PREVENT - Pollution Reduction and Early-warning for Vulnerable Ecosystems in Adriatic-Ionian Territories

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B IPA Adriatic-Ionian

Date of latest update: 2026-01-29

Description

Description (EN):

The project addresses the common challenge of marine pollution in the Adriatic-Ionian region. This challenge is exacerbated by climatic changes and poses a significant threat to the region's ecosystems, communities, and economies. The project aims to develop innovative tools and methods for early detection, prevention, and management of marine litter, ultimately establishing a robust network of stakeholders and delivering 1 Joint Marine Litter Prevention and Management Strategy (JMLPMS), 1 Climate Resilient Adriatic-Ionian Action Plan (CRAIAP) and 1 Adriatic-Ionian Marine Litter Innovation Network (AIMLIN), 2 Pilot Actions testing early detection system and marine litter forecasting model and 2 jointly developed solutions. The overall objective of the project is to enhance the resilience of the Adriatic-Ionian region to climate change and man-made disasters by effectively combating marine pollution. By implementing science-based solutions, fostering collaboration among key stakeholders, and promoting knowledge exchange, the project will contribute to the region's transition towards a greener and climate-resilient future. The main outputs of the project include the development of the Climate Resilient Adriatic-Ionian Action Plan (CRAIAP), the Joint Marine Litter Prevention and Management Strategy (JMLPMS), and comprehensive policy recommendations for marine litter management. These outputs will provide practical guidance, strategic roadmaps, and actionable measures for decision-makers, policymakers, and relevant institutions at local, regional, and national levels. The beneficiaries of the project are diverse and include the partner organizations involved, local communities, industries, policy-making bodies, and other stakeholders in the Adriatic-Ionian region. The project outputs will equip these stakeholders with innovative tools, strategies, and knowledge to effectively address marine pollution, enhance early detection capabilities, promote sustainable waste management practices, and foster transnational collaboration. The transnational approach adopted by the project is crucial due to the shared nature of the challenge and the need for coordinated efforts. Marine pollution knows no borders, and a collective response is essential to effectively address this complex issue. By bringing together expertise, resources, and experiences from seven countries, the project will leverage the strengths and capabilities of each partner, facilitating policy learning, promoting transnational dialogue, and establishing a sustainable network for continued cooperation. What sets the PREVENT project apart is its comprehensive and integrated approach to marine litter management. The project combines innovative technologies, such as early detection systems and forecasting models, with knowledge-sharing platforms, policy recommendations, and capacity-building activities. By integrating scientific research, community engagement, and policy development, the project aims to create a lasting impact on the region's marine ecosystem, enhance its resilience to climate change, and contribute to the sustainable development of the Adriatic-Ionian region.

Actual Achievements (EN):

