Small-Scale Pilot Implementation: The Case of Dichiseni, Romania

Mare Nostrum NGO carried out, on March 21, as part of the AQUATIC PLASTIC project, the pilot action “Small-Scale Clean-up” in Dichiseni commune, Călărași County.

A total of 60 people participated in the activity, both from Constanța County and from the local community, joining efforts to clean a hotspot area identified during the monitoring activities of the Borcea branch.

The action took place between 08:00 and 16:00, with the main objective of reducing plastic pollution in the Danube area, as well as increasing awareness of the importance of environmental protection by involving the community and supporting it with materials and practical knowledge provided as part of the AQUATIC PLASTIC project.

In order to raise public awareness and improve the level of information, permanent informational panels were installed in the targeted area. These present the negative impact of plastic waste on aquatic ecosystems, information about local biodiversity, as well as details about the AQUATIC PLASTIC project and the “Tag a plastic bottle” campaign.

The clean-up activities were carried out mainly on land due to weather conditions. However, the aquatic area was also covered through the use of kayaks and a boat that continuously patrolled, including to ensure the safety of participants in risk situations. Participants received safety instructions as well as the necessary materials for the proper conduct of the intervention.

During the action, 2,453.6 kilograms of abandoned waste were collected. Following the analysis and classification process, 1,278 kilograms of plastic, 484 kilograms of textile waste, and 236 kilograms of rubber items were identified, these being among the most common types of waste found in the cleaned area. The amount of plastic waste is particularly concerning given its long decomposition period, as well as the fact that microscopic particles can be absorbed and accumulated by living organisms.

The location was selected following field expeditions carried out to identify hotspot areas and zones with significant waste accumulation near the Danube.

The “Small-Scale Clean-up” action was carried out in collaboration with Dichiseni City Hall and the Multisalva Association.