THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE INTEREREG VI-A LATVIA–ESTONIA PROGRAMME PROJECT “BLUE REVIVAL: SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS FOR LAKE ECOSYSTEMS” (EE-LV00223) HAS STARTED

Project aim:  to enhance biodiversity and improve water quality in Lake Peipsi (Estonia) and Lake Burtnieks (Latvia) by restoring lake ecosystems through 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 together with the nutrients bound to them, the project contributes to reducing eutrophication in large lake ecosystems while supporting circular economy approaches, such as the use of mussel shells and biomass for fertilisers or other products.
Blue Revival brings together research institutions, non-governmental organisations and local authorities from Estonia and Latvia. Project partners jointly develop and test mussel collection and removal methods, carry out pilot activities in lake Peipsi and lake Burtnieks, and collect environmental data to assess the impact of restoration actions.
In addition, the project places strong emphasis on knowledge sharing and stakeholder engagement through workshops, field visits, public events and outreach activities targeting local communities, policy-makers and practitioners.

Lead partner:

1. Peipsi Center for Transboundary Cooperation (Estonia)

Partners:

2. University of Tartu Estonian Marine Institute (Estonia)

3. Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment “BIOR” (Latvia)

4. Development Association of Peipsi Fishery Area (Estonia)

5. Valmiera Municipality (Latvia)

Planned project activities involving BIOR:

• Development and testing of Dreissena polymorpha (zebra mussel) management methods in Lake Burtnieks, as well as monitoring the impact of these methods on the lake’s ecosystem;
• Collection of Dreissena polymorpha in Lake Peipus (Estonia) and Lake Burtnieks (Latvia);
• In cooperation with the University of Tartu, implementation of coordinated monitoring and water quality analyses to assess the ecological status of lakes in Latvia and Estonia;
• Assessment of microplastics and other toxic substances in collected Dreissena polymorpha mussels from abandoned fishing nets in Lake Peipus;
• Implementation of communication and information dissemination activities in Latvia, in close cooperation with the Valmiera Municipality.

Interreg VI-A Estonia–Latvia Programme priority: 3. Sustainable and resilient programme area

3.1.  Enhancing protection and preservation of nature, biodiversity and green infrastructure, including in urban areas, and reducing all forms of pollution.

Project implementation period is 34 months, from 01/01/2026 to 31/10/2028.

The total project budget is EUR 1 044 212,25. BIOR’s total project budget amounts to EUR 300 623,00, of which 80% (EUR 240 498,40) is financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and 20% (EUR 60 124,60) is covered by national co-financing.

More information about the project is available on the Interreg website.

Information published: 03.03.2026.