REGARD Network

March was a busy month for the REGARD Network. This network, led by Cedre and OiEau, aims to support local authorities in the Loire-Brittany basin in reducing plastic macro-litter from wastewater systems. Cedre met with Lorient Agglomération on 13 March to discuss the installation of litter trapping systems within its area. As well as providing technical advice and guidance, a visit to potential installation sites was organised. These activities continue to be pursued to support the community in its efforts.

On 27 March, Cedre and OiEau organised the first REGARD Network technical day, with support from the Loire-Brittany water agency and Saumur Val de Loire Agglomération. This event focused on the essential role of awareness-raising in reducing litter in urban water systems, and gave participants the opportunity to expand their knowledge and discover various initiatives through case studies. In the afternoon, a tour of the systems installed by Saumur Val de Loire Agglomération as part of the Halt'Eau Plastique project illustrated the actions taken in the field.

Again, through the REGARD Network, Cedre took advantage of this trip to train CPIE Touraine Val de Loire in the characterisation protocol for macro-litter collected in litter traps. The training session, held at the CPIE's premises, combined both theory and practice, giving participants a better understanding of the issues involved in litter characterisation and the chance to familiarise themselves with the different stages in the protocol.