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

Pollution stands as a primary driver of biodiversity decline, exerting detrimental effects on both human health and the environment. The presence of litter (mainly plastic) within aquatic environment (encompassing freshwater, transitional and marine ecosystems) is mostly attributed to diverse factors such as improper waste disposal and slow degradation. This pervasive issue encompasses economic, environmental, health, and social dimensions, with increasing concerns regarding the hazards and possible adverse effects of (nano-micro-macro) plastics on marine and freshwater organisms, ecosystems, economies and human health. Accordingly, plastic pollution is considered as a complex transboundary environmental problem, necessitating coordinated cross-border initiatives, entailing broad-based awareness-raising efforts among diverse stakeholders spanning from local to global. For instance, beside the Marine Strategy, at European level, pressure from plastics is notably addressed through the implementation of the European Strategy for Plastics and the new Circular Economy Action Plan, while the new EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 underscores the imperative for intensified efforts to mitigate pollution. Within this framework, our project, AdriPlast, aims to address the pressing issue of plastic pollution in the partner’s country areas in the Adriatic-Ionian region. With the overarching goal of mitigating environmental degradation and protecting biodiversity, our main objectives include: Enhancing transnational collaboration: We're bringing together stakeholders from six partner states— Italy, Croatia, Slovenia, Serbia, Montenegro, and Albania—to promote joint efforts in combating plastic pollution, a significant threat underlying the growing environmental challenges necessitating global intervention.

Identifying and addressing key challenges: Through comprehensive research and analysis, we're tackling the root causes of plastic pollution, including improper waste disposal, ineffective waste management practices, and the prevalence of single-use plastics. Developing sustainable solutions: We're working towards implementing effective strategies to monitor, mitigate, and ultimately reduce plastic pollution in aquatic environments, encompassing freshwater, transitional, and marine ecosystems.