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project info
Start date: 1 October 2020
End date: 30 September 2022
funding
Fund: European Regional Development Fund (ERDF)
Total budget: 449 574,89 €
EU contribution: 382 138,66 € (85%)
programme
Programming period: 2014-2020
Managing authority: The Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development of the Republic of Latvia
European Commission Topic

Estimation, monitoring and reduction of plastic pollutants in Latvian-Lithuanian coastal area via innovative tools and awareness raising

Project aims to develop a sustainable, cost-effective framework for plastic litter detection, monitoring and management in marine and coastal environments. Plastic litter is linked with negative economic, social and ecological consequences and common challenges related to plastic litter are complex: increasing amounts of microplastic, direct harm to the marine biodiversity and negative impacts on recreational activities. Absence of physical coastal borders between Latvia and Lithuania means that actions taken in one country might affect the other. Plastic that accumulates in algal wracks on the shore or in algal scum might be a target area for plastic pollution estimation and mitigation measures. The project aims to link remotely sensed features (Earth observation from space and drones) with marine plastic litter in such areas and suggest a joint and efficient approach for monitoring and management, which can be used by municipalities or national authorities in Lithuania and Latvia. Moreover, in relation with a single-use plastic ban from the year 2021 project aims to screen alternatives to replace single-use plastic, assess environmental, social and economical impact of marine litter pollution and it’s reduction; engage consumers, retailers, local municipalities, industry representatives, residents, environmental groups and tourism associations – to ensure broad support of a ban of single plastic use in coastal areas

Flag of Lithuania,Latvia  Multiple locations, Lithuania, Latvia