The PURE RIVERS project, which brings together Turkey, Greece, and Georgia, has launched an initiative to combat pollution in the rivers of the Black Sea Basin. The 30-month project, led by Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa, covers a wide range of activities, from scientific monitoring to ecosystem restoration.
Shared Responsibility Against Borderless Pollution
The rivers of the Black Sea Basin have been under serious environmental pressure for years due to increasing pollution and habitat degradation. In this context, where environmental pollution transcends national borders, it is no longer possible for a single country to find a solution on its own.
The PURE RIVERS – Pollution Awareness and Remediation Initiatives for Rivers Project (Project ID: BSB01319), implemented under the Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin Program, is supported by the European Union.
The PURE RIVERS project, which has now officially launched, addresses the issue as a matter of cross-border responsibility. The project defines river pollution not only as an environmental issue but also as a health and economic problem.
The project, which officially began on February 28, 2026, as part of the Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin Program, was announced to the public at a launch event hosted by Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa.
Three Countries, Three Rivers, One Goal
PURE RIVERS has designated the Sakarya River in Turkey, the Meriç (Evros) River in Greece, and the Supsa River in Georgia as its research areas. Four institutions from the three countries will collaborate in the field:
- Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa (Project Leader, Turkey)
- Sakarya Governor’s Office (Turkey)
- Democritus University of Thrace (Greece)
- Lanchkhuti Municipality (Georgia)
Known as the Hebros in ancient times, the Meriç River originates in Bulgaria and flows 480 kilometers before reaching the Aegean Sea near Enez. The river, which forms the natural border between Turkey and Greece, is one of the largest in the Balkans with a watershed of 53,000 square kilometers. Photo: Mert Gökalp
Improvement Through Four Core Strategies
Work under the project will be carried out under four main headings: identifying and monitoring pollution sources and levels using scientific methods; developing feasible strategies to reduce pollution; protecting biodiversity by revitalizing river ecosystems; and raising awareness by sharing the information gathered with stakeholders, the public, and decision-makers.
The Supsa River, which originates on the western slopes of the Caucasus Mountains, flows for approximately 108 kilometers through Georgia’s Guria region before emptying into the Black Sea near the village of Supsa. It sustains ecosystems rich in biodiversity throughout its watershed.
A Green Legacy for Future Generations
PURE RIVERS’ ultimate goal is not merely a short-term cleanup operation. The aim is to improve water quality, protect river ecosystems, and strengthen green infrastructure to provide long-term benefits to both the environment and society. It is anticipated that the partnerships established, the data generated, and the methodologies developed during the project will serve as a guide for the Black Sea Basin even beyond the 30-month project period.
Source: https://www.magmadergisi.com/doga/karadeniz-nehirleri-icin-guc-birligi-pure-rivers-projesi-basladi
Leave a Reply