From 13 to 16 July, CARE SEA project partners participated in the International CEMEPE Conference held in Thessaloniki, Greece. During this International scientific forum, the partners presented the project’s collaborative activities and delivered presentations on the following topics:

Izolda Matchutadze, Project Coordinator, Batumi Shota Rustaveli State University (LP1 BSU): “Citizen Science as a Tool for Ecosystem Service Assessment and Restoration Planning in the CARE SEA Project Study Area: The Chorokhi River, Georgia”;

Kadir Seyhan, Project Manager, Karadeniz Technical University (PP3 KTU): “Pollution Sources in the Rivers of Türkiye’s Eastern Black Sea Region”;

Anastasia Kasoulea, PhD Candidate, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (PP4 AUTH): “Engaging Citizens in Monitoring Microplastic Pollution in the Thermaikos Gulf: A Participatory Science Approach.”

The presentations highlighted the important role of citizen science in environmental monitoring, ecosystem assessment, and restoration planning. The research findings will be incorporated into the Joint Georgia–Türkiye Transboundary Environmental Management plan.