On 18 March 2026, the REMEDIES project marked a key milestone with the successful organisation of the REMEDIES Open Day at Marina Izola, Slovenia, officially launching the REMEDIES Anti-Litter Campaign in Slovenia. The event was organised by the University of Maribor (UM), with the support of You(r)Sea Institute, ZRS Koper, Marina Izola, CLERA, INFOR, and NIC, bringing together stakeholders from research, industry, local authorities, and civil society in a shared effort to address marine plastic pollution.
The Open Day created a dynamic space for knowledge exchange and collaboration, offering participants a comprehensive introduction to the REMEDIES approach. Through an in-person seminar on plastic identification and marine litter science, attendees explored how pollution is monitored, categorised, and addressed using evidence-based methodologies. At the same time, the presentation of pilot activities at the Koper demo site illustrated how these approaches are translated into concrete, place-based interventions.
A central highlight of the day was the live demonstration of REMEDIES technologies at Marina Izola, where participants had the opportunity to directly observe innovative tools designed to tackle marine litter. Among these was an underwater drone monitoring for marine litter, used to map the seafloor and identify large plastic items, supporting systematic monitoring efforts. Alongside this, a microplastic filtration system for wastewater was presented, showcasing how wastewater generated from boat maintenance activities can be treated to prevent microplastics from entering the marine environment. These demonstrations offered tangible insight into how innovation can bridge the gap between research and real-world application.
The event also featured the PLASTIC FANTASTIC Seminar – Slovenia Edition, hosted by the University of Maribor. The seminar brought together citizens, stakeholders, and decision-makers in an open exchange of knowledge and practices, reinforcing the importance of collective action in advancing sustainable coastal management. By creating space for dialogue, the session contributed to strengthening a shared understanding of both the challenges and the solutions related to marine pollution.
The Open Day successfully engaged a diverse audience, including local authorities, marina operators, researchers, NGOs, and citizens, highlighting the importance of cross-sector collaboration. By connecting local activities with broader European objectives, the event positioned the Slovenian pilot within the wider framework of EU efforts to protect marine ecosystems and reduce pollution at its source.
Overall, the REMEDIES Open Day at Marina Izola demonstrated how coordinated action, supported by science, innovation, and community engagement, can contribute to more effective and sustainable solutions for tackling marine litter.
See more about the Open Day, here.
Discover all REMEDIES Open Days, here.
