Italia-Croatia

The Po River Delta is a diverse wetland ecosystem with habitats such as wetlands, lagoons, forests, dunes, and river channels. It supports a wide range of plant species, including reeds, cattails, white water lilies, glasswort, oak, ash, and alder, as well as animal species such as flamingos, spoonbills, glossy ibises, little egrets, and the Mesola red deer. This biodiversity is closely linked to hydrological processes that connect the Po Delta with the Adriatic Sea. 

In the Adriatic Sea, surface water circulation is influenced by freshwater inputs from the River Po and other rivers, as well as the inflow from the Mediterranean Sea through the Otranto Strait. Although the river is protected through efforts to reduce pollution and promote sustainability, strong cooperation and public awareness are still needed to address ongoing environmental challenges.

The Po River is the largest in the Adriatic basin, and the longest river flowing entirely within Italy, with a length of 652 km. The Adriatic Sea is bordered by densely populated and highly developed coastal regions. Waste generated by approximately four million coastal residents eventually enters the sea. The Po River alone contributes approximately two-thirds of the total daily river discharge into the Adriatic Sea. It has been estimated that the Po River releases between 2.2 and 3.8 tonnes of floating microplastics into the Adriatic Sea each day.

Wind is an important factor influencing how water and waste from the Po River spread across the Adriatic. There are three main recognized wind regimes in the northern Adriatic circulation: Bora, Scirocco, and Mistral. The Bora is a strong, dry northeasterly wind that typically occurs during winter and keeps the Po River plume closer to the coast. The Scirocco is a warm, humid southeasterly wind that is more common from spring to autumn and spreads the Po River plume farther across the Adriatic Sea. The Mistral is a weaker northwesterly wind that has only a limited effect on water circulation and plume transport. 

Organic matter is important in rivers because it supports the transport of carbon, contributes to nutrient cycling, and sustains ecosystems by carrying carbon from land through rivers to deltas and the sea, where it influences sediments and long-term carbon storage. In October 2000, a “major 100-year flood event” occurred in the Po River. In just four days, a massive storm crippled Northern Italy, forcing over 40,000 people to leave their homes and shutting down major industrial hubs like the automotive plants in Turin. The disaster temporarily disrupted a vital region that generates roughly 40% of the entire country's economy. The core connection between the October 2000 flood and subsequent organic matter research lies in how the marine seabed preserved and altered this terrestrial organic carbon over time; two years later, scientists found that the thick flood mud acted like a giant time capsule, trapping the washed-in carbon beneath the seafloor for long-term storage. 

The Po Valley is one of the most fertile agricultural regions in Europe. Due to intensive farming across its large basin, the Po River accumulates nutrients and pollutants such as nitrogen and phosphorus, which are then transported into the northern Adriatic Sea. This input contributes to eutrophication, which causes algal blooms and low oxygen levels, highlighting the importance of reducing agricultural pollution to improve water quality.

The issue of waste carried by the Po River has been recognized, and active efforts are underway to address this matter. Based on available information, two ongoing projects are directly focused on the Po River and issues related to waste management and plastic pollution. 

MINOSSE (2023–2026) is a regional project that focuses on using numerical models to track how plastic moves from Italian rivers such as the Po and Arno into the northern Adriatic Sea, helping researchers understand how plastic spreads and accumulates in rivers and coastal areas.

PoSalvaMare (2024–2026) is a regional project that aims to track, reduce, and prevent plastic pollution in the Po River basin before it reaches the Adriatic Sea, while also encouraging clean-up activities, recycling, and greater environmental awareness.
While global awareness of waste pollution remains more focused on marine rather than freshwater ecosystems, the WASTEREDUCE project makes an important contribution to addressing waste-related challenges. In the WASTEREDUCE project, the focus is on both marine and freshwater environments within Natura 2000 areas, including Sakarun Bay, the Coasts of Istria, and the Middle Brenta River.

The project’s results were generated and disseminated through surveys, interviews, stakeholder engagement activities, educational workshops, lectures, collaborations, conferences, and expert discussions. The WASTEREDUCE project also introduces practical solutions, including the DPOL device, a smart waste collection system used along the western coast of Istria, and the WASTEREDUCE monitoring camera installed on the Brenta River in Italy to help prevent illegal waste dumping. Overall, the WASTEREDUCE project combines scientific research with practical solutions, strengthening the connection between environmental science and effective waste management in both river and marine ecosystems.
 

