The Peipsi Center for Transboundary Cooperation has launched a new cross-border cooperation project “Blue Revival - Sustainable Solutions for Lake Ecosystems” together with the University of Tartu, Estonian Marine Institute, the Peipsi Fishery Area Development Association, and Latvian partners -the Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment BIOR and the Municipality of Valmiera. The project aims to improve the ecological status of Lake Peipsi and Lake Burtnieks through the implementation of nature-based and science-driven solutions.
The project focuses on the removal of the invasive zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha) and the innovative valorisation of the collected biomass. By removing mussels and the nutrients bound to them, the project contributes to reducing eutrophication in the lakes, while at the same time exploring circular economy solutions such as the use of mussel biomass for fertilisers or animal feed. Activities are implemented through close cooperation between research institutions, local authorities and non-governmental organisations. The lead marine ecologist in Estonia is Jonne Kotta.
“The Blue Revival project is a strong example of how science-based solutions and cross-border cooperation can address complex environmental challenges in large lake ecosystems,” said Margit Säre, project manager at the Peipsi Center for Transboundary Cooperation. “The project develops practical solutions that can be replicated in other regions across Europe.”
Within the project, partners will develop and test methods for collecting and cleaning zebra mussels, study potential valorisation pathways for mussel shells and biomass, carry out pilot activities in Lakes Peipsi and Burtnieks, and organise workshops, training events and public outreach activities to share knowledge with local communities, stakeholders and decision-makers.
The project runs from January 2026 until October 2028 with a total budget of approximately 1.04 million euros. The project is co-funded by the European Union under the Interreg VI-A Estonia-Latvia Programme.
For more information:
Margit Säre, project manager, margitsare@gmail.com
Peipsi Center for Transboundary Cooperation
Puiestee 71a, 51009 Tartu
www.ctc.ee
https://www.facebook.com/peipsicenter/
