easyPEST: EstAblishing long-term monitoring SYstem for plant PESTs around the Black Sea

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

Date of latest update: 2026-01-13

Description

Description (EN):

The common challenge: easyPEST endeavors to address hazards induced by invasive alien species (IAS), particularly invasive alien insect pests of trees (IAIPT), a prevalent issue in the Black Sea Basin (BSB) exacerbated by climate change, which carries environmental, economic, and sociological ramifications. easyPEST is structured to pioneer an "early IAIPT warning system" based on an artificial intelligence (AI) platform. This entails conducting pilot studies that involves active participation from trained citizens in data collection processes for addressed pests. The ultimate goal is to expand and upscale this initiative to neighboring countries in BSB, and additional pest species, thereby enhancing regional pest management efforts. The intertwining factors of global trade and climate change have introduced new pest challenges in BSB. Through our observations in the region, it has become evident that “citizens are profoundly troubled by IAS issues”. Their distress often stems from pervasive misinformation, leading to psychological pessimism. In response, some are contemplating changing the tree species in their orchards, a drastic measure driven by concerns over the impact of IAS. Remarkably, even for pests like the Asian chestnut gall wasp, for which long-term solutions are available, such reactions persist. This scenario not only jeopardizes the well-being of the local population but also poses a significant threat to the tree-dominated ecosystems across the region. The overall objective: easyPEST aims to develop and implement a platform which “facilitates cross-border communication of plant and biodiversity protection organizations and researchers” for focusing on the common pest problems. By doing so, the project seeks to enhance understanding of the potential invasion routes of future pests, and thus to “establish a monitoring approach for an early warning system”. The project aims to “raise awareness and empower individuals to handle pest issues more effectively” by actively involving citizens in the project. easyPEST aims to provide researchers with a groundbreaking opportunity to collaborate using a “cross-border dataset on population ranges, fluctuation patterns, and life cycles of pests”. This dataset will enable the prediction of climate change-related risks and the development and implementation of control methods. The project will promote climate change adaptation and prevention measures against invasive pest species, utilizing an ecosystem-based approach to enhance resilience. Engaging citizens in this process will not only improve the project's effectiveness but also enhance public mental well-being. Outputs: Output 1: Implementing Jointly Developed Pilot Tests of the easyPEST AI Platform for Pest Identification and Early Warning (related indicator: RCO84) Output 2: Cross-Border Organisations on the Pathway of Pests in Georgia, Greece, and Turkiye Collaborate for the Common Pest Problems (RCO87) Output 3: Public Trainings and Workshop Organized Across Borders for Raising Awareness Related to Invasive Pests and Climate Change and for Educating Citizen Scientists (CSs) (RCO115) Output 4: The easyPEST AI Platform Connecting CSs to Scientists for Monitoring and Early Warning of the Pest Invasions (RCO116) Results: Data regarding presence and distribution of 15 pest species across the region will be collected with cooperation of four organisitions. Throughout the project duration, national PPOs will be engaged through workshops and pilot actions designed to integrate and test the easyPEST platform. Active participation from PPOs will be encouraged also after the project completion to enhance the platform's effectiveness and ensure its relevance to regional pest management strategies through a cooperation agreement among partner organisations (related indicator: RCR84). The project includes a structured protocol where the HU BIYOSFER Museum, which includes experts also to be consulted during the project, in collaboration with HAO and ISU, will take responsibility for system improvements. This will expand the geographical scope of the easyPEST platform and incorporate additional tree pests and diseases (RCR104). Need for transnational cooperation: There exists a “deficiency in consistent pest monitoring and an efficient data collection and data repository system in the southern BSB”, which serves as a pathway for pest organisms. Pests transit from Greece to Georgia or vice versa through Turkiye, yet “communication challenges persist among transnational forestry and agricultural departments”. This communication gap allows pests to swiftly invade the entire region, often without detection. However, possessing prior knowledge about range-expanding pests can facilitate prompt preparations, including psychological readiness, implementation of quarantine measures, procurement of chemical supplies, and deployment of trapping methods, consequently enhancing damage mitigation efforts more effectively.

Expected Achievements (EN):

The specific objective of easyPEST is to develop an AI-based pest platform with its library and smartphone app to be used by citizens in Georgia, Greece, and Turkiye to identify insect pests that they encounter in urban green area, orchards, and forests, to facilitate communication between plant protection organisations of these countries, and to increase awareness of the citizens who face drastic changes in their environment due to climatic change and IAS. As awareness raising activities, training programs will be planned and implemented in the partner countries. The workshop and the app will serve to create a new and easy-to-use platform for the communication of national plant protection organizations of the partner countries. Current and future distribution maps for the addressed pest species will be produced through data from CSs and ecological niche modeling results. Pest info cards will be prepared to implement in and delivered to citizens by the easyPEST platform.

