On May 29, 2024, the coastal city of Odesa hosted a workshop on "Marine Waste Transformation," organised by the Ukrainian National Hub (UA NH) and supported by the Black Sea Assistance Mechanism (BSAM). The event, part of the broader initiative of the Common Maritime Agenda for the Black Sea (CMA), was designed to gather stakeholders across Ukraine in addressing the pressing issue of marine waste in the Black Sea.
Around 40 participants attended the workshop, with representatives from education institutions, research organisations, NGOs, national authorities, and businesses, spanning from the Danube Delta to Kherson, joining forces to address the issue of marine pollution.
One of the central themes discussed was the vulnerability of the Black Sea to marine litter. Scientists emphasised that the Black Sea, being nearly enclosed, accumulates a significant amount of waste, with 83% identified as plastic. The war has notably altered the composition of this waste. While there has been a decline in debris from fishing nets due to restricted fishing activities, there has been a noticeable increase in pollutants from clothing, structural plastics and even remnants of drones and missile casings.
A highlight of the workshop was the visit to the Precious Plastic laboratory in Odesa. This initiative, originally launched in the Netherlands, has gained international recognition for its open-source approach to recycling. The laboratory demonstrated how recycled plastic, specifically those labelled as High-density polyethylene (HDPE), can be transformed into new, valuable products. Participants were inspired by the hands-on experience and the potential for replicating such labs in other parts of Ukraine.
Despite the challenging circumstances, the Marine Waste Transformation workshop in Odesa was a success, adhering to rigorous safety standards and earning positive feedback from attendees. The dual format of the workshop, combining presentations with practical demonstrations, was particularly well-received, showcasing Ukraine's commitment to sustainable practices and regional cooperation. By fostering dialogue and innovation, the event laid the groundwork for future collaborations on marine waste management.
This workshop is part of the CMA in my country series of national events.
