A new podcast series on water pollution launched by the Aquatic Plastic project addresses the urgent challenges facing our rivers and seas, while exploring innovative ways to tackle these issues.
Episode 15 – In the final episode of the Aquatic Plastic Podcast, we speak with Magdalena Živanović, a young water protection advocate from Serbia, about rivers, youth engagement, and why water has the power to connect people across borders. Reflecting on her personal connection with the Sava River, as well as her involvement in the European Youth Parliament for Water and the Riversaver community, Magdalena shares her experiences and thoughts on the importance of empowering new generations of environmental leaders.
Episode 14 – Novi Sad, Serbia – During the latest partner meeting of the Aquatic Plastic project, implemented within the Interreg Danube Region Programme, project partners from countries across the Danube River Basin gathered to discuss progress to date, exchange experiences, and define the next steps in combating plastic pollution in aquatic ecosystems. Between workshops and working sessions, podcast hosts Gary Hanko, Attila Dávid Molnár, and Sara Bohm spoke with several project partners in informal interviews, capturing the personal stories behind the project.
Episode 13 – What does it take to keep plastic out of rivers? In the new episode of the Aquatic Plastic Podcast, experts from Serbia, Romania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, and Bulgaria share their experiences and lessons learned from a series of riverbank clean-up actions that brought together local communities, representatives of local authorities, and environmental organisations. Working together, 247 volunteers removed almost nine tonnes of waste – but the project was about much more than simply collecting rubbish. The guests in this episode are Violin Raykov, Marian Paiu, Suzana Otašević, and Marko Nikolić. This special edition is hosted by Dejan Ubavin, Dušan Milovanović, and Attila Dávid Molnár.
Episode 12 – How do you protect a river that flows through 14 countries? In this episode of the Aquatic Plastic Podcast, Birgit Vogel, Executive Secretary of the ICPDR, discusses why international cooperation is essential for addressing pollution, climate change, and the different ways water is used throughout the Danube River Basin. From plastic waste to hydropower, the conversation reveals what it truly takes to manage a shared river system.
Episode 11 asks the question: What if rivers are not resources, but relatives? In this new episode of the Aquatic Plastic Podcast, Dr Kate Harriden, a researcher at Monash University, challenges everything we think we know about rivers, ownership, and sustainability. Drawing on Indigenous knowledge systems and her own life experience, she calls for a fundamental shift: from control to stewardship, and from transactions to relationships. A powerful reminder that sustainability begins with relationships.
In Episode 10, we learn how the Plastic Cup began as nothing more than an idea and one shocking moment on the Tisza River before growing into a movement. In this special episode of the Aquatic Plastic Podcast, Attila Dávid Molnár and Gergely Hankó look back on its beginnings: the first boat made from plastic bottles, the mistakes, the doubts, and the persistence that transformed river clean-ups into a community-driven initiative. It is a reminder that real change often begins without a detailed plan – simply by showing up.
In the new Episode 9, we explore river literacy – a simple yet powerful framework that helps turn complex river science into knowledge that everyone can use. Seven principles, one shared language, and a new way of reconnecting people with rivers. Listen to the new episode and rethink the way we understand and protect our rivers. What does it really mean to understand a river?
The new Episode 8 looks back on the Tisza Plastic Cup through the voices of members of the European Youth Parliament for Water. Together with Monika Jetzin and host Attila D. Molnar, we listen to audio notes recorded directly on the river by the youth team, capturing the challenges of the heat, teamwork, unexpected moments, and genuine environmental learning. This episode offers a fresh perspective on what young people discover when they encounter a polluted river first-hand and why such experiences matter for the future of European leadership in the water sector.
Listen to Episode 7 and discover how dedicated leadership can turn ideas into real impact – because only by working together can we protect our rivers and our future. The new episode of the Aquatic Plastic Podcast brings the inspiring story of Maggie Lund, Vice President of DESMI Ro-Clean and a global expert who turns the challenge of plastic pollution into concrete water clean-up actions. The conversation explores how DESMI systems operate at more than 50 locations worldwide, the turning point that inspired Maggie to dedicate herself to tackling plastic pollution, why no single technology can serve as a universal solution for every river, and how cooperation can pave the way towards sustainable results. From her childhood in the remote mountains of Xinjiang to leading international clean-up projects, Maggie's story is a reminder that change can begin with a single courageous decision. “Every river is different – and every solution must be different too,” she says.
Listen to Episode 6, join the wave, and discover why saving rivers is a team effort in which everyone can take part. In the new episode of the Aquatic Plastic Podcast, we explore how cooperation – with a little creativity – is helping to clean up rivers across Europe. Together with our wonderful guests, Kinga Illyés and Tímea Rózsa, you will discover how music, coffee, and clever facilitation techniques can transform rigid meetings into dynamic workshops where real solutions emerge.
In Episode 5 of the Aquatic Plastic Podcast, visionary and innovator Ramon Knoester reveals how he transformed rivers filled with waste into green islands of hope. From smart litter traps to international initiatives, his story shows how creativity and community action can turn pollution into an opportunity for a better future. Discover how Clear Rivers is changing our rivers and seas and inspiring the world towards a cleaner planet.
You can listen to Episode 5 at the following link:
Fifth episode
In Episode 4 of the Aquatic Plastic Podcast, we take you on an inspiring journey with Bernard Merks, co-founder of the Waste Free Oceans initiative. Drawing on his deep connection with the waterways of the Netherlands, Bernard explains how his love of nature developed into a mission to combat plastic pollution in rivers and seas. From engaging fishermen to influencing EU policy, he reveals how waste can be turned into an opportunity and why it is time to seriously rethink our relationship with water.
You can listen to Episode 4 at the following link:
Fourth episode
Episode 3 of the podcast focused on a conversation with Sydney Steenland, who shared her experiences of growing up with a deep connection to the sea and her journey towards addressing plastic pollution. Sydney had an unusual childhood, as her family lived on boats and moved from place to place. This instilled in her a deep respect for and understanding of the marine environment. Despite financial challenges, her family found comfort and creativity in this way of life, which ultimately led to the establishment of the Sea Monkey Project. The project grew out of a desire to tackle plastic pollution, particularly in remote communities, by developing accessible recycling solutions.
You can listen to Episode 3 at the following link:
Third episode
In Episode 2 of the Aquatic Plastic Podcast, we dive into the world of Ian Davies, a retired firefighter turned environmentalist who swapped the River Thames for the Tisza River in Hungary. Together with his wife Edina, Ian founded the Tisza Tidyup initiative, a grassroots mission tackling plastic pollution with a strong sense of community spirit. Spoiler: this episode is full of heart, humour, and a surprising amount of wooden boat building.
You can listen to Episode 2 at the following link:
Second episode
In Episode 1, we meet Nick Thorpe – a talented journalist, author, filmmaker, and family man – who travelled the entire length of the Danube River, from the Black Sea to the Black Forest. Nick Thorpe draws fascinating connections between Europe's rivers and larger bodies of water such as the Atlantic Ocean and the English Channel, viewing rivers such as the Danube as natural alternatives to vast seas.
You can listen to Episode 1 at the following link:
First episode