Funder:EU, Interreg

Project leaders: Prof. Umberto Simeoni, Universitary Consortium for Socioeconomical Research and for the Environment, Roma, Italy

Period: 2024-2027.

Team members from IBISS:
Dr. Vesna Đikanović, Department for Hydroecology and Water Protection
Dr. Maja Raković, Department for Hydroecology and Water Protection
Dr. Jelena Tomović, Department for Hydroecology and Water Protection
Dr. Katarina Jovičić, Department for Hydroecology and Water Protection
Dr. Stoimir Kolarević, Department for Hydroecology and Water Protection
Dr. Margareta Kračun-Kolarević, Department for Hydroecology and Water Protection
Dr. Jelena Stanković, Department for Hydroecology and Water Protection

External advisors:
Prof. Massimo Coltorti, University of Ferrara, ferrara, Italy
Dr. Vlatka Filipović Marijić, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
Dr. Nataša Mori, National institute of biology, Ljubljana, Slovenia
Assoc. Prof. Dijana Đurović, Institute of Public Health of Montenegro, podgorica, Montenegro
Lude Taqe, National Center of Environmental Movement, Tirana, Albania

Abstract

We are pleased to announce the launch of the AdriPlast project, which has received funding under the European Union's Interreg VI-B IPA Adriatic-Ionian Programme. The project's objective is to address the growing issue of plastic pollution in aquatic ecosystems, with a particular focus on the Adriatic and Ionian seas, and its detrimental impacts on biodiversity, ecosystems, and human health.

The AdriPlast project will facilitate collaboration between six partner countries—Italy, Croatia, Slovenia, Serbia, Montenegro, and Albania—with the objective of developing sustainable solutions for reducing plastic waste. The project will concentrate on the identification of significant challenges, including the improper disposal of waste and the use of single-use plastics. In addition, it will facilitate joint research, effective waste management and the engagement of citizens.

The project's principal objectives are as follows:
1. To facilitate cross-border collaboration with a view to sharing best practices and reinforcing regional efforts to combat plastic pollution.
2. To conduct research and monitoring activities to gain a deeper understanding of plastic pollution in aquatic environments and develop strategies to mitigate its impact.