The project activities are carried out by the PPs within the timeframes and established in the Application Form. The L.P. Poliba organized the Kick-Off Meeting on October 24 and 25, 2024 in Bari, providing the other partners with the knowledge necessary to start the project activities both for the implementation of the Project and for the preparation of the narrative and financial Report. The activities have always been coordinated by the Poliba, in the person of Prof. Dora Foti. As regards activity 1.1 in order to create the Innovation Network envisaged by the Project, the LP prepared the text of the Memorandum of Understanding which was submitted to the individual project partners as well as to the Stakeholders and which was duly signed by all the partners, founding members, as well as by the stakeholders involved in the capacity of full or associated members. This is the first deliverable (D1.1.1.) expected and completed. Activity 1.2 - All the P.P.s involved participated, under the coordination of PP10 SEA CRAS in a series of technical meetings within the framework of the Activity (In situ monitoring of marine pollutants in selected areas in order to develop early detection mechanisms). This was carried out under the supervision and in agreement with the lead partner, POLIBA. The L.P. during the next month of August will be in Croatia from where he will undertake a verification visit of the monitoring activities in the sites identified for the detection of plastic waste, both on the coast and in the open sea, in particular on Korčula Island, Pupnatska Luka beach, Bay of Kotor, Mljet Island and Sutmiholjska beach. (D.1.2.1) Activity 1.3 - PP9 and PP4, through coordination meetings and constant communications, ensured adequate dissemination of the documents produced and further analysis. D.1.3.1 – Information from the literature review and analysis of existing EU projects has been collected and the data collection form has been drafted and designed. D.1.3.2 – Results of consultations with different stakeholders, including local communities, environmental NGOs and government bodies, have been collected, with a total contribution of 52 responses from representatives at the time of writing the report. D.1.3.3 – The database is a structured archive of historical data on critical events related to marine litter. The two mentioned partners agreed on the design of the database during the data collection period. Activity 1.4 – During the first semester, PPs Read and Atrac coordinated to organize and implement the meetings scheduled for 06 March 2025 in Slovenia and 19 June 2025 in Greece (D.1.4.1) Activity 1.5 – Partners have been active in the development of the Data Base. In particular, NCSRD has developed a demo application for pollution monitoring that will allow users to collect pollution data through crowdsourcing by uploading images of pollution, categorizing them (e.g. oil, plastic, wastewater) and providing descriptions. The data is then stored in a database and displayed on a map to highlight pollution hotspots. Pollution data will be collected, categorized and analyzed for scientific purposes (D. 1.5.1) Activity 1.6 - READ S.A. is responsible for the communication of the project. In the first semester, it defined the project on social media in coordination with Poliba, developed the communication strategy of the project (D.1.6.1. completed). Activity 1.7 - Also within PP5, READ S.A. is responsible for the communication of the project. READ S.A., created the visual identity of the project, and developed the poster, the banner, the newsletter and the first press release. (D.1.7.1. completed). Activity 1.8 - The first S.C. meeting was held during the KoM in Bari. There, partners discussed how to structure the management, internal communication and risk management related to the development of the project activities. CNA Lecce and Poliba then produced a document containing these three deliverables, which will serve to ensure the continuation of the project according to the timing and development established by AF. The second meeting of the steering committee will be held online approximately halfway through the second semester of the project to take stock of the project activities and finalize the completion of the activities and the achievement of the established deliverables (D.1.8.1) We are in the initial phase of the project and therefore in the preparation phase and beginning of the creation of the solid and collaborative innovation network that will successfully test and implement science-based solutions for the collection and recycling of marine litter. The concrete results will be seen starting from the end of the first year of the project with the completion of the activities of WP1, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4 and 1.5 that will provide us with the first concrete data of the innovation network. Good collaboration and cross-border cooperation between the partners. During the first year of implementation, the PREVENT project has advanced consistently according to the timeline and structure defined in the Application Form. Activities under Work Package 1 have been successfully launched and coordinated by the Lead Partner (POLIBA), ensuring sound management, methodological coherence, and continuous guidance to all partners. The project has already delivered its initial outputs and established solid foundations for achieving its overall objective: promoting climate change adaptation and resilience through science-based solutions for marine litter prevention and management in the Adriatic-Ionian region.The project officially started with the Kick-off Meeting and first S.C. held in Bari on 24–25 October 2024. The event gathered all partners and marked the operational start of the project, setting up governance, communication protocols, and reporting procedures. A second Steering Committee was organised online in June 2025, ensuring coordination, risk management, and quality control.Under Activity 1.1, POLIBA prepared and coordinated the MoU establishing the Adriatic-Ionian Marine Litter Innovation Network (AIMLIN), which has been signed by all partners and key stakeholders, including new members such as research institutes and NGOs. This Network represents the backbone of PREVENT’s transnational cooperation, fostering knowledge exchange and cross-sectoral collaboration. Within Activity 1.2, led by SEACRAS (PP10) and supported by all partners, in-situ monitoring of marine pollutants was implemented in selected coastal and marine sites (Korčula, Mljet, Boka Kotorska Bay, among others). Monitoring plans were jointly designed, and data are being collected and processed through a common methodology. A major innovation achieved during this period was the development of the PREVENT Mobile Application, enabling citizens and tourists to report pollution events in real time. The data are integrated into the project’s web-based dashboard, reinforcing early detection and citizen engagement.Under Activity 1.3, led by UKLO and NCSRD, extensive research was conducted on historical marine litter events. The main outputs include the Literature Review Summary Report, the Stakeholder Consultation Report (with over 120 responses collected across the region), and the Database of Critical Marine Litter Events, providing a comprehensive overview of pollution trends, causes, and impacts. This database serves as the scientific foundation for the development of future policy measures and interactive tools. Activity 1.4 focused on transnational meetings and stakeholder engagement. Two major events were organized: one in Slovenia (March 2025) and the other on the island of Rhodes (June 2025), bringing together local authorities, NGOs, and research institutions. The Knowledge Database was developed. These meetings promoted dialogue, the exchange of best practices, and the integration of new members into AIMLIN.Under Activity 1.5, the interactive online database and AI-powered dashboard (“Prevent Web Application”) were designed and deployed. This innovative digital platform integrates data from citizen science, satellite imagery, and historical records. It features real-time mapping, data filtering, and an AI-based knowledge tool (“PreventGPT”), allowing users to access and analyse scientific and policy documents through an intelligent search and visualization system. This tool represents a major technological achievement of PREVENT and a lasting contribution to regional knowledge sharing.In Activities 1.6 and 1.7, led by READ S.A., the project’s communication and visibility were strengthened. Key outputs include the Communication Strategy, project identity, brochure, social media channels, and dissemination materials (poster, banner, newsletters, press releases). Regular updates and campaigns on social media have significantly increased project visibility and stakeholder engagement.Finally, Activity 1.8, coordinated by POLIBA and CNA Lecce, ensured the effective functioning of project governance through the Steering Committees and internal management tools. A dedicated Risk Assessment and Management Report was also prepared to support sound implementation.Across all activities, the partnership demonstrated strong transnational cooperation and knowledge transfer. Partners from academia, research, public bodies, and SMEs contributed complementary expertise—from advanced monitoring technologies to stakeholder engagement and communication—creating strong synergies and shared ownership of results. The project achieved notable progress in its first year, delivering planned outputs, consolidating the AIMLIN network, and developing innovative tools for marine litter monitoring and prevention. These achievements lay the groundwork for the next phase, when the data and technologies developed will support evidence-based policymaking and strengthen coastal ecosystem resilience in the Adriatic-Ionian region.

Project outputs: Adriatic-Ionian Marine Litter Innovation Network (AIMLIN)(EN)
Pilot Action: Early Detection System for Marine Pollution and Marine Litter Forecasting Model(EN)
Joint Solution: Sustainable Methodology for Reusing Plastics from Marine Litter(EN)
Joint Solution: Transnational Marine Litter Management System (JTMLMS)(EN)
Pilot Action: Developing an efficient, eco-friendly method for reusing plastic waste(EN)
Joint Marine Litter Prevention and Management Strategy (JMLPMS)(EN)
Climate Resilient Adriatic-Ionian Action Plan (CRAIAP)(EN)

Thematic information

Scientific cooperation ICT and digital society Waste and pollution

Priority: (VI-B_IPA-A_2) Supporting a greener and climate resilient Adriatic-Ionian region

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

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

Type of intervention: 061 Risk prevention and management of non-climate related natural risks (for example earthquakes) and risks linked to human activities (for example technological accidents), including awareness raising, civil protection and disaster management systems, infrastructures and ecosystem based approaches

Partners (10)

Lead Partner: Politecnico di Bari

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 999431159

Partner’s ID if not PIC: IT04301530723

Department: Department of Architecture, Construction and Design (ArCoD)

Address: Via Amendola , 70126 Bari, Italy

Department address: Via Orabona , 70125 Bari, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.poliba.it

Total budget: EUR 542 500.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 461 125.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 81 375.00

Contractors:

Name: Hrvoje Vargic
VAT registration or tax identification number: HR44516600750
Name: Guido Bruno Crastolla
VAT registration or tax identification number: 09711030586
Name: Vito D'Eredità di A. D'Eredità
VAT registration or tax identification number: 07907660729

SEA CRAS d.o.o.

Name: SEA CRAS d.o.o.

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 883783006

Partner’s ID if not PIC: HR70844303390

Address: Avenija Dubrovnik , 10000 Zagreb, Croatia

Legal status: private

Organisation type: SME

Website: https://seacras.com/en/

Total budget: EUR 136 750.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 116 237.50

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 20 512.50

Универзитет „Св. Климент Охридски“ Битола, Факултет за безбедност - Скопје

Name: Универзитет „Св. Климент Охридски“ Битола, Факултет за безбедност - Скопје

Department: Faculty od Security – Skopje

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 998930833

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 4002979132007

Address: Bulevar 1vi Maj, 7000 Bitola, North Macedonia

Department address: St. 1 Kolonija - Idrizovo , 1000 Skopje, North Macedonia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.uklo.edu.mk

Total budget: EUR 98 700.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 83 895.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 14 805.00

JAVNA USTANOVA UNIVERZITET CRNE GORE

Name: JAVNA USTANOVA UNIVERZITET CRNE GORE

Department: Rectorate

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 999836328

Partner’s ID if not PIC: ME3031039516

Address: Cetinjska , 81000 Podgorica, Montenegro

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.ucg.ac.me

Total budget: EUR 111 300.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 94 605.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 16 695.00

Jadranski edukativno-istraživački centar za reagiranja na iznenadna onečišćenja mora

Name: Jadranski edukativno-istraživački centar za reagiranja na iznenadna onečišćenja mora

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 890495600

Partner’s ID if not PIC: HR 15446610978

Address: Janka Polić Kamova , 51000 Rijeka, Croatia

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Education/training centre and school

Website: http://www.atrac.hr

Total budget: EUR 108 228.12

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 91 993.90

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 16 234.22

BASHKIA VLORE

Name: BASHKIA VLORE

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 917616218

Partner’s ID if not PIC: K56703201O

Address: Square “4 Heronjte”, 9400 Vlore, Albania

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: http://www.vlora.gov.al

Total budget: EUR 56 400.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 47 940.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 8 460.00

Αναπτυξιακή Εταιρεία Περιφέρειας Νοτίου Αιγαίου –ΕΝΕΡΓΕΙΑΚΗ Α.Ε.

Name: Αναπτυξιακή Εταιρεία Περιφέρειας Νοτίου Αιγαίου –ΕΝΕΡΓΕΙΑΚΗ Α.Ε.

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 935448504

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 094358600

Address: Eleftherias Sq., 85131 Rhodes, Greece

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Sectoral agency

Website: http://www.readsa.gr

Total budget: EUR 150 500.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 127 925.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 22 575.00

Εθνικό Κέντρο Έρευνας Φυσικών Επιστημών "Δημόκριτος"

Name: Εθνικό Κέντρο Έρευνας Φυσικών Επιστημών "Δημόκριτος"

Department: Institute of Informatics and Telecommunications (IIT) – ehealth & knowledge management unit

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 999978239

Address: Patr. Gregoriou E & Neapoleos Str, 15310 Agia Paraskevi, Greece

Department address: Patr. Gregoriou E & Neapoleos Str, 15310 Agia Paraskevi, Greece

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.demokritos.gr/

Total budget: EUR 147 475.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 125 353.75

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 22 121.25

Contractors:

Name: Anastasopoulou Eustathia
VAT registration or tax identification number: 063062957

Kemijski inštitut

Name: Kemijski inštitut

Department: Department of Catalysis and Chemical Reaction Engineering

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 998756718

Partner’s ID if not PIC: SI 33840890

Address: Hajdrihova ulica , 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Department address: Hajdrihova ulica , 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://www.ki.si/en/

Total budget: EUR 119 700.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 101 745.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 17 955.00

CONFEDERAZIONE NAZION. DELL’ARTIGIANATO E DELLA PICCOLA E MEDIA IMPRESA ASSOC. TERRITORIALE DI LECCE

Name: CONFEDERAZIONE NAZION. DELL’ARTIGIANATO E DELLA PICCOLA E MEDIA IMPRESA ASSOC. TERRITORIALE DI LECCE

Department: N/A

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 913069731

Partner’s ID if not PIC: n/a | 80017240757 | Fiscal code (EN)

Address: G. BRUNETTI , 73100 Lecce, Italy

Legal status: private

Organisation type: Business support organisation

Website: http://www.cnalecce.it

Total budget: EUR 116 480.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 99 008.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 17 472.00

Contractors:

Name: Alessandro Mariano
VAT registration or tax identification number: IT04799320751

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

Sea Cras Ltd.

