This workshop is organised within the framework of the TREASURE project (Targeting the Reduction of Plastic Outflow into the North Sea), a collaborative initiative under the Interreg North Sea Programme. The project brings together stakeholders from Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, and the Netherlands to identify key sources of plastic pollution, develop innovative solutions, and support policy recommendations to reduce plastic pollution in marine and coastal ecosystems.
The workshop will provide an opportunity to:
- Review and discuss key findings from the TREASURE project’s research with the focus on governance and policy aspects
- Exchange perspectives with experts, decision-makers, and policymakers,
- Engage in a joint discussion on recommendations to improve regulations and directives addressing plastic pollution
We will explore current policy gaps and opportunities to strengthen existing frameworks aimed at reducing plastic pollution in rivers, coastal waters, and the marine environment. The programme will also include reflections on lessons learned from the TREASURE project and a panel discussion to gather feedback and identify actionable steps toward a more sustainable and plastic-free environment.
This event offers a valuable opportunity to contribute your expertise and collaborate in shaping effective EU policy responses to plastic pollution.
Registration via the following link remains open until the 18th of March 2026:
Final agenda
Chair: Ryan Metcalfe, Coordinator KIMO Denmark
10:00
Start of registration & welcome coffee
Poster session on project results with the focus on governance and policy
11:00-11:15
Welcome and objectives of the workshop
11:15-11:30
Key-note speech “Marine litter in the North Sea: sources, impact on human health and environment” Dr. Romain Tramoy, Université Paris Est – Créteil (FR)
11:30-12:00
Presentation of TREASURE project, Governance and Policy pillar goals and position paper in the nutshell, Gisela Kemmner, University of Oldenburg (DE) and Dr. Marta Jacuniak-Suda, Office for Regional Development Weser-Ems (DE)
12:00-12:45
Lunch
12:45-14:45
Interactive session
World café sessions to present and discuss recommendations for decision-makers on the EU-level
14:45-15:30
Panel discussion with:
Mariska Heijs (NL), senior lecturer and researcher on water governance at Rotterdam University of Applied Sciences
Senne Aertbeliën (BE), spokesperson for Belgian national action plan on marine litter MSFD and OSPAR
Jørgen Grüner (DK), vice-chairman KIMO Denmark Municipality of Slagelse
Julie Gobert (FR), senior researcher on plastic pollution policies, Université Paris Est – Créteil (FR)
Chair: Joost Barendrecht, IVN Nature education (NL)
15:30-15:45
Coffee break
15:45-16:00
Conclusions and the end of the workshop
16:00
Networking reception
Please contact Dr. Marta Jacuniak-Suda, Office for Regional Development Weser-Ems (DE) for any further questions regarding the event: Marta.Jacuniak-Suda@arl-we.niedersachsen.de