On 25 July 2026, the two-year international project AIRQUEST – “Know What You Breathe” will officially come to an end.
Implemented in Bulgaria, Romania, Türkiye and Ukraine, the project brought together partners from across the Black Sea region with one common goal – to make air quality information more accessible, understandable and useful for citizens, schools, local communities and public institutions.
Practical Tools for Better Air Quality Awareness
Throughout the project, a range of practical digital tools and resources were developed and will remain available after the formal end of AIRQUEST.
Among the key results is the online air quality monitoring platform, available at https://cleanair.bsbairquest.com/.
The platform combines data from ground-based monitoring stations and satellite sources, making it easier for users to access and understand information related to air pollution.
A dedicated digital library was also developed to improve public understanding of the main causes and consequences of air pollution, as well as possible solutions for reducing its impact.
Strong Focus on Young People and Education
A major part of the AIRQUEST activities focused on young people, teachers and educational communities.
More than 100 students participated in the national story-writing competition dedicated to the topic of air pollution. Their stories reflected how children understand the connection between clean air, human health, nature and the future.
A total of 83 young people participated in the international STEM exhibition, presenting their own ideas and solutions related to environmental challenges.
The national STEM competition also brought together 20 student teams, which worked on practical challenges connected with air quality and sustainable development.
Training Teachers for Long-Term Impact
The educational impact of the project was further strengthened through STEM training for 35 teachers and future teachers.
Participants gained knowledge and practical approaches for working with students on topics related to:
- air pollution;
- science and technology;
- environmental responsibility;
- sustainable behaviour.
By involving educators directly, the project helped ensure that AIRQUEST knowledge and methods can continue to be used in the classroom beyond the project lifetime.
180 Trees Planted in Valchi Dol Municipality
AIRQUEST also included activities focused on creating visible local impact and engaging communities.
As part of these initiatives, 180 trees were planted in the Municipality of Valchi Dol.
The activity brought local residents together around a shared message – that even relatively small actions can contribute to a healthier environment and better quality of life.
Raising Awareness Among Future Drivers
The project also reached another important target group – learner drivers.
A total of 62 future drivers participated in specialised seminars focused on the impact of transport on air quality and the opportunities for adopting more responsible behaviour on the road.
The seminars helped connect everyday mobility choices with broader environmental challenges and encouraged more sustainable habits.
AIRQUEST: Scientific, Accessible and Inspiring
Representatives of the – BATTI, a project partner, highlighted the importance of combining scientific information with practical public engagement:
“AIRQUEST demonstrated that the topic of air quality can be presented in a way that is scientific, accessible and inspiring at the same time. Data are important, but real change begins when people use them, discuss the problem and search for solutions together.”
The Project Ends, but the Results Remain
Following the completion of AIRQUEST, the online platform, digital resources and results of the implemented initiatives will continue to support citizens, schools, municipalities and organisations in their efforts to improve awareness and contribute to cleaner air.
AIRQUEST is coming to an end as a project, but its mission continues: to know what we breathe and to take action for a healthier future.