PREVENT - Pollution Reduction and Early-warning for Vulnerable Ecosystems in Adriatic-Ionian Territories

Partners and Projects info

University “St. Kliment Ohridski” Bitola

PREVENT - Pollution Reduction and Early-warning for Vulnerable Ecosystems in Adriatic-Ionian Territories

Partners and Projects info

UNIVERSITY OF MONTENEGRO

PREVENT - Pollution Reduction and Early-warning for Vulnerable Ecosystems in Adriatic-Ionian Territories

Partners and Projects info

Adriatic Training and Research Centre for accidental marine pollution preparedness and response

PREVENT - Pollution Reduction and Early-warning for Vulnerable Ecosystems in Adriatic-Ionian Territories

Partners and Projects info

MUNICIPALITY OF VLORE

PREVENT - Pollution Reduction and Early-warning for Vulnerable Ecosystems in Adriatic-Ionian Territories

Partners and Projects info

Development Agency of South Aegean Region –READ S.A.

PREVENT - Pollution Reduction and Early-warning for Vulnerable Ecosystems in Adriatic-Ionian Territories

Partners and Projects info

National Centre for Scientific Research Demokritos

PREVENT - Pollution Reduction and Early-warning for Vulnerable Ecosystems in Adriatic-Ionian Territories

Partners and Projects info

National Institute of Chemistry

PREVENT - Pollution Reduction and Early-warning for Vulnerable Ecosystems in Adriatic-Ionian Territories

Partners and Projects info

NATIONAL CONFEDERATION OF HANDICRAFTS AND SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES TERRITORIAL ASSOC. OF LECCE

PREVENT - Pollution Reduction and Early-warning for Vulnerable Ecosystems in Adriatic-Ionian Territories

Partners and Projects info

Polytechnic University of Bari

PREVENT - Pollution Reduction and Early-warning for Vulnerable Ecosystems in Adriatic-Ionian Territories

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): PREVENT - Pollution Reduction and Early-warning for Vulnerable Ecosystems in Adriatic-Ionian Territories

