As part of the implementation of the Plastic-Free Pliva (PFP) replication project under the INSPIRE – Innovative Solutions for Plastic Free European Rivers programme, Professor Joydeep Dutta, work package leader of the INSPIRE project and Professor at KTH Royal Institute of Technology (Sweden), paid a working visit to the Republic of Srpska and the Municipality of Jezero from 30 July to 2 August 2026.
The visit focused on reviewing the progress of the Plastic-Free Pliva project, strengthening cooperation with regional stakeholders, and planning the next implementation phase together with the local project team.
Strengthening Institutional Cooperation
During the visit, Prof. Dutta met with representatives of the Government of Republic of Srpska and the Ministry of European Integration and International Cooperation of the Republic of Srpska, including Minister Zlatan Klokić, the Mayor of the Municipality of Jezero Snežana Ružičić, and Dragan Vučić, Coordinator of the Plastic-Free Pliva project.
The meeting highlighted the achievements of the Plastic-Free Pliva project and explored opportunities to extend the knowledge, methodologies, and innovative approaches developed within INSPIRE to other municipalities and institutions across the Republic of Srpska. Discussions also addressed future international cooperation and the development of new projects focused on protecting rivers from plastic pollution.
Connecting Science, Innovation and Local Communities
A key part of the programme was a visit to the Academy of Sciences and Arts of the Republic of Srpska (ANURS), where Prof. Dutta, together with Dragan Vučić, Coordinator of the Plastic-Free Pliva project, met with the Academician Dragoljub Mirjanić, President of the Academy and Academy’s leadership and researchers to discuss opportunities for future scientific collaboration.
The discussions focused on strengthening links between research institutions and local communities, promoting interdisciplinary cooperation, and exploring future initiatives in environmental protection, sustainable technologies, and agriculture. The visit reinforced the importance of knowledge transfer and international scientific partnerships in addressing environmental challenges.
Reviewing Progress on Plastic-Free Pliva
Prof. Dutta also visited the Municipality of Jezero, where he met with the municipal project team to review the implementation of the Plastic-Free Pliva project.
The working sessions covered completed activities, current progress, upcoming project milestones, and opportunities to further strengthen project implementation. Field visits to the Pliva River and Đol Lake provided an opportunity to assess project locations, discuss monitoring activities, and review planned environmental actions on site.
Throughout the three-day visit, Prof. Dutta and project coordinator Dragan Vučić held a series of technical and coordination meetings dedicated to project management, implementation planning, dissemination activities, and the preparation of the next phase of the Plastic-Free Pliva project.
Building Capacity Through Collaboration
The visit confirmed the value of close cooperation between the INSPIRE consortium and local implementation partners. Beyond reviewing project progress, it contributed to strengthening institutional capacities, facilitating knowledge exchange, and identifying opportunities for future collaboration and funding.
Plastic-Free Pliva continues to demonstrate how local communities can contribute to reducing plastic pollution in European rivers through innovation, stakeholder engagement, citizen participation, and international cooperation. The experience gained in Jezero is expected to support replication activities within the wider INSPIRE network and contribute to the project’s mission of developing practical solutions for plastic-free European rivers.
