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: InforNess Training Kft.
VAT registration or tax identification number: 25799628-2-41, HU25799628
-
Name: InforNess Training Kft.
- 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
- Институт по Океанология-БАН
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Name: Институт по Океанология-БАН
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
- 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
- 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
- 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, 1190 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
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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
Partners map
Lead partner
Project partner
Summary
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 2 166 493.50
Total EU funding (amount): EUR 1 733 194.80
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:
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RCO 084 - Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects, Measurement unit:
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RCO 116 - Jointly developed solutions, Measurement unit:
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RCO 087 - Organisations cooperating across borders, Measurement unit:
Programme Common Result Indicator:
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RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:
Programme Result Indicator:
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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
2024-12-18
No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)
82 / 139 (58.99%)
No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)
910 / 1 542 (59.01%)
Notes on the data
Source of estimation of the number of projects as of 2025-03-17: Website of the programme
Method for estimating the number of partners as of 2025-03-17: Average partners per project based on the average of the previous period.