Boosting Circular Economy Solutions for Marine Litter Collection and Recycling in the Adriatic-Ionian Regions

Programme 2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B IPA Adriatic-Ionian

Date of latest update: 2024-12-23

Description

Description (EN):

BLUECIRCLE 'Boosting Circular Economy Solutions for Marine Litter Collection and Recycling in the Adriatic-Ionian Regions' aims to test the feasibility of a science-based circular management system for marine litter treatment, through the implementation of a mobile recovery plant and recycling chains. The project will implement a demostrative action in two different regions to test the feasibility of this system for marine litter recycling. The focus is on addressing common problems in these regions, like high levels of marine pollution and the lack of effective recycling systems. Throughout the project, the scientific partner will develop a prototype mobile recycling plant on a small scale, capable of separating different types of marine litter materials based on their characteristics. Moreover, methods for recovering and making the most of these materials will be developed. Partners involved in the project will receive training on collecting marine litter along their coasts, improving their understanding of the issue. This collection will provide samples for the demonstration activities. Successfully carrying out these actions will lead to better management systems and improved capacity for dealing with marine litter in these areas. Additionally, BLUECIRCLE aims to raise awareness and promote sustainable practices related to marine litter and sustainability. This includes hosting recycling workshops, technical sessions, and a final conference. By involving citizens, stakeholders, and partners, we aim to increase awareness and foster international collaboration. One of the strong points of the project is the transnational cooperation. Through the cooperation of different territories from the Adriatic-Ionian area, partners can share valuable insights, collaborate effectively, and coordinate joint actions. This collaborative effort not only fosters knowledge exchange but also contributes to a more sustainable approach to managing marine litter. Once the project is complete, partners will commit to continuing their work in the field of marine recycling. Overall, the objective of the BLUECIRCLE project is to improve marine litter management in the inolved regions, while also promoting circular economy principles. By implementing the project activities, the project will contribute to cleaner coastlines, reducing marine pollution, and the adoption of sustainable waste management practices based on circular economy.

Expected Achievements (EN):

In WP1, the primary goal is to characterize marine litter in the targeted areas, thereby creating an innovative protocol involving stakeholders. Additionally, through activities such as the Project Launch Event and Citizen Consultation, partners aim to engage stakeholders and communities in dialogue. This aims to enhance awareness, gather insights, and foster sustainable recycling initiatives through collaborative efforts. The WP2 aims to develop a mobile pilot-scale recycling plant for the treatment of marine litter, capable of effectively separating different materials based on their characteristics and enabling the recovery and valorization of natural, organic, and anthropic fractions. Then, the WP will establish and validate effective pilot action sessions for marine litter collection in the participating regions of Bari and Durres, leading to improved management systems and enhanced capacity for scaling up the collection activity. By achieving this objective, the project will contribute to the development of sustainable solutions for marine litter collection, leading to cleaner coastal environments, reduced pollution, and improved waste management practices in the participating regions. The WP3 aims to raise awareness and promote sustainable practices among citizens, stakeholders, and partners regarding marine litter and sustainability through thematic recycling labs, technical workshops, and a final technical conference, ultimately leading to the establishment of an international agreement between project partners. This final WP will contribute to the general aim of the project and is complementary to the other WPs objectives.

Project outputs: Mobile Pilot-Scale Recycling Plant in the ADRION area(EN)
Pilot Action: Marine Litter Collection(EN)
Transnational Networking on Marine Litter Management (EN)

Thematic information

Coastal management and maritime issues Waste and pollution

Priority: (VI-B_IPA-A_2) Supporting a greener and climate resilient Adriatic-Ionian region

Priority specific objective: RSO2.6. Promoting the transition to a circular and resource efficient economy

Priority policy objective (Interreg specific objective): PO2 A greener, low-carbon transitioning towards a net zero carbon economy and resilient Europe by promoting clean and fair energy transition, green and blue investment, the circular economy, climate change mitigation and adaptation, risk prevention and management, and sustainable urban mobility

Type of intervention: 071 Promoting the use of recycled materials as raw materials

Partners (7)

Lead Partner: Regione Puglia

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 01105250722 | 80017210727 | Fiscal code (EN)

