From 23th to 27th September 2025, took place the summer school titled “Blue Without Plastic” organized by Milieukontakt Albania and the Environmental and Territorial Management Institute (ETMI) as part of the RiverClean project financed by the EU Delegation in Albania. The initiative brought together 30 enthusiastic young participants, mostly students, who shared a common interest in protecting Albania’s rivers, coastal and marine environments. The program aimed to raise awareness about plastic pollution and marine litter while equipping youth with the knowledge and tools to take meaningful action in their communities.
Over the course of five days, participants engaged in a variety of educational, interactive and fun activities. The program began with sessions on the sources and impacts of plastic pollution, emphasizing how plastic waste affects aquatic life, human health and the broader environment. Participants also explored Albanian environmental legislation and international policies, learning about the legal frameworks that guide waste management, river and coastal protection and sustainable practices. These sessions provided a solid foundation for understanding both the challenges and solutions related to plastic pollution.
Interactive group discussions and team exercises were a central part of the summer school. Participants collaborated to analyze real-life scenarios, brainstorm ways to reduce plastic use in daily life and design creative awareness campaigns for their communities. Games and experiential activities added a playful dimension to the learning, encouraging teamwork, problem-solving and critical thinking while reinforcing the key messages about environmental responsibility. This combination of knowledge and hands-on engagement helped participants connect theory with action in a practical, memorable way.
A major highlight of the summer school was the field trip to the Ishmi Delta on the third day. There, participants joined organizers for a large-scale cleanup campaign, collecting plastic and other litter from the sensitive delta ecosystem. The activity provided a unique opportunity to witness the direct impact of pollution and the importance of protecting wetlands and river deltas, which serve as critical habitats for biodiversity, natural water filtration and flood prevention. The cleanup was not only a practical effort but also a powerful awareness-raising moment, reinforcing the message that individual and collective action can make a real difference in preserving the environment.
The summer school concluded with a certificate ceremony recognizing the dedication and active participation of all attendees. Beyond the formal recognition, the program fostered lasting connections among participants, creating a network of environmentally conscious youth ready to continue advocating for cleaner rivers, coasts, and communities across Albania. Participants expressed enthusiasm for applying the knowledge and skills gained during the summer school, with many planning local initiatives and campaigns to further reduce plastic use and raise awareness in their schools and neighborhoods.
By combining education, hands-on action and enjoyment, “Blue Without Plastic” successfully inspired participants to take responsibility for their local environment. The summer school is a testament to the importance of engaging youth in environmental protection, equipping them with practical knowledge, experience, and motivation to act. Through initiatives like this, the RiverClean project continues to nurture a new generation of environmental stewards committed to ensuring that Albania’s rivers, coasts, and marine ecosystems remain vibrant, healthy and free from plastic pollution.
