EcoMedIslands

Mediterranean islands face persistent challenges in preventing and managing waste due to geographical isolation, limited infrastructure, and major seasonal population changes, particularly linked to tourism. These pressures increase waste volumes and strain local systems, making circular economy solutions essential for long-term sustainability.

EcoMedIslands responds to this situation through an integrated circular economy approach that combines waste prevention, improved management practices, and the transfer of effective solutions beyond the programme area. The project focuses on reducing waste at source, promoting reuse, strengthening segregation, and improving recycling, supporting a long-term shift in how waste is handled in island territories. Prevention and management actions will be implemented in a coordinated manner to ensure coherence and shared objectives.

EcoMedIslands

The project is expected to deliver tangible outcomes, including reduced waste generation in pilot areas, more efficient collection and treatment processes, and increased engagement from local stakeholders. Particular emphasis is placed on ensuring that tested solutions can be replicated in other Mediterranean island territories with similar characteristics, securing long-term impact beyond the partnership.

Main Outputs

  • Waste prevention strategies tailored to island contexts.
  • Improved waste collection processes supported by a real-time monitoring system and an AI-based optimisation tool (the SMART-WASTE system).
  • A participatory online platform to facilitate knowledge exchange and citizen involvement.
  • Policy recommendations designed for replication and adoption beyond the partnership.

The project’s beneficiaries include local authorities, waste management operators, tourism-related stakeholders, and residents. Visitors will also benefit from improved infrastructure and enhanced services.

Given that waste challenges are shared across Mediterranean islands, a transnational approach is essential. Cross-border cooperation will support the exchange of knowledge, the mobilisation of associate partners, and the development of scalable solutions. Engagement with waste management companies and industrial actors will further ensure that the tools and strategies developed are adopted effectively.

In the long term, EcoMedIslands aims to combine digital innovation with community-driven waste prevention and knowledge transfer, thus supporting Mediterranean islands in becoming models of sustainability and resilience, contributing meaningfully to the EU’s climate neutrality and circular economy goals, while delivering lasting benefits to all.

The EcoMedIslands project is funded through the Interreg Euro-MED supported by an EU contribution of 80% and co-financing rate of 20%.

Project Website: – https://ecomedislands.interreg-euro-med.eu/