The easyPEST project – EstAblishing long-term monitoring System for plant PESTs around the Black Sea – has officially commenced under the Interreg NEXT Black Sea Basin Programme 2021–2027. Co-funded by the European Union, the initiative will establish an innovative, AI-powered and citizen science-based long-term monitoring system for the early detection and surveillance of invasive plant pests across the Black Sea Basin.
By integrating artificial intelligence, digital technologies and active public participation, easyPEST will strengthen cross-border cooperation and enhance regional capacity to prevent, detect and respond to biological invasions. The project aims to support the protection of forests, improve the sustainability of agricultural production and contribute to biodiversity conservation throughout the Black Sea region.
The project is coordinated by the Giresun Governorship (Türkiye) and brings together a strong international partnership consisting of:
- Trabzon University (Türkiye)
- Hellenic Agricultural Organization – DIMITRA (HAO-DIMITRA) (Greece)
- Ilia State University (Georgia)
Through close collaboration among researchers, public authorities and citizens, the consortium will develop innovative digital tools for early warning, species identification and long-term pest monitoring. These solutions will help strengthen the region’s resilience against the increasing threat posed by invasive alien insect pests.
In addition to developing advanced monitoring technologies, the project will implement awareness-raising activities, stakeholder engagement initiatives and citizen science practices to promote coordinated and effective responses across participating countries.
The easyPEST project has a total budget of EUR 520,308.90, including EUR 468,278.01 in European Union funding. The implementation period runs from December 2025 to June 2027.
