NEWS: Knowledge Transfer: TETHYS4ADRION Workshop “Monitoring and Managing Plastic Pollution in the Buna River”

On November 5,  2025, in Shkodër, Albania, a workshop titled “Monitoring and Managing Plastic Pollution in the Buna River” was held, organized by the University of Tirana, TETHYS4ADRION project partner.

Representatives of the University of Tirana presented the objectives and importance of TETHYS4ADRION, emphasising the key role that rivers play in transporting plastic waste toward the seas and their impact on marine pollution.

Dr. Elda Marku, national project coordinator, from the Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tirana, presented preliminary results of the project’s implementation in the Buna River, one of the five pilot rivers of the TETHYS4ADRION project. She outlined the initial stages of monitoring and assessing riverine plastic waste, which include mapping the key characteristics of the river, identifying pollution sources, and determining the main accumulation hotspots along the Buna River. Furthermore, she placed particular emphasis on monitoring and assessing riverine plastic litter through community-based science. Dr. Marku explained to the audience the process of identifying monitoring protocols and drafting practical guidelines that can be applied with the involvement of local communities, focusing on target groups such as environmental NGOs, teachers, students, local authorities, and youth groups.

Dr. Jonida Tahiraj and Dr. Sonila Shehu, from the Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Tirana, presented the methodology for monitoring plastic pollution in the Buna River. Their presentation covered the mapping of plastic waste accumulation zones, visual observations and field inspections, interviews with residents, and the use of modern technologies such as drones, satellite imagery, and GPS devices. They also described the process of monitoring microplastics on the surface and in the water column using nets and pump-based filtration systems, emphasising the importance of applying harmonised European protocols for data assessment and reporting. In conclusion, they stressed the need to standardise sampling and analytical procedures to ensure the international comparability of results and to serve as a foundation for a sustainable monitoring system to be adopted by local and regional institutions.

By sharing their knowledge and experience, the workshop was further enriched by contributions from Meivis Struga (Environmental and Territorial Management Institute), Atrida Ferketi (Albanian Forum of Lake Shkodër), and Vera Gjinaj (University of Shkodër).

Meivis Struga presented ongoing initiatives to reduce plastic pollution through community engagement, particularly in protected areas and along riverbanks. He emphasised collaboration with schools, associations, and local authorities, and the importance of raising environmental awareness among younger generations.

Atrida Ferketi presented a pilot project to limit single-use plastic bags, promote sustainable alternatives like reusable fabric bags, and raise community awareness. She emphasised the importance of integrating local policies with biodiversity protection and active community participation for effective pollution management.

Vera Gjinaj presented preliminary results from a study on marine litter along the Velipojë–Shëngjin coastline. Conducted in April–May 2025, the study found that plastic makes up ~90% of marine litter, with cigarette butts most common at Velipojë. Findings highlight the impacts of mass tourism and riverine input from the Buna and Drin Rivers, underscoring the need for improved waste collection and increased tourist awareness.

Representatives from various institutions attended the event, including the University of Tirana, University of Shkodër “Luigj Gurakuqi”, the Municipality of Shkodër, the NGO “The Door”, Green Centre Albania,  REC Albania, the Albanian Forum of Lake Shkodër, GO2 Albania, and the Environmental and Territorial Management Institute (ETMI).

The workshop concluded with a round-table discussion in which participants explored ways to strengthen collaboration among universities, municipalities, and civil society. They expressed a commitment to be involved in future on-site activities of the project and to establish a sustainable network for monitoring plastic pollution in Albanian rivers and to expand efforts at the regional level.

This has been produced with the financial assistance of the European Union. The content of the website is the sole responsibility of TETHYS4ADRION project and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the European Union and/or IPA ADRION programme authorities.