CLEAR-WATER

Infordata sistemi for

CLEAR-WATER: Harmonising Aquatic Litter Monitoring Across European Waters

Description

CLEAR-WATER (Harmonising Aquatic Litter Monitoring and Assessment Across EU Waters)

is a Horizon Europe project aimed at developing a coherent European framework for aquatic litter monitoring and assessment.

The project addresses one of today’s major environmental challenges: litter and plastic pollution affecting rivers, lakes, coastal areas and marine ecosystems across Europe. By combining innovative technologies, environmental monitoring data and citizen science initiatives, CLEAR-WATER seeks to improve data comparability and support evidence-based decision-making.

Objectives

The main objectives of the project are to:

harmonise aquatic litter monitoring methodologies across Europe;
improve the quality, consistency and comparability of monitoring data;
integrate information from traditional surveys, satellite imagery, drones, sensors and citizen science activities;
develop validated tools and protocols for monitoring macro- and micro-litter;
support European policies aimed at protecting water resources and reducing pollution.

Why the Project Matters

Although many monitoring initiatives already exist, significant differences in methodologies and data collection approaches still limit the ability to assess aquatic litter at the European scale. CLEAR-WATER addresses this challenge by developing harmonised and scientifically validated approaches that can support more effective environmental management and policy implementation.

The project contributes to the objectives of the European Green Deal, the Zero Pollution Action Plan, the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) and the Water Framework Directive (WFD), helping to protect aquatic ecosystems and promote healthier waters across Europe.

Citizen Engagement and Ethical Approach

CLEAR-WATER places strong emphasis on the active involvement of citizens, local communities and stakeholders. Citizen science activities will contribute valuable environmental data while increasing public awareness of aquatic litter issues.

The project also promotes responsible research practices, transparency, data quality and ethical management of information, ensuring that the generated knowledge can be used in a trustworthy and inclusive way.

Partners

The CLEAR-WATER consortium brings together 19 organisations from across Europe and beyond, including research institutes, universities, public authorities, civil society organisations and technology providers with expertise in environmental monitoring, governance and science communication.

Infordata Sistemi’s Role

Infordata Sistemi participates in CLEAR-WATER as a technology partner, contributing to the development and implementation of innovative digital solutions for aquatic litter monitoring.

Within a Mediterranean case study, Infordata leads activities related to seabed litter monitoring through advanced detection technologies, computer vision systems and automated classification tools, supporting the development of harmonised and scalable monitoring approaches across Europe.

News about Clear-water

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