On 13 November 2025, the Community Engagement for Wetland Conservation – Persina4Danube project team organised a volunteer clean-up action in a wetland area located near the main drainage canal of the Danube River, close to the town of Belene, Bulgaria.
This site is an important part of the ecological network of Danube wetlands, yet—like many similar areas—it is vulnerable to the accumulation of waste carried by water or left behind as a result of human activity.
The Persina4Danube project is implemented with funding from the IMPETUS Accelerator under the EU Horizon programme, enabling the introduction of new approaches to community engagement in nature conservation and the development of citizen science in the region.
What We Achieved
A total of 16 volunteers took part in the initiative. Over the course of several hours, they collected more than 100 kg of waste, including plastic items, metal objects and various types of household litter.
A loader was used to clear larger and harder-to-reach waste. After completing the cleanup work, all collected materials were transported in a specialised vehicle provided by the Municipality of Belene, a key partner that ensured the necessary logistical support.
Why This Action Matters
Activities like this are an essential part of the objectives of Persina4Danube, which aims to foster a more active and engaged local community in nature protection.
Cleaning wetland areas has direct and meaningful benefits:
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it improves habitat quality for birds, amphibians and many other species;
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it reduces the risk of micro- and macroplastics entering the Danube;
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it makes the areas safer and more accessible for visitors and environmental education;
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it sends a strong message that nature is a shared responsibility.
The project demonstrates that when local institutions, volunteers and conservation organisations work together, the results are tangible—not only in the immediate clean-up efforts, but also in shaping long-term attitudes toward environmental stewardship.
Thank You!
We extend our sincere thanks to all volunteers who took part in the action and contributed to the protection of the wetland areas around Belene.
Actions like this show that positive change begins with small and consistent steps.
If we want a clean and thriving natural environment, we must support it with real actions.