CNBCh UW is the leader of the project “Lakes connect – Building networking hub for units interested in lakes protection in Baltic Sea tourist regions” under the Interreg Baltic Sea Region program.

The aim of the project is to create an international hub network of entities interested in solutions limiting the impact of tourism on the quality of inland waters. It is planned to establish cooperation with representatives of science, non-governmental organizations, the local community as well as with local authorities in individual countries. Thanks to such extensive contacts, the knowledge and activities of various institutions will complement each other, and the effects achieved will be permanent.

As part of the project, scientific institutions from three Baltic countries, i.e. Poland, Lithuania and Latvia, will carry out pilot studies of water quality in selected water reservoirs, in terms of the content of microplastics, heavy metals and organic pollutants.

The developed results will be aimed at defining problems, as well as seeking solutions to prevent and reduce water pollution in tourist destinations. Early identification of the problem and the development of a strategy for emerging threats in lakes can improve the quality and prevent the emission of harmful substances into the water.

Project partners: Foundation for the Protection of the Great Masurian Lakes, Gulbene Municipality, Latvian Institute of Aquatic Ecology, Siauliai Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Crafts