CONTRA PROJECT - CURRENT AND FUTURE ACTIVITIES

Dear Sir or Madam,

We would like to share with you the latest information on the current implementation stage of the project co-financed by the BSR INTERREG program under the name: CONTRA - Baltic Beach Wrack - Conversion of a Nuisance to a Resource and Asset: and what is still ahead of us.

The work of the CONTRA project is nearing completion and activities are now underway to summarize the results so far and future activities.

A. INTENSIVE WORK ON PREPARING THE SUMMARY PART OF THE PROJECT - ONLINE MEETING - 22/04/2021

There was another, already the 8th meeting of CONTRA partners and the related discussions on the measurable effects of the project that could be used by our beneficiaries.

This dedicated e-meeting was attended by 26 participants representing various sectors: science, business, local government from 6 countries of the Baltic Sea Region (including representatives from Poland, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Russia, Estonia).

Most of the discussion during the meeting was devoted to the following prepared as part of the project:
- indicator O.3.2 - Environmental assessment report for the removal of husk;
- indicator O.3.3 Report on Best Practices for Ecological and Sustainable Beach Fake Management Solutions.

These documents will include, inter alia, aspects such as:

• Amounts and seasonality of beach fawn landings and composition
• Management period
• Disturbances related to the removal of BW and cleaning activities "Leave something on the beach" - specific suggestions for managed beaches
• Further use (local versus transport)
• Dangerous substances
• Sand content
• Litter content

Work is also underway on the final shape of the so-called CONTRA-Factsheet - The information piece of the CONTRA project, which will be a brief description of the principles towards sustainable solutions for the use and recycling of beach hake. In this material you will find: an explanation of the concept of Beach Wrack and what the BW really is, what the beach management system currently looks like in different countries. Case studies will be described to show how Beach Wrack can be used. Identified obstacles to beach hake recycling will be presented and policy recommendations - what is needed for sustainable solutions.

B. WORK ON SUMMARY OF THE RESULTS OF THE PILOT TESTING IN THE AREAS OF STG ERB MEMBER GOVERNMENTS - BELOW DESCRIPTION OF ONE OF THE RESULTS

As part of the CONTRA project, in cooperation with the Puck City Commune and employees of the Gdańsk University of Technology - Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, a pilot facility was constructed using a reed system to manage macro and micro algae (beach wrack) thrown onto the beach.

This method of managing the "beach wrack" material uses natural processes, does not require electricity and the use of additional chemicals. For this reason, it is cheap and ecological. In addition, it blends in very well with the landscape, so it can be built in the back of the dune without reducing its aesthetic value.

Preliminary studies show that the pilot reed system provides integrated drainage and stabilization of the beach wrack material. Moreover, the leachate that arises during the dewatering process is simultaneously treated in the bed and, consequently, is of good quality and does not pose a threat to the environment. It was also confirmed that the "beach wrack" material is a source of nutrients for reeds and has a positive effect on its growth, so it can also be a fertilizer in itself as an organic admixture to chemical fertilizers.

C. THE FINAL CONFERENCE OF THE PROJECT IS PREPARED - WE INVITE YOU TO REGISTER !!!

The final online conference of the project entitled: "Converting sea hackle into a resource and asset - the direction of sustainable solutions for the use of BW will take place on 1-2 June 2021.

The event will be two-day and open to all interested participants. Prior registration is required!

Day 1: 9:00 am - 12:30 pm CET

Day 2: 9:00 am - 2:45 pm CET

This is the final e-conference of the Interreg BSR CONTRA project! during which, with your participation, let's take a look at innovative solutions for the use of beach algae and BW in Europe:

• Participants will get inspiration from pioneers in sustainable recycling options, beach waste management and value chains.

• Connect with international stakeholders in the Beach Wrach network initiated by the CONTRA project.

• Expand their network with new and improved collaboration opportunities during our matchmaking session and in our online marketplace.

More information about the online conference can be found at the following links INFORMATION ON THE FINAL CONFERENCE AND AGENDA available at the link:

https://www.beachwrack-contra.eu/?event=contra-final-event&event_date=2021-06-01

LINK TO REGISTRATION OF participants: https://surveyhero.com/c/4ef80977

We cordially invite you to register!