Plastic Pirates Summit 2024 © DLR/Leon Jakobs Photography
In the battle against plastic pollution in our ocean and waters, a wave of young changemakers is steering Europe toward a cleaner, more sustainable future.
Over 16,000 students from 13 European countries have joined the Plastic Pirates project, tackling plastic waste in rivers, waterways and coastlines. Their journey is more than scientific – it’s inspiring a generation to take responsibility for the planet.
Part of the EU Mission ‘Restore our Ocean and Waters’ and a partner programme of the Network of European Blue Schools, the initiative has been a force for environmental action since 2022, working toward the Mission’s goal of preventing and eliminating pollution in our waters. Armed with curiosity and determination, students collect data, identifying pollution hotspots, tracking the sources of plastic waste, and documenting the types of litter in these environments.
Their efforts contribute to the EU’s Zero Pollution Action Plan, which aims to cut plastic litter by 50% and microplastics by 30% by 2030. These findings also support the Water Framework Directive, focusing on reducing pollution while making sure there’s enough water to support both nature and people.
Plastic Pirates Summit 2024 © DLR/Leon Jakobs Photography
Beyond the data lies another mission: empowering youth and fostering environmental awareness. The Plastic Pirates project has excelled in inspiring young minds, spreading its message, and even driving future initiatives. By engaging schoolchildren in meaningful scientific work, the project sparks a lifelong connection to nature and a commitment to action.
Young scientists fight plastic on the frontlines
For some, the fight against plastic began in childhood, guided by parents or grandparents who instilled a love for nature and a sense of responsibility to protect it. For others, it was the Plastic Pirates project that awakened their passion for environmental action.
Under the guidance of science, chemistry and biotechnology teachers, these young environmentalists took to the rivers with determination. Armed with standardised experimental guidelines developed by the project, the students rolled up their sleeves for hands-on fieldwork. Group A scoured the riverbanks for waste, Group B meticulously categorised their findings, Group C ventured into the water to investigate microplastics and larger waste, while Group D documented every step of the process.
A Plastic Pirates sampling © BMBF/Gesine Born
For many, the experience was a wake-up call. ‘During the research into how many microplastics were actually in the water, the results were shocking,’ said Olivier Vanbrabant from Belgium, reflecting on the state of the Grote Nete in his town of Lier. ‘I didn’t know there was so much plastic in the water.’ Laura D’Antini from Italy shares a similar sentiment: ‘After the samplings, we all became more aware of the reality that surrounds us.’
Every hand counts: young pirates taking responsibility
For many Plastic Pirate Ambassadors, the most powerful lesson has been understanding the overwhelming scale of the plastic problem. ‘We’ve become more aware because we’re more involved,’ say Alexander Orlowicz, Fleur Beckers and Leene Schepkens from Belgium. But this awareness has also sparked a sense of responsibility.
These young environmentalists have come to understand that every single person has a role in protecting the planet. ‘The most important thing I’ve learned is that even one person can make a difference,’ says Laura D’Antini. Lien Swijns from Belgium echoes this, emphasising the power of collective action: ‘Every hand that helps makes the world cleaner. Together, we can stop the flow of plastic and make our waters shine again.’
For some, their age has become their strength. Reflecting the European Youth Goals, they believe young people can build a green, sustainable Europe. ‘If we all take responsibility, no matter how young, we can create a cleaner, healthier world for future generations,’ says Eleonora Salona from Italy.
Finally, many were inspired to see how research can move from the lab to the real world, fueling dreams of becoming the scientists who solve these problems. ‘For me, being a Plastic Pirate is like starting to become a scientist, a researcher or an explorer,’ says András Dávid Molnár from Hungary. ‘Maybe one day I’ll work as a hydrology expert.’
For more success stories from Mission projects, check out the News section of the Mission Service Portal. To discover more inspiring Mission events, visit this page. To learn more about Plastic Pirates and how to implement the project in your school, visit their website.