Presentation of the International Project “MACRO CLEAN”

A presentation of the international project “MACRO CLEAN” was held at Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University, attended by BSU Rector Tite Aroshidze, the project management team, university lecturers, and students. The project coordinator presented detailed information about the main objectives of the project and the planned activities. During the meeting, key research initiatives were also discussed, which are to be carried out through active collaboration between partner institutions from different countries.

The project aims to reduce the impact of human activities that cause eutrophication, support pilot projects for the economic utilization of algae potential, and promote the sustainable use of resources in the Black Sea region.

The main activities of the project include:

• Joint development of a comprehensive research methodology for the study of algae, along with relevant fieldwork and laboratory studies conducted by research groups (5 researchers from each country);
• Improvement of laboratory infrastructure – procurement of laboratory equipment for partner universities and establishment of pilot greenhouse facilities (average budget of €80,000 per university);
• Development of trial versions for producing fertilizers from algae, assessment of their effect on plants, and evaluation of their potential use in the agricultural sector;
• Organization of pilot experiments for the production of bioplastics from algae and evaluation of the feasibility of their use in economic activities;
• Raising awareness among stakeholders – organization of international workshops, trainings, and conferences on topics such as algae, eutrophication, and sustainable resource use.

The MACRO CLEAN project – “Research, Cleaning Methodologies, Economic Valorization and Pilot Use of Macroalgae” – is implemented within the framework of the European Union’s Black Sea Basin Interreg NEXT Cross-Border Cooperation Programme and co-financed by the European Union.

The project partners are: Sinop University (Turkey) – lead partner, Marmaris Regional Municipal Union (Turkey), Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University (Georgia), and Shumen University (Bulgaria).