1

Why the project matters

The Mediterranean region faces pressing challenges in waste management, with most municipal waste ending up in landfills and organic waste often contaminated, reducing its value. These issues are exacerbated by the climate crisis, which threatens environmental sustainability and public health. Inconsistent legislative frameworks, lack of technical innovation, and insufficient funding further hinder the transition to a circular economy. Many local authorities and industries struggle with implementing sustainable waste practices, creating barriers to effective resource management and limiting the region’s ability to adapt to climate impacts. Addressing these gaps through cross-border collaboration and innovation is vital to improving resource management, reducing waste, and enhancing environmental resilience across the region.

2

What it aims to achieve

• To promote a circular economy in the Mediterranean through waste reduction, recycling, and sustainable resource management.
• To test innovative solutions like industrial symbiosis and AI-powered sorting, tailored to regional needs.
• To encourage cooperation and knowledge sharing between public, private, and academic sectors to adopt effective, long-term waste management solutions.

3

Expected change

• Stakeholders in the region adopt a more resource-efficient approach, improving waste management practices.
• Increased collaboration between public, private, and academic sectors to enhance innovation and share successful waste management technologies.
• Strengthened capacity of local authorities and businesses to implement circular economy practices and create sustainable economic opportunities.

4

What the project delivers

• Mapping of waste management and resource-efficient solutions.
• Development of a platform to promote industrial symbiosis using by-products.
• AI-based tool to improve public awareness and waste sorting.
• Implementation of selected resource management solutions in pilot areas.
• Launch of an online platform on sustainable waste management and industrial symbiosis.
• Training course for students, municipalities, and businesses on solution transfer.
• Transnational campaign to raise awareness on circular practices.
• Policy toolkit with targeted recommendations for better waste management policies.

5

Who benefits

• Local Authorities (≥1/country): Public bodies managing waste; supported with technical tools and better policies.
• Education Sector (≥5/country): Schools and universities; trained to promote circular economy and reduce waste.
• Waste Management Experts (≥20/country): Engineers, companies, students; gain skills, networks, and tools for efficient waste handling.
• Agri-food Stakeholders (≥20/country): Farmers to retailers; supported in cutting food waste and improving reuse.
• NGOs, Civil Society Organisations and SMEs (≥5/country): Community groups and small businesses; helped to run awareness campaigns and adopt green solutions.