Plastic pollution is choking some of the world’s most beautiful protected natural areas, and tackling it requires more than just new bins or recycling programs. It calls for a complete rethink of how we use materials and manage waste, especially in tourism hotspots where plastic waste piles up fast. 

Thanks to the Wastereduce project, we now have clear, practical steps that tourism and hospitality businesses can take right away to cut down plastic pollution, and make a real difference.

Swap single-use for sustainable

Forget disposable cups, plates, straws, and cutlery made from plastic or even “bioplastic.” The future belongs to durable, reusable alternatives crafted from glass, ceramic, stainless steel, wood, or eco-friendly bioplastics. Imagine sipping your coffee from a stylish glass cup or enjoying your meal on a ceramic plate that reduces waste, and looks great too. Even small swaps, like replacing plastic straws with reusable metal ones or offering refillable soap dispensers, can dramatically shrink your plastic footprint.

Go natural with furnishings and decor

Plastic chairs, synthetic turf, and artificial plants might seem convenient, but they harm the environment. Instead, opt for furniture made from natural materials like wood, bamboo, stone, or metal. Use fences crafted from plants or natural fibers, and replace plastic umbrellas with ones made from palm leaves or other organic materials. Not only do these choices look beautiful and fit seamlessly into natural settings, but they’re also kinder to the planet.

Upgrade waste management smartly

Say goodbye to plastic dish sponges, flimsy cutting boards, and open trash bins that spill litter everywhere. Switch to natural cleaning tools like cellulose sponges or loofahs, wooden or stone cutting boards, and covered bins with pedals to keep waste contained and encourage recycling. In protected areas, providing separate recycling bins helps visitors and staff sort waste properly, preventing contamination and making recycling efforts far more effective.

Follow the rules and lead by example

The EU’s Single-use plastics directive (Sup) targets the worst plastic offenders. Products marked with the Sup logo should be avoided whenever possible. If you can’t avoid them, dispose of them properly in general waste bins, because these items can’t be recycled.

By making simple, sustainable choices, each of us can go beyond just reducing plastic waste - we can lead by example. It’s a win for nature, a better experience for everyone, and a lasting legacy for future generations.

The ongoing challenge of illegal waste disposal

Illegal waste disposal continues to pose a serious environmental threat along the Adriatic coast, endangering protected natural areas, polluting waterways, and compromising public health. While recent years have seen notable improvements in waste management infrastructure and regulations, the persistence of unauthorized dumping sites reveals deeper systemic issues and problematic public behaviors that require urgent and sustained attention.

Illegal dumping in our pilot areas

In Croatia’s Istria region, the situation mirrors wider regional trends. Despite advances, illegal waste continues to accumulate in various locations due to the irresponsible actions of both individuals and businesses. Some residents seek to avoid waste collection fees, while certain industries sidestep proper waste handling procedures entirely. Since the launch of Istria’s first official List and Remediation Plan for Illegal Landfills in 2006, the region has made commendable efforts to identify and rehabilitate dumping sites. As of the latest 2020 report, there were still 122 active and 85 inactive illegal waste sites recorded. Zadar County faces similar difficulties. Home to 20 protected areas, including national parks and Natura 2000 sites, Zadar currently manages approximately 120 active illegal dump locations. Many of these are found on the outskirts of urban centers, within industrial zones, or scattered throughout sensitive natural habitats. There are, however, encouraging examples of innovative approaches. Etra S.p.A., a partner in the Wastereduce initiative, has taken a leading role in environmental monitoring and waste removal along the Brenta River, a Natura 2000 protected area. Utilizing electric quad bikes for quiet patrols, Etra combines surveillance with community engagement events such as “Let’s Clean the Brenta River.” Their efforts, backed by local authorities and partially funded by the LIFE Brenta 2030 project, demonstrate how technology and grassroots involvement can work together to prevent illegal dumping at the source.

Prevention as the key to reducing illegal waste

Prevention is key to effective waste management. Awareness campaigns, cleanups, and deterrents like cameras and barriers help reduce illegal dumping, especially in sensitive areas like Natura 2000 sites. However, issues such as overtourism, lack of disposal options, and low public awareness keep the problem alive. Many still dispose of waste improperly despite available facilities, leading to severe contamination, including over 200 caves in Istria. Solving this requires a combined effort of infrastructure investment, education, technology, and regional cooperation.

Progress has been made, but ongoing public engagement and commitment are essential to protect the Adriatic’s fragile ecosystems and ensure sustainable waste management.