Project outputs: Implementing Jointly Developed Pilot Tests of the easyPEST AI Platform for Pest Identification and Early Warning(EN)
Cross-Border Organisations on the Pathway of Pests in Georgia, Greece, and Turkiye Collaborate for the Common Pest Problems(EN)
Final Cross-Border Public Event on Invasive Pests, Climate Change, and Citizen Science Engagement(EN)
The easyPEST AI Platform Connecting Citizen Scientists to Scientists for Monitoring and Early Warning of the Pest Invasions(EN)
Website: http://www.giresun.gov.tr

Thematic information

Agriculture and fisheries and forestry Climate change and biodiversity

Priority: (VI-B_BSB_P2) Clean and Green Region

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

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

Type of intervention: 171 Enhancing cooperation with partners both within and outside the Member State

Partners (4)

Lead Partner: Giresun Valiliği

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 947444688

Partner’s ID if not PIC: TR3960458174

Department: EU and Foreign Affairs Office

Address: Çıtlakkale Mahallesi, 28000 Giresun, Turkey

Department address: Çıtlakkale Mahallesi, 28000 Giresun, Turkey

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: http://www.giresun.gov.tr

Total budget: EUR 263 755.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 237 379.50

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 90.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 26 375.50

Trabzon Üniversitesi

Name: Trabzon Üniversitesi

Department: Distance Education Application and Research Center Artificial Intellingence and Robotic Coding Center

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 906508360

Partner’s ID if not PIC: E10020125

Address: Söğütlü District, Adnan Kahveci Boulevard, 61335 Trabzon, Turkey

Department address: Söğütlü District, Adnan Kahveci Boulevard, 61335 Trabzon, Turkey

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://trabzon.edu.tr/

Total budget: EUR 86 670.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 78 003.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 90.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 8 667.00

ილიას სახელმწიფო უნივერსიტეტი

Name: ილიას სახელმწიფო უნივერსიტეტი

Department: Institute of Zoology

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 999612937

Partner’s ID if not PIC: GE204861970 | xx | xx (EN)

Address: Kakutsa Cholokashvili Ave, 0162 Tbilisi, Georgia

Department address: Giorgi Tsereteli str., 0144 Tbilisi, Georgia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: https://iliauni.edu.ge/en/

Total budget: EUR 84 968.70

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 76 471.83

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 90.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 8 496.87

Ινστιτούτο Δασικών Ερευνών - ΕΛΓΟ ΔΗΜΗΤΡΑ

Name: Ινστιτούτο Δασικών Ερευνών - ΕΛΓΟ ΔΗΜΗΤΡΑ

Department: Forest Research Institute

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 892035766

Partner’s ID if not PIC: EL997604027

Address: Vasilika, 57006 Thessaloniki, Greece

Department address: Vasilika, 57006 www.fri.gr, Greece

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://www.fri.gr

Total budget: EUR 84 915.20

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 76 423.68

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 90.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 8 491.52

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

Trabzon University

easyPEST: EstAblishing long-term monitoring SYstem for plant PESTs around the Black Sea

Partners and Projects info

Ilia State University

easyPEST: EstAblishing long-term monitoring SYstem for plant PESTs around the Black Sea

Partners and Projects info

Forest Research Institute - HELLENIC AGRICULTURAL ORGANIZATION - DIMITRA

easyPEST: EstAblishing long-term monitoring SYstem for plant PESTs around the Black Sea

Partners and Projects info

Giresun Governorship

easyPEST: EstAblishing long-term monitoring SYstem for plant PESTs around the Black Sea

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): easyPEST: EstAblishing long-term monitoring SYstem for plant PESTs around the Black Sea

