The PURE RIVERS project, which aims to assess and reduce pollution in target rivers in the Black Sea Basin while improving ecosystem health, has brought together three countries, three rivers, and four different institutions.
For the PURE RIVERS project—a initiative focused on raising awareness of river pollution and implementing remediation efforts, supported by European Union funding—academics, municipal officials, and environmental experts from Turkey, Greece, and Georgia gathered in Istanbul, hosted by Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, to develop solutions together.
STAKEHOLDERS FROM TURKEY, GREECE, AND GEORGIA GATHERED IN ISTANBUL AS PART OF THE PROJECT
Supported under the Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin Program, the PURE RIVERS project—which began on February 28, 2026—kicked off with a series of working meetings bringing together partner organizations from Turkey, Greece, and Georgia involved in the “Awareness and Remediation Efforts for Rivers” initiative.
ACTION TO BE TAKEN AGAINST POLLUTION IN RIVERS FLOWING INTO THE BLACK SEA
At a collaboration meeting held in Istanbul as part of the PURE RIVERS project, it was demonstrated that pollution in rivers flowing into the Black Sea has become not only an environmental issue, but also a health issue, an economic issue, and a matter concerning the legacy we will leave for future generations.
RIVERS IN THE BLACK SEA BASIN ARE UNDER ENVIRONMENTAL PRESSURE DUE TO POLLUTION AND HABITAT DEGRADATION
The rivers of the Black Sea Basin are under serious environmental pressure due to pollution and habitat degradation, demonstrating that environmental pollution now knows no borders. It has become clear that this project is not merely a scientific study but also represents an assumption of transboundary responsibility. To find a joint solution to shared pollution in the rivers, the PURERIVERS Project brought together three countries, three rivers, and four different institutions. A delegation composed of academics and environmental experts from municipalities will conduct research on the Sakarya River, the Meriç (Evros) River, and the Supsa River in Turkey as part of the project and will make joint decisions on solutions.
THREE COUNTRIES WILL CONDUCT RESEARCH IN FOUR KEY AREAS AS PART OF A 30-MONTH PROJECT
In a joint effort involving four institutions from three countries—Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa (Project Leader) and the Sakarya Governor’s Office from Turkey, Democritus University of Thrace from Greece, and the Lanchkhuti Municipality from Georgia—work will be carried out in four key areas as part of this 30-month project. Within the scope of this project: 1. Pollution Identification and Monitoring: Pollution sources and levels in the target rivers will be identified and monitored using scientific methods. 2. Mitigation Strategies: Feasible, scalable strategies to reduce pollution will be developed and implemented. 3. Ecosystem Restoration: River ecosystems will be revitalized, and biodiversity will be protected. 4. Knowledge Sharing: New insights gained will be shared with stakeholders, the public, and decision-makers.
THE ULTIMATE GOAL IS TO IMPROVE WATER QUALITY IN RIVERS AND PROTECT THEIR ECOSYSTEMS
The ultimate goal of the Pure Rivers project is to improve water quality, protect river ecosystems, and provide long-term benefits to both the environment and society by strengthening green infrastructure. It is anticipated that the partnerships established, the data collected, and the methodologies developed will continue to guide the watershed even after the project concludes, serving as one of the project’s key outcomes.
THE PROJECT IS FUNDED BY THE EUROPEAN UNION
It was noted that, as part of the project—which has a total budget of 1,522,117 euros, with 1,369,906 euros coming from European Union funds and the remainder to be covered by municipalities and national governments—efforts will be made to reduce pollution and carry out restoration work on rivers in three countries.
Source: https://www.sabah.com.tr/yasam/nehirleri-kurtarmak-icin-turkiye-yunanistan-ve-gurcistandan-isbirligi-7580193
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