Biodiversity of Seagrass Meadows

Seagrass meadows, especially ones with Posidonia oceanica, are among the richest habitats in terms of biodiversity and ecological value within the Adriatic Sea’s infralittoral zone. 
Apart from Neptune grass (P. oceanica), three other species of seagrasses are to be found in the Adriatic: 

•    Dwarf eelgrass (Zostera noltii), 
•    Eelgrass (Zostera marina), and 
•    Little Neptune grass (Cymodocea nodosa). 

P. oceanica is endemic to the Mediterranean Sea, meaning it is found only in this region.

Habitat and Ecological Role of Posidonia oceanica

Meadows of P. oceanica inhabit the infralittoral marine step, where there is plenty of light, from the surface down to depths of around fifty meters. They are among the most important coastal ecosystems, primarily thriving in well-preserved areas, although they can also be found in regions affected by increased human activity. 
P. oceanica mostly grows on sedimentary seabeds and stabilizes the substrate with its roots, thus playing a crucial role in preventing coastal erosion.

P. oceanica meadows are called the “green lung” of the Mediterranean Sea and are compared to the Amazon rainforest on land, both for their biomass production and oxygen generation.

• One square meter of a P. oceanica meadow produces approximately 14 liters of oxygen every day. 

This seagrass also absorbs carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and thus plays an important role in the cycle of nitrates and phosphates (nutrient salts).

Sakarun Bay: A Pilot Site

Sakarun Bay is one of our pilot areas, located in the northwest of Dugi Otok. This distinctive sandy beach stretches about 300 meters, with turquoise waters that beautifully contrast the darker coastal vegetation. The bay itself is roughly 700 meters wide and 900 meters long, shaped by fine sand, pebbles, and deposits of P. oceanica. These seagrass meadows play a crucial role in protecting the coastline from erosion. However, they are currently fragmented and damaged, mainly due to intense nautical tourism, especially from boat anchoring.

Seagrass Debris and Coastal Protection

Seagrass debris from P. oceanica accumulates on beaches as berms, especially during stormy autumn and winter months. These berms help protect the shoreline, making the beach more resistant to waves and reducing erosion. At the same time, the movement of water caused by winds, currents, and the physical features of the sea not only helps form the berms by transporting seagrass leaves but also increases the availability of mineral nutrients in the water. These nutrients are essential for phytoplankton growth, which supports the entire marine food web. Therefore, the natural process of water mixing plays a dual role:

1. It aids in building protective berms that reduce coastal erosion, and
2. Enhances nutrient availability, which boosts marine productivity.

Waste Pollution in Sakarun Bay

One of the main pressures on coastal areas is waste accumulation, both from the sea and from beach visitors.

• Research conducted in 2018 at Sakarun Bay revealed that the beach was heavily polluted, with approximately 95% of the waste being plastic, including single-use items, bottles, caps, bags, and fishing gear.

The area is carefully cleaned and organized just before the summer season, ready for visitors and beach activities.

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Governance and Management of Sakarun Bay

The WASTEREDUCE’s associated partner, “Natura-Jadera” Public Institution, manages Sakarun Bay and other protected areas in Zadar County. An Action Plan is a key part of the overall management strategy for protected areas and Natura 2000 sites.

The Action Plan, developed under the POSBEMED2 project (Management of Posidonia Beach-Dune Systems in the Mediterranean), supports sustainable coastal management in areas with P. oceanica deposits, especially within protected and Natura 2000 sites. Focusing on the northwestern part of Dugi Otok and the Sakarun Bay, the plan aims to:

• strengthen management practices,
• enhance ecological resilience, and
• promote nature-based solutions.

This plan was developed through a participatory stakeholder process that tested practical tools for managing P. oceanica deposits in protected areas.

WASTEREDUCE Project and Waste Management

The WASTEREDUCE project is working to reduce the impact of waste in Sakarun Bay by implementing good practices and concrete actions. This includes methodologies, surveys, observations, analyses, and interviews with locals. By gathering these results, the project can better understand how visitors and stakeholders perceive waste and the effects of their behaviour in all pilot areas. WASTEREDUCE focuses on education and collaboration to address the pressing issue of waste management and promote a cleaner, more sustainable coastline.

Community Engagement and Sustainable Goals

To achieve its objectives, the project uses scientific methods to identify risks and understand the impacts on nature and the local community. It actively involves local people and organizations in shaping the vision, setting goals, and protecting Sakarun Bay’s identity, environment, economy, and well-being. The project aims to foster respect for the local community, value their opinions, share knowledge and resources, and provide long-term solutions for environmental challenges, benefiting both present and future generations.