Project acronym: easyPEST

Project ID: BSB01081

Project start date: 2025-12-25

Project end date: 2027-06-24

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

EASIN - EASIN - European Alien Species Information Network by Joint Research Centre (EN) | EASIN, initiated by the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission, addresses the growing threat of alien species in Europe. It aggregates data from various sources using web tools and interoperable services, adhering to international standards. EASIN's comprehensive data on alien species in Europe enriches easyPest's database, ensuring access to updated, standardized information. This enhances easyPest's AI-based pest detection system accuracy for effective monitoring and management of invasive species. EASIN's web tools and interoperable services could be integrated with easyPest's platform providing access to a comprehensive database of invasive species, along with tools for mapping, analysis, and risk assessment. This integration would streamline data access and enhance the usability of both systems for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders. Joint workshops, training sessions, and knowledge-sharing activities can build stakeholder capacity using EASIN's data and easyPest platform, fostering a community of practice in invasive species management. (EN), COST Action - Urban Tree Guard - Safeguarding European urban trees and forests through improved biosecurity (UB3Guard) (EN) | This action brings together a pan-European and international network of scientists and stakeholders to meet IAIPT challenge. The network 1) Collects, shares and harmonizes scientific and stakeholder knowledge, 2) Accelerates development of innovative technological tools and solutions for biosecurity purposes, 3) Informs policy and support implementation of the EU plant health regime while providing science-based recommendations for decision makers, especially at operational levels, 4) Fosters an inclusive and open research environment, with explicit support to young professionals, and 5) Increases European competitiveness in the field of biosecurity, improving also the quality of everyday life for people, especially urban dwellers, in Europe and beyond. The action co-created a Wiki database, teaching tools for education in urban forest health, and a decision support tool for the long-term impacts of the Action.
One of the members of the management committee of UB3Guard, Dr. Kahraman Ipekdal from HU BIYOSFER Museum, is also one of the external experts of easyPEST. To ensure synergy, easyPest and UB3Guard will communicate through meetings and sharing data and knowledge on invasive pest management and biosecurity. UB3Guard network, will be invited to training programs, meetings will be realised facilitating the sharing of scientific data and research outcomes. This includes access to shared databases and developing collaborative research projects. easyPest's AI-based pest monitoring system can contribute to UB3Guard's technological innovations. (EN), Horizon 2020 Project: HOMED (EN) | Around six new pest species arrive and establish themselves in European forests every year. Not all of these pests are devastating, but around 10 to 15 % can be very damaging. The project team set about developing responses for each step of the invasion process. To ensure synergy, easyPest and HOMED teams will communicate through meetings and sharing data and knowledge on developing science-based, innovative practical methods and tools to assess and control emerging or invasive pests threatening forests. easyPest's AI-based pest monitoring system can contribute to HOMED’s technological innovations. From HOMED, easyPEST can draw more information on how pests are transported; where they arrive; how they establish themselves in forests; and how they spread.
Dr. Kahraman Ipekdal, from HU BIYOSFER Museum and one of the external experts of easyPEST, participated at the final meeting of HOMED project in Lisbon in 2022, and met several contacts who can help transferring know-how of the HOMED project to easyPEST. (EN), Horizon 2020 Project: ISEFOR (Increasing Sustainability of European Forests) (EN) | ISEFOR developed sophisticated diagnostic tools and predictive models to identify and manage forest pests. These tools allow for early detection and accurate identification of pest species.The project also compiled extensive datasets on the behavior and distribution of pests, providing valuable insights into their dynamics. EasyPest integrates these tools to enhance its capability for early pest detection. (EN), Horizon 2020 Project: PRATIQUE (Enhancements of Pest Risk Analysis Techniques) (EN) | PRATIQUE focused on refining Pest Risk Analysis (PRA) methodologies to support better decision-making. The project developed tools to prioritize and manage pest threats effectively. EasyPest is inspired from these advanced PRA methods for systematic assessment and prioritization of pest risks. (EN), Horizon 2020 Project: EMPHASIS (Effective Management of Pests and Harmful Alien Species - Integrated Solutions) (EN) | EMPHASIS developed IPM strategies that combine biological, chemical, and cultural control methods. The project successfully engaged farmers, policymakers, and the public, ensuring broad support for pest management initiatives. EasyPest adopts the strategies and engagement techniques of EMPHASIS to ensure developing sustainable and effective pest management approaches. (EN), Horizon 2020 Project: INVASIoN (Innovative Strategies for Assessing and Managing Risks of Invasive Alien Species) (EN) | INVASIoN developed comprehensive frameworks for assessing the risks associated with invasive species. The project conducted thorough studies on the impacts of invasive species on ecosystems and economies. Adoption of Risk Assessment Frameworks of INVASIoN are incorporated into EasyPest’s risk assessment processes. Informed Management Plans: Insights from impact studies of the project help in formulating comprehensive management plans in easyPEST. (EN), National and International Initiatives (EN) | easyPest aligns its methodologies with standards and guidelines from the EFSA (European Food Safety Authority), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO). The external expert team of easyPEST is directly working in EFSA and FAO projects concerning IAIPT in countries like Albania, Azerbaijan, Kosovo, and Turkiye, as well as continental level in Europe. This organic bound will facilitate the alignment of easyPEST with the standards of these organisations. (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 520 308.90

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 468 278.01

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 90.00%

Co-financing sources:

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

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Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

