As part of the 2026 EU Projects Open Days, the Regional Development Agency of the Dubrovnik-Neretva County – DUNEA organized a clean-up action at the Neretva River estuary through the COASTRUST and SeaClear 2.0 project, bringing together students, teachers and volunteers in a shared initiative focused on environmental protection and marine litter awareness.
The clean-up was carried out on Friday, May 8, 2026, at two locations — the Opuzen and Komin estuaries of the Neretva River — where participants joined forces to remove waste from this valuable coastal area.
Activities at the Opuzen estuary were conducted as part of the COASTRUST project in cooperation with the Secondary Agricultural and Technical School Opuzen, while the action at the Komin estuary took place within the SeaClear 2.0 project together with the Fra Andrija Kačić Miošić Secondary School in Ploče.
Before the start of the clean-up activities, participants were introduced to the COASTRUST project, its objectives, and the role of local communities in protecting coastal and marine ecosystems through sustainable environmental practices.
During the action, participants collected and sorted various types of waste, with a particular focus on HDPE plastic. The collected material will be handed over to the IMPACT Association from Metković for recycling and reuse, contributing to circular economy practices and responsible waste management.
Beyond its environmental impact, the action also highlighted the value of community involvement and education in preserving coastal and marine ecosystems. By actively participating in the clean-up, students and volunteers helped raise awareness about marine pollution and the need for long-term environmental protection.
