On May 22, 2025, Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University hosted a hybrid format practical training on marine micro- and macro-debris monitoring. The event was jointly organized within the framework of the Interreg CARE SEA and EMFAF RESPONSE projects. Collaboration with local stakeholders and students was important. Special emphasis was placed on interactive learning: students represented more than half of the participants (14 out of 24, or 58%), ensuring the active involvement of the next generation of marine specialists.

On Sunday, May 25th, 2025, as part of the annual “ΑΠΘ την Κυριακή - AUTh on Sunday” event—organized by the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki to open its campus to the public and highlight scientific work and social engagement—Associate Professor Antigoni Zafeirakou, scientific coordinator of the Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin project “Care Sea,” led an impactful awareness activity together with the student volunteer group Eco-Hydro Engineers, which she supervises.

On March 13-14 of this year, the second Steering Committee meeting of the project was held at the Panagia Hotel in Trabzon, Turkey. The meeting was organized by the project partner, Professor Kadir Seyhan of Trabzon Karadeniz Technical University. The first day of the meeting dealt with the problems that arose during the first reporting period of the project, which mainly concerned procurement.

A two-day seminar/discussion was held on March 10-11 on the topic: Sources of macro- and microplastic pollution in the wetland habitats of the Chorokhi River Delta (sea, river, freshwater ponds). The first day, March 10, was dedicated to raising awareness among public school students about the causes of macro- and microplastic pollution and ways to reduce it. The seminar was attended by students from Batumi N 20 public shool, Pirveli Maisi school of Keda, Khelvachauri Municipality, Charnali and Erge villages; Chakvi N1, St. Andrew the First-Called Theological Gymnasium of the Municipality of Kobuleti and Georgian-American International School “Progress”.

A working meeting was held at BSU on the joint development of a curriculum for monitoring and responding to marine pollution. The meeting was attended by professors and students of the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Health of BSU, employees of the National Environmental Agency, Adjara Autonomous Region Agriculture and Environmental Protection, professors of the Maritime Academy, the head of the Poti Coastal Protection Department, and representatives of the Kobuleti Coastal Protection Department. The meeting, held in a hybrid mode, planned to develop joint training curricula, which will include the following modules: