JemsCIRCULARlakes
Priority Axis 2: Green investments in environmental protection and efficient risk management
Operation start date: 15 July 2026
Operation completion date: 14 July 2028
Budget: EUR 1.133.442,00
Number of partners: 5
Operation purpose and expected achievements:
The CIRCULARlakes project aims to foster sustainable, circular economy-based waste management and tourism practices in the lake regions of Skadar, Jablanica, and Baćina by developing and implementing smart, community-driven, and AI-enhanced circular economy models. The project addresses common cross-border challenges related to seasonal tourism pressure, inadequate waste management systems, underdeveloped circular economy practices, environmental degradation, and limited institutional capacities in ecologically sensitive lake regions. Planned activities include the development of a joint circular economy model, the deployment of AI-powered environmental monitoring systems, smart waste collection infrastructure, local composting systems, and gamified digital platforms encouraging sustainable behaviour. The project will also implement pilot investments, awareness-raising campaigns, cross-border training programmes, and knowledge exchange activities to strengthen institutional capacities and promote the adoption of innovative circular economy solutions. Through digital innovation, community engagement, pilot actions, and cross-border cooperation, CIRCULARlakes will improve resource efficiency, reduce environmental pollution, protect freshwater ecosystems, stimulate green economic opportunities, and contribute to the long-term sustainability of tourism and natural resources across the Programme area.
Beneficiaries:
The Lead Partner (LP), Association LINK Entrepreneurial Centre (BA), is responsible for the overall coordination and management of the project. It oversees project implementation, financial and administrative management, partner coordination, reporting, and quality assurance. LINK leads the development of the AI-supported circular economy model, coordinates cross-border cooperation, supervises pilot implementation, manages financial reporting, and ensures the long-term sustainability and transferability of project results across the Programme area.
Zero Waste Montenegro (ME) provides specialised expertise in circular economy, zero-waste methodologies, and community engagement. It contributes to the development and testing of circular economy models, supports the implementation of local composting systems and awareness-raising campaigns, participates in cross-border training activities, promotes sustainable waste prevention practices, and facilitates knowledge transfer and stakeholder engagement throughout the Programme area.
City of Ploče (HR) is responsible for implementing pilot activities in Croatia focused on the Baćina Lakes area. It introduces smart waste collection infrastructure, supports the implementation of local composting systems and circular economy measures, coordinates local awareness-raising activities, promotes sustainable tourism practices, and contributes to the practical application and long-term replication of project results.
Municipality of Jablanica (BA) is responsible for implementing pilot activities in Bosnia and Herzegovina by introducing circular waste management solutions around Jablanica Lake. The Municipality supports the deployment of smart waste technologies, coordinates local stakeholder engagement and environmental awareness activities, participates in cross-border training and knowledge exchange, and contributes to the development and validation of the joint AI-supported circular economy model.
Municipality of Cetinje (ME) is responsible for implementing pilot activities in Montenegro focused on the Skadar Lake region. It supports the deployment of smart waste collection systems, AI-powered environmental monitoring technologies, and local composting infrastructure, organises awareness-raising campaigns and stakeholder engagement activities, and contributes to strengthening institutional capacities and promoting the long-term adoption of circular economy practices across the Programme area.