On 14 May 2026, the Ukrainian Scientific Centre of Ecology of the Sea (UkrSCES) hosted an online stakeholder meeting within the ANEMONE PLUS BSB00949 project, during which the related international project ALGAWA BSB01314 “Utilization of Macroalgae Biofilter for Wastewater Treatment” was presented.
The ALGAWA presentation was included in the thematic block dedicated to synergies among international projects aimed at sustainable management and protection of the Black Sea. It was presented alongside other initiatives focused on pollution reduction, environmental safety, and marine ecosystem restoration.
The event brought together representatives of the scientific community, civil society, state authorities, river basin management bodies, and other relevant institutions. The discussion of the ALGAWA project generated considerable interest as a practical example of nature-based solutions in the Black Sea region.
About the ALGAWA Project
ALGAWA is implemented under the Interreg VI-B NEXT Black Sea Basin Programme. The project aims to improve the environmental status of the Black Sea basin through the introduction of innovative nature-based solutions for water purification.
The core idea is the development and testing of floating biofilters based on macroalgae and macrophytes. These systems mimic the natural functions of wetlands and can be used for:
• absorption of excess nutrients;
• reduction of specific pollutants;
• sorption of heavy metals and organic contaminants;
• improvement of water quality;
• reduction of anthropogenic pressure on coastal ecosystems;
• creation of additional habitats for aquatic organisms.
Why it Matters for the Black Sea
Participants emphasized that the Black Sea is one of the most vulnerable regional seas due to limited water exchange, accumulation of pollutants, significant urban, industrial and agricultural runoff, pressures from ports, shipping and tourism, as well as additional risks associated with climate change and the war in Ukraine. In this context, ALGAWA offers a cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and scalable solution adaptable to various water bodies in the Black Sea basin.
Expected Results
The project will deliver several key outputs, including:
• An Action Plan for the use of floating biofilters to reduce Black Sea pollution;
• Demonstration of biofilter prototypes in partner countries;
• A Practical Guide on the design and application of floating biofilters;
• Establishment of a partner cooperation network;
• Organization of “Living Labs” for stakeholders;
• An international workshop to present project results.
Significance for Cross-Project Collaboration
Presenting ALGAWA within the ANEMONE PLUS event serves as a prime example of how international initiatives can reinforce each other. Combining digital tools for ecological status assessment developed under ANEMONE PLUS with the practical Nature-based Solutions offered by ALGAWA opens new avenues for pollution reduction and enhancing environmental security in the Black Sea region.
UkrSCES expresses its gratitude to all participants for their active engagement, professional discussion, and readiness to work together toward the preservation and restoration of the Black Sea.
We invite you to follow ALGAWA BSB01314’s official channels to stay updated on project updates and results:
Website: http://algawa.food.ihu.gr
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/algawaproject
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/algawa
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The ALGAWA project BSB01314 – “Utilization of Macroalgae Biofilter for Wastewater Treatment” is funded under the Interreg VI-B NEXT Black Sea Basin Programme.
