DANUBINA

This project aims to co-design effective tools and solutions with public authorities, service providers, and other stakeholders to combat plastic pollution and marine litter across the Danube River Basin and the Black Sea. Adopting a comprehensive land-to-river-to-sea approach, the initiative will develop a user-friendly toolbox for regulatory bodies to monitor, prevent, and remediate plastic and microplastic pollution. The project will include at least three demo sites across different countries, focusing on key pollution hotspots and strategic point sources such as wastewater treatment plants, maritime industries, agriculture, fisheries and landfills. The toolbox will address litter, plastic and microplastic in rivers, both surface and underwater, while aligning with the MSFD guidelines. A suite of solutions will be piloted, from plastic barriers to adsorption and membrane filtration at wastewater plants, and phytoremediation for agricultural runoff. Each will be tested operationally for removal efficiency, environmental impact, scalability, and cost effectiveness. The work includes cross national analysis of legal and institutional gaps, co development of stakeholder briefs aligned to EU water and plastic directives, and community outreach to build shared governance and public engagement strategies. At least three associated regions will be engaged to adopt toolbox elements via funding and technical support, training and exchange programmes, and engage municipalities, utilities, and innovators. The project will develop business models and value propositions to integrate the technologies into broader markets and ensure long term sustainability. Expected outcomes include a significant reduction in plastic pollution, increased uptake of innovative mitigation solutions, and measurable progress toward EU Zero Pollution targets. The project will contribute to the Mission’s Digital Ocean and Water Knowledge System through open data and enhanced marine observation.