Project acronym: PREVENT

Project ID: IPA-ADRION00419

Project start date: 2024-09-01

Project end date: 2027-08-31

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

SunWater - SUstaiNable WATER supply networks in Mediterranean touristic areas (Interreg Greece-Italy 2014-2020) (EN) | POLIBA was a partner in this project. Models for detecting water quality will be utilized when designing and implementing in-situ water montoring in PREVENT. (EN), REMEDIES
HORIZON-MISS-2021-OCEAN-03-01 (EN) | NIC is coordinating this Horizon Misison as Mediterranean sea basin lighthouse implement innovation actions to prevent, minimize and remediate litter and plastic pollution. NIC is leading the WP monitoring plastic litter where protocols will be assessed and shared as well part of the team is also involved in zero-waste solutions as a plastic prevention measure. The synergy with this WP will be utilized in PREVENT. (EN), UPSTREAM
HORIZON-MISS-2022-OCEAN-03-03 (EN) | NIC is partners leading WP Knowledge co-creation, community engagement & dissemination with the main focus on circular and bio-based solutions for the ultimate prevention of plastics in rivers. This will be used for developing prevention mechanisms in PREVENT. (EN), Keep Aegean Blue (READ S.A. initiative) (EN) | Project’s biggest mission of underwater, beach cleanups and educational programs about ocean conservation ever taken place in Greece. All For Blue, organized by the South Aegean Region in cooperation with the Greek non-profit organization “All for Blue” and with the participation of thousands of volunteers, has combined eco friendly actions with the adventure for the protection of the oceans. Marine litter management practices will inform PREVENT’s methodologies. (EN), i-Alarms - Ionian-Adriatic early warning Monitoring System, Cross–Border Cooperation Programme 2014-2020 (EN) | “i-ALARMS” project is centered on the development of an operational tool and the assessment of a unique state-of-the-art Early Warning System (EWS) organized according to the nature of the local bi-lateral natural hazards occurrences. It is based on historical and new hydro-meteorological and fire forest observations and modeling systems. The useful AI and machine learning forecasting algorithms will potentially be adapted in PREVENT. (EN), Project PEPSEA (Interreg Italy-Croatia) (EN) | The overall objective of the PEPSEA project was to develop an adequate and timely response system for cases of incidental sea pollution in enclosed parts of the sea. The system should include the approaches and equipment for and behaviour towards the incidents in three different phases – before (prevention, mitigation, detection, early warning), during (interventions) and after the incident (remediation and monitoring). Its goal was that the response system is developed as a customizable model (in terms of possibilities to adjust to local character of Enclosed parts of sea) which would then be transferable and applicable in all other EPSs in Adriatic Region, and preferably beyond. Synergies with protection of the sensitive marine environment mechanisms from PEPSEA will be used in PREVENT. (EN), Improvement of the infrastructure for the collection of wastewaters for the city of Skopje
EuropeAid/137719/IH/WKS/MK (EN) | Improving the environment and people's health through the collection and treatment of wastewater in the city of Skopje. Construction of main collectors for the collection of wastewaters on the left and right banks of the Vardar River. (EN), Supervision over the implementation of the contract for works to improve the infrastructure for the collection of waste water in the city of Skopje
Europe Aid/137717/IH/SER/MK
Тековни проекти | МЖСПП (moepp.gov.mk) (EN) | To improve the municipal infrastructure for wastewater collection in accordance with Directive 91/271/EC and the Macedonian law.
The project envisages measures to upgrade the existing sewage system in the city of Skopje, which would contribute to the following:
Improved hygiene standards for the population
Fewer problems in the maintenance of the sewage system
Prevention of surface and underground water pollution and protection of the watercourse of Vardar
Proper functioning of the future Central WWTP. (EN), Development of an information system for environmental monitoring
Europe Aid/139107/IH/SER/MK (EN) | Developing an integrated national environmental monitoring network to meet national and international reporting requirements while providing high quality, comparable and relevant information on the state of the environment.
Strengthening the administrative capacity for implementation and maintenance of the National Environmental Information System and the National Environmental Monitoring Network;
(EN), BLUEINVEST Cycle 6 2021/2022, Ocean Observation (EN) | Synergy in terms of tunning the commercial service with respect to legal framework and EU strategic development:
As part of BlueInvest Cycle 6 program SeaCras worked on brining value-added services and products for marine preservation to stakeholders in EU, while aligning to existing legislation on EU and national Member states strategic plans (EN), BLUE BIO VALUE Acceleration, Portugal, 2022 (EN) | Synergy in terms of direct marine preservation in aquaculture (From Farm to Fork): As a part of Blue Bio Value 2022 program SeaCras on assisting aquaculture companies in coastal areas for algal blooms predictions. (EN), SpillAlert 2023 EUSPA - myEUspace Awards, category Our Green Planet, Prague, 2022 (EN) | Synergy in terms of technology development for the pollution detection and data processing automatization. (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 1 588 033.12

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 1 349 828.15

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 85.00%

Co-financing sources:

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Deliverables:

Memorandum of Understanding establishing the AIMLIN Network
Network Activity Reports
In-situ Marine Pollution Monitoring System
Report of in-situ monitoring data
Literature Review Summary Report
Stakeholder Consultation Report
Database of critical marine litter events in ADRION region
Knowledge Database
Interactive online database of water quality and monitoring research, policies and providers
Communication strategy and action plan
Visual Identity Kit and Style Guide
Steering committee management structures, internal communication and risk management
Steering committee meeting reports
Comprehensive Technology Assessment Report
Field Testing Results
Technology Adaptation Plan
Early Detection Technology Manual
Marine litter forecasting model
Technology Testing and Evaluation Report
Pilot Project Final Report
Sustainable Methodology Guidebook for Reusing Plastics in Building Materials
Joint Transnational Marine Litter Management System (JTMLMS)
JTMLMS User Manual
Technical Roundtables Action Reports
Social media activity reports
Steering committee meetings reports
Database of evidence
Stakeholder Consultation Report
Strategy Review and Refinement Report
Policy proposal on marine litter prevention and management
Policy Briefs
Policy adaptations
Training curriculum
Training Manual
Visibility materials
Evaluation report
Four Recorded Webinars
Post-Conference Report
Steering committee reports
Climate Resilient Adriatic-Ionian Action Plan (CRAIAP)

