The project LEARN4SEA: Innovative joint learning for environmental-friendly behaviour of communities in the Black Sea Basin has successfully developed an innovative joint methodology for assessing air and water quality in the Black Sea Basin, providing environmental specialists, researchers and public institutions with a practical and harmonised tool for environmental monitoring and decision-making.

The methodology is based on extensive environmental monitoring campaigns carried out in the partner regions, complemented by official datasets and the technical expertise of the project consortium. It offers a comprehensive framework for evaluating environmental pressures affecting coastal and river-influenced ecosystems across the Black Sea Basin.

A key innovation of the methodology is the integration of air quality monitoring, water quality assessment and microplastic analysis into a single analytical framework tailored to the specific environmental conditions of the region. By combining these components, the methodology enables a more comprehensive understanding of pollution sources and their impacts on ecosystems.

The methodology includes detailed procedures for:

• air quality assessment, including the selection of monitoring locations, equipment calibration, quality assurance and quality control, and data interpretation;
• water quality assessment through standardised sampling and laboratory analysis of water, sediments and soils;
• identification and monitoring of microplastics using a harmonised, accessible and cost-effective protocol suitable for laboratories equipped with standard infrastructure;
• integration and interpretation of environmental data to support evidence-based environmental policies and pollution reduction measures.

Designed to ensure cross-border comparability of environmental data, the methodology harmonises monitoring procedures across the participating countries while remaining adaptable to local conditions. It is aligned with key European legislation, including the Air Quality Directive and the Water Framework Directive, and can be transferred to other regions facing similar environmental challenges.

The methodology was validated during a pilot action organised on 20 October 2025 in Tulcea, Romania, where representatives of public authorities, research institutes, environmental agencies and other environmental stakeholders reviewed and assessed the proposed approach. Their feedback confirmed the methodology's practical applicability and provided valuable recommendations regarding monitoring procedures, equipment requirements and the interpretation of microplastic monitoring results.

The newly developed methodology represents an important step towards strengthening regional cooperation in environmental monitoring. By providing harmonised protocols and practical monitoring procedures, it supports scientific research, institutional capacity building and informed environmental policymaking, while contributing to improved pollution prevention and greater environmental awareness throughout the Black Sea Basin.

The LEARN4SEA methodology demonstrates significant potential for long-term application, supporting environmental institutions in developing more effective monitoring programmes and evidence-based strategies for protecting the Black Sea environment.