INCA participates in the first National Conference of the RIVERCLEAN project

As part of fostering synergies with other organizations, exchanging experiences, and strengthening collaboration, INCA recently participated in the first National Conference of the RIVERCLEAN project: “From Data to Policy Action: Tackling Plastic Pollution in the Vjosa and Ishmi Basins”, where concrete steps to address plastic pollution in the Vjosa and Ishmi river basins were discussed. Importantly, the OSPAR methodology has proven to be a strong citizen science model, engaging communities to better understand river plastic pollution and actively contribute to solutions.

During the panel dedicated to river monitoring against plastic pollution, INCA shared its experience from the BeMed+ project in the Shkumbin River basin, focusing on three key sectors:

• Municipal management of plastic waste,

• Reduction of plastic pollution from the HoReCa sector,

• Collaboration with the sports tourism sector for monitoring and awareness-raising.

The OSPAR monitoring methodology was presented, implemented in cooperation with rafting operators, the municipalities of Elbasan and Librazhd, as well as local NGOs. Monitoring activities were often combined with educational initiatives involving students and parallel river clean-up actions, making communities part of the solution.

Monitoring results in the Shkumbin River showed that around 90% of pollution is plastic, mainly bottles and fragments.

This conference was a valuable opportunity to share experiences, strengthen cooperation, and turn data into concrete actions for more sustainable policies.

 

Beyond Plastic Med - BeMed Surfrider Foundation Fondation Prince Albert II de Monaco UICN - Centre de coopération pour la Méditerranée Notre Grand Bleu @fondationprimat

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