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

EUStrategyAdriaticIonianRegion The project directly contributes to the implementation of the EUSAIR Strategy / Action Plan through interconnected and integrated approach to addressing common challenges in the Adriatic-Ionian region, and by strengthening economic, social and territorial cohesion, and enhancing environmental sustainability and resilience in the area. The project aligns with EUSAIR objectives in several significant ways:
Enhancing Environmental Sustainability: The EUSAIR underscores the importance of the Adriatic and Ionian seas and the need to protect the marine environment as a significant shared resource. The PREVENT project, through its focus on the reduction of pollution and the establishment of early-warning mechanisms for vulnerable ecosystems, makes a significant contribution towards the achievement of this priority.
The project's focus on the protection of marine ecosystems supports the EUSAIR's goal of "Blue Growth". By developing strategies and innovative solutions for the early detection and prevention of marine pollution, PREVENT contributes to the sustainable use of marine resources, thus promoting blue growth and fostering a healthier marine environment.
By involving multiple universities, research centers, and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) across the region, the project aligns with the EUSAIR's commitment to boosting research, innovation, and competitiveness of SMEs. Through collaborative efforts and knowledge transfer, the project enhances the capacity of these organizations, fostering cross-border cooperation and promoting innovation.
Increasing Environmental and Climate Resilience: The EUSAIR also highlights the importance of enhancing resilience to climate change and environmental risks. The project's focus on the development of strategies, action plans, and early-warning systems directly aligns with this aim, helping to boost resilience to climate change and reduce risks associated with marine pollution.
EuropeanGreenDeal The project contributes to the implementation of the European Green Deal in several significant ways:
Climate Action: project directly contributes to the European Green Deal's goal of achieving a climate-neutral continent. By focusing on the reduction of marine pollution, including plastics that can significantly contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, the project supports efforts to mitigate climate change.
Biodiversity Conservation: Through its pollution reduction and early-warning system for vulnerable marine ecosystems, the project contributes significantly to preserving the biodiversity of the Adriatic-Ionian region.
Zero Pollution: A key ambition of the European Green Deal is to move towards a zero-pollution ambition for a toxic-free environment. Project aligns with this ambition by focusing on pollution reduction in the Adriatic-Ionian region. The project's innovative solutions for early detection and management of marine litter, particularly plastics, contribute to the reduction of toxic pollutants in marine ecosystems.
Circular Economy: The European Green Deal emphasizes the need to move towards a more circular economy where waste is minimized. Through its initiative to forecast marine litter creation and develop a joint transnational marine litter management system, the project supports this shift towards circularity, indirectly promoting waste reduction and recycling.
Stakeholder Engagement and Policy Integration: The European Green Deal also highlights the need for inclusive and just transition pathways, underlining the importance of engaging with local communities, businesses, and stakeholders. PREVENT project’s focus on capacity building, policy recommendations, and training programs directly supports this priority, ensuring that the transition towards a greener and climate-resilient Adriatic-Ionian region is inclusive, equitable, and supported by all stakeholders.
Other The project contributes to the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) of the European Union in the following ways:
Protection and Preservation of the Marine Environment: Through its focus on pollution reduction and the establishment of early-warning systems for vulnerable marine ecosystems, the project directly contributes to the MSFD's objective of protecting and preserving the marine environment. It also encourages sustainable use of the seas and conserves marine biodiversity, key objectives outlined in the MSFD.
Reduction of Pollution: The MSFD underscores the need to prevent and reduce inputs in the marine environment, particularly from marine litter. By developing strategies and tools for early detection of marine pollution, forecasting marine litter creation, and implementing a joint transnational marine litter management system, the project directly contributes to this objective.
Involvement of Stakeholders and Public: The MSFD encourages active involvement of stakeholders and the public in the implementation of the Directive. The project promotes stakeholder engagement and capacity building through the establishment of innovation networks, the development of joint marine litter prevention strategies and policy recommendations, and the creation of training programs for decision-makers, public officials, and government experts on marine litter management.
