The BRIDGEWAT (BRIDGing Communities for SustainablE WATers) project, executed by the PSRI Institute for Protection and Ecology of the Republic of Srpska (IPERS) under the iMERMAID Technical Assistance Programme – Open Call 1, effectively tackled the challenge of chemical water pollution in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Over its nine-month implementation, BRIDGEWAT was designed to elevate public awareness, advance innovative water monitoring and remediation technologies, and fortify collaboration across research institutions, industry, policymakers, and local communities. Core activities included executing awareness campaigns and stakeholder workshops, conducting capacity-building training, and carrying out field demonstrations of three cutting-edge iMERMAID monitoring technologies: the Heavy Metal Sensor Box, the PFAS Sensor, and the Electrochemical Sensor for Organic Micropollutants. The project also produced promotional videos to boost visibility and public outreach.
The project successfully achieved all planned objectives, milestones, and KPIs. BRIDGEWAT not only reinforced existing partnerships but also forged new networks with national institutions and the iMERMAID consortium. This work contributed substantially to promoting innovative strategies for water quality management and pollution prevention. The knowledge and experience accumulated now serve as a robust foundation for subsequent initiatives within the iMERMAID framework and for enhancing regional cooperation on chemical water pollution challenges.
