Associated Regions: INSPIRE Replication Cases Across Europe

Through the INSPIRE FSTP Open Call, five local and regional authorities from across Europe were selected as INSPIRE replication cases. These projects bring INSPIRE solutions into real-world conditions, applying the Detection–Collection–Prevention (DCP) framework to address plastic pollution in their own river systems.

In consultation with local and regional stakeholders, each replication case adopts and tailors INSPIRE solutions and its related methodologies, combining quantitative assessments, targeted clean-up actions, and community engagement,to their local environmental, social, and governance contexts.

Together, these replication cases show how INSPIRE can be scaled beyond its core implementation sites, supporting wider uptake of effective approaches to reduce macro- and microplastic pollution across Europe.

At a glance

• 5 INSPIRE replication cases across Europe
• 4 countries involved
• 1 shared framework: Detection–Collection–Prevention (DCP)

Selected projects:

1. RaPiDaCREa – Reducing the amount of plastic in the Dniester River and coastal recreation area (Ukraine)

Led by Khotyn City Council, focusing on reducing plastic pollution in the Dniester River.

• Focus: Identifying river plastic accumulation zones and microplastic pollution
• What they do: Drone monitoring, clean-ups, and school-based water quality testing
• INSPIRE contribution: Applies DCP tools to improve river health and prevention capacity

2. PIRIS – Plastic-free Istanbul River Initiative for Sustainability (Türkiye)

Led by İstanbul Boğazı Belediyeler Birliği, addressing mesoplastic pollution in river systems.

• Focus: Mesoplastic pollution monitoring and ecological impact assessment
• What they do: Field sampling, laboratory analysis, fish impact studies, and citizen engagement
• INSPIRE contribution: Strengthens detection and ecological assessment under the DCP framework

3. PFP – Plastic-Free Pliva (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Led by the Municipality of Jezero, PFP focuses on reducing plastic pollution in the Pliva River.

• Focus: Locating river and lake-connected plastic pollution pathways
• What they do: Drone mapping, citizen science monitoring, and clean-up actions
• INSPIRE contribution: Demonstrates scalable prevention and monitoring in mountainous river systems

4. OTMBA – Exploring ways to reduce macro and microplastics in river Miljacka in Sarajevo Bosnia and Herzegovina (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Led by the Municipality of Old Town Sarajevo, OTMBA targets plastic pollution in the Miljacka River.

• Focus: Identifying urban river pollution and downstream transport
• What they do: Drone mapping, manta net sampling, in-stream capture systems, and recycling partnerships
• INSPIRE contribution: Integrates detection and collection with municipal waste systems

5. PRIMUS – Preventing River Intrusion of Microplastics in Urban Streams (Ireland)

Led by Cork City Council, PRIMUS focuses on microplastics and tyre wear particles in urban runoff.

• Focus: Road runoff as a source of microplastic pollution
• What they do: deploying the “Super TW Net Filter”, monitoring of captured pollutants, awareness activities
• INSPIRE contribution: Tests prevention technologies at source within urban drainage systems