Transnational Cooperation: The MSFD emphasizes the importance of regional and sub-regional cooperation. Given the transnational nature of marine pollution, the project's collaboration between partners from various countries in the Adriatic-Ionian region is an exemplary model of the transnational cooperation envisioned by the MSFD.
Other The European Commission's Action Plan "Protecting and restoring marine ecosystems for sustainable and resilient fisheries" is an essential strategy for promoting sustainable fisheries and aquaculture and for conserving and restoring marine ecosystems in the EU. The project's alignment with this action plan is as follows:
Ecosystem Restoration: The action plan emphasizes the need to restore degraded marine ecosystems to a healthy state. The project's goal of pollution reduction, particularly in the form of marine litter, is essential in restoring these ecosystems. By mitigating marine pollution, the project supports the restoration of biodiversity and helps to improve the overall health of marine ecosystems.
Sustainable Use of Marine Resources: The project’s work on creating an early-warning system and a joint marine litter management system contribute significantly to ensuring the sustainable use of marine resources.
Research and Innovation: The action plan calls for the development of new technologies and innovation in the sector. The project directly contributes to this objective by piloting marine litter detection and forecasting technology.
Transnational Collaboration: Just as the action plan stresses on international cooperation, the project embodies this principle by bringing together a range of partners from different countries in the Adriatic-Ionian region. This joint action fosters shared solutions and facilitates the exchange of knowledge, best practices, and innovative approaches.
Policy Implementation: The project’s aim to create joint policy recommendations for decision-makers in the Adriatic-Ionian region aligns with the action plan's objective of promoting effective policy measures to protect and restore marine ecosystems. The localized adaptations of policy recommendations also ensure that the specific needs and conditions of the different regions are addressed.
Other The project contributes to the implementation of the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD) in the following ways:
Water Quality Improvement: A significant goal of the WFD is to improve and maintain high-quality water bodies. Through its focus on reducing marine pollution, particularly plastic and other litter, the PREVENT project helps to improve the overall quality of water bodies in the Adriatic-Ionian region.
Integrated Water Management: The WFD promotes an integrated approach to water management, focusing on entire river basins. The project's transnational approach aligns with this, promoting collaboration and shared solutions for pollution management across the Adriatic-Ionian region.
Public Participation: The WFD encourages the involvement of the public in water management and decision-making processes. The PREVENT project, with its focus on building capacity and creating joint policy proposals, supports active public and stakeholder involvement in protecting and managing water bodies.
Use of Innovative Technology: The project's focus on utilizing and transferring technologies for early detection of pollution aligns with the WFD's support for using innovative methods for water management. The development and piloting of marine litter detection and forecasting technology contribute significantly to the advancement of such innovative tools.
Transboundary Cooperation: The WFD encourages cooperation among EU Member States in the management of river basins that extend across one or more national boundaries. The project, involving multiple countries in the Adriatic-Ionian region, exemplifies this kind of transboundary cooperation and promotes a collective response to shared challenges.

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 084 - Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects, Measurement unit:
RCO 116 - Jointly developed solutions, Measurement unit:
RCO 083 - Strategies and action plans jointly developed, Measurement unit:
RCO 087 - Organisations cooperating across borders, Measurement unit:

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 084 - Organisations cooperating across borders after project completion, Measurement unit:
RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:
RCR 079 - Joint strategies and action plans taken up by organisations, Measurement unit:

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

EUSAIR Priority (Policy) area / Horizontal action:

EUSAIR Degree of compliance:

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

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B IPA Adriatic-Ionian

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

2026-01-29

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

70 / 70 (100%)

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

653 / 653 (100%)

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PREVENT - Pollution Reduction and Early-warning for Vulnerable Ecosystems in Adriatic-Ionian Territories

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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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