The UPSTREAM project, with ZINNAE as a partner, has launched its first FSTP call (UPSTREAM Open Call 1 – Collection & Valorisation). This funding opportunity aims to support regional/local authorities to deploy collection & recovery schemes for riverine litter/plastics/MP and pilot valorisation pathways aligned with UPSTREAM.

The call is addressed to regional/local public authorities (or directly representing bodies) from associated regions (EU Member States and Associated Countries) that are not among the UPSTREAM beneficiary countries and regions receiving FSTP funding from the INSPIRE project, financed under the same Horizon Europe topic HORIZON-MISS-2022-OCEAN-01-04.

Between 2 and 3 projects will be funded, with grants of up to €70,000 (lump sum), to be implemented within a maximum period of six months. Proposals must be submitted by 16 March 2026 (17:00 CET).

Eligible activities under the call include:

• Monitoring and digitalisation of plastics/microplastics in rivers and tributaries
• Prevention and zero waste measures (e.g., substitution with bio based/biodegradable alternatives, upstream interventions)
• Removal, collection and recovery of litter, plastics and microplastics from freshwater systems
• Pilot projects for the recycling/valorisation of collected plastics (including pre treatments enabling recycling)
• Nature based solutions and restoration measures in riparian and urban water systems
• Citizen science and co creation activities (living labs, behaviour‑change campaigns)
• Open data and knowledge exchange with UPSTREAM’s platforms

The UPSTREAM consortium encourages all eligible entities to submit their applications and take advantage of this opportunity to drive concrete action against plastic pollution in aquatic environments.