EUStrategyAdriaticIonianRegion 1. Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation: IAIPT pose substantial threats to natural ecosystems in Georgia, Greece, Turkey, and its geographical connection and continuation, the Adriatic-Ionian region. By implementing an early AI warning system, easyPEST aims to detect and manage IAIPT more effectively. This approach supports the EU strategy for the Adriatic-Ionian Region (EUSAIR)'s goals of protecting biodiversity and preserving the natural environment across connected regions.
2. Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience: easyPEST integrates climate resilience into its pest management strategies, aiming to mitigate the ecological and economic impacts of IAIPT exacerbated by climate change. This aligns with EUSAIR's objective of promoting adaptive measures and resilience-building initiatives in response to environmental challenges.
3. Sustainable Development and Innovation: By utilizing AI technology for early detection and involving citizens in data collection, easyPEST enhances resource efficiency and reduces environmental risks associated with IAS. These efforts contribute to EUSAIR's priority of fostering innovation and sustainable practices that support economic growth while protecting natural resources.
4. Cross-border Cooperation and Networking: The geographical connection between the easyPEST region and the Adriatic-Ionian region constitutes a pathway for pest spread. easyPEST facilitates collaboration among countries and stakeholders in pest monitoring, data sharing, and joint actions, which supports EUSAIR's objective of promoting integrated territorial development through cross-border partnerships.
5. Upscaling and Replication: easyPEST’s warning system can be expanded to neighboring countries which contributes to the transferability of knowledge and best practices. This scaling up enhances regional resilience against IAS and aligns with EUSAIR's goal of promoting replication and upscaling of effective initiatives across connected regions.
EUStrategyDanubeRegion 1. Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation: The Danube Region shares environmental challenges similar to the easyPEST region related to IAS. By developing an early warning system based on AI technology, easyPEST contributes to environmental protection efforts in both regions.
2. Climate Change Adaptation and Resilience: easyPEST integrates climate resilience into its strategies, aiming to mitigate the ecological and economic impacts of IAIPT exacerbated by climate change. This aligns with the EU strategy for the Danube Region (EUSDR), which emphasizes the need for climate adaptation measures and resilience-building initiatives to protect natural resources and ecosystems.
3. Sustainable Development and Innovation: easyPEST promotes sustainable development through its innovative approach by utilizing AI technology for early detection and involving citizens in data collection, enhancing resource efficiency and reducing environmental risks associated with IAS. These efforts contribute to sustainable development goals outlined in EUSDR, such as promoting green technologies, improving resource efficiency, and fostering innovation in environmental management practices.
4. Cross-border Cooperation and Networking: The geographical connectivity between the easyPEST region and the Danube Region facilitate the spread of IAS across borders. easyPEST fosters collaboration among countries and stakeholders in pest monitoring, data sharing, and joint actions. This collaborative approach strengthens regional ties and supports EUSDR 's objective of promoting integrated territorial development through cross-border partnerships.
5. Upscaling and Replication: easyPEST’s warning system can be expanded to neighboring countries which contributes to the transferability of knowledge and best practices. This scaling up enhances regional resilience against IAS and aligns with EUSDR's goal of promoting replication and upscaling of effective initiatives across connected regions.
Other 1. EU Green Deal:
-Biodiversity Strategy: easyPEST aligns with the EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 by helping to control IAS, which is one of the key actions to protect biodiversity.
-Climate Adaptation: By protecting forest health, easyPEST supports climate resilience outlined in the EU Green Deal.
3. EU Forest Strategy:
-Forest Health and Resilience: easyPEST directly supports the EU Forest Strategy’s goals of ensuring forest health and resilience against threats (e.g. IAS).
4. BSB Cross-Border Cooperation Programme:
-Regional Collaboration: easyPEST fosters cross-border cooperation among BSB countries, enhancing regional efforts to manage IAIPT. This aligns with the BSB programme’s objectives of strengthening collaboration and joint problem-solving.
-Shared Resources and Knowledge: By creating a platform for data sharing and collaborative management, easyPEST helps BSB countries pool resources and expertise, leading to more effective and efficient pest management strategies.
5. Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe Projects:
-Research and Innovation: easyPEST contributes to the goals of Horizon Europe by promoting research and innovation in the field of pest management. The application of AI for detecting and managing IAIPT aligns with these programmes’ emphasis on cutting-edge scientific research and technological development.
-Knowledge Transfer: easyPEST supports knowledge transfer and capacity building, key priorities of Horizon programmes. By facilitating training and knowledge exchange among stakeholders, easyPEST enhances the region’s ability to address IAIPT challenges.
6. Interreg Projects:
-Transnational Cooperation: easyPEST supports the objectives of various Interreg programmes by fostering transnational cooperation (Anx. Figure 1).
-Policy Harmonization: easyPEST aids in harmonizing policies and practices related to pest management across different countries, a key goal of Interreg projects.

Programme Common Output Indicator:

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

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 084 - Organisations cooperating across borders after project completion, Measurement unit:
RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:

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

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 NEXT Black Sea Basin

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

2026-01-13

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

67 / 67 (100%)

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

296 / 296 (100%)

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easyPEST: EstAblishing long-term monitoring SYstem for plant PESTs around the Black Sea

Description

Thematic information

Partners (4)

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Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

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

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