Department: Department of Environment, Landscape and Urban quality

Address: Via Giovanni Gentile, 70126 Bari, Italy

Department address: Via Giovanni Gentile, 70126 Bari, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Regional public authority

Website: http://www.regione.puglia.it

Total budget: EUR 287 600.04

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 244 460.03

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 43 140.01

Opština Budva

Name: Opština Budva

Department: Kancelarija Za Evropske Integracije i Saradnju

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 936413654

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 2005409

Address: Trg Sunca, 85310 Budva, Montenegro

Department address: Trg Sunca, 85310 Budva, Montenegro

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: http://www.budva.me

Total budget: EUR 189 292.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 160 898.20

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 28 393.80

Općina Neum

Name: Općina Neum

Department: Division for housing and communal affairs, construction and development; Department for projects

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 883345536

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 4227086860006 | Fiscal code (EN)

Address: Kralja Tomislava, 88390 Neum, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Department address: Kralja Tomislava, 88390 Neum, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: http://www.neum.ba

Total budget: EUR 187 522.04

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 159 393.73

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 28 128.31

Keshilli i Qarkut Durres

Name: Keshilli i Qarkut Durres

Department: Sector of drafting, coordination and implementation of projects and social policies

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 929134095

Partner’s ID if not PIC: K51704519G

Address: Lagja 2, Sheshi Liria, , 2000 Durres, Albania

Department address: Lagja 2, Sheshi Liria, Durres, 2000 Durres, Albania

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Regional public authority

Website: https://qarkudurres.gov.al

Total budget: EUR 252 129.84

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 214 310.36

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 37 819.48

Grad Kaštela

Name: Grad Kaštela

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 939046234

Partner’s ID if not PIC: HR08727843572

Address: Braće Radić, 21212 Kaštel Sućurac, Croatia

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: http://www.kastela.hr

Total budget: EUR 184 320.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 156 672.00

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 27 648.00

Δήμος Νικολάου Σκουφά

Name: Δήμος Νικολάου Σκουφά

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 997681819

Address: Peta square, GR47200 Peta, Arta, Greece

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Local public authority

Website: https://nskoufas.gr/

Total budget: EUR 151 782.00

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 129 014.70

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 22 767.30

Dipartimento di Ingegneria Civile, Ambientale, Territorio, Edile e di Chimica-Politecnico di Bari

Name: Dipartimento di Ingegneria Civile, Ambientale, Territorio, Edile e di Chimica-Politecnico di Bari

PIC (Participant Identification Code): 999431159

Partner’s ID if not PIC: 04301530723 | 93051590722 | Fiscal Code (EN)

Address: Via Orabona, 70126 Bari, Italy

Legal status: public

Organisation type: Higher education and research organisations

Website: http://dicatechpoliba.it/

Total budget: EUR 376 950.09

Partner’s programme co-financing: EUR 320 407.57

Partner’s programme co-financing rate: 85.00%

Partner contribution: EUR 56 542.52

Partners map

Partners and Projects info

Municipality of Budva

Boosting Circular Economy Solutions for Marine Litter Collection and Recycling in the Adriatic-Ionian Regions

Partners and Projects info

Municipality of Neum

Boosting Circular Economy Solutions for Marine Litter Collection and Recycling in the Adriatic-Ionian Regions

Partners and Projects info

KESHILLI I QARKUT DURRES

Boosting Circular Economy Solutions for Marine Litter Collection and Recycling in the Adriatic-Ionian Regions

Partners and Projects info

Kastela City

Boosting Circular Economy Solutions for Marine Litter Collection and Recycling in the Adriatic-Ionian Regions

Partners and Projects info

Municipality of Nikolaos Skoufas

Boosting Circular Economy Solutions for Marine Litter Collection and Recycling in the Adriatic-Ionian Regions

Partners and Projects info

Department of Civil, Environmental, Land, Building Engineering,Chemistry-Polytechnic University Bari

Boosting Circular Economy Solutions for Marine Litter Collection and Recycling in the Adriatic-Ionian Regions

Partners and Projects info

Apulia Region

Boosting Circular Economy Solutions for Marine Litter Collection and Recycling in the Adriatic-Ionian Regions

Lead partner

Project partner

Summary

Project name (EN): Boosting Circular Economy Solutions for Marine Litter Collection and Recycling in the Adriatic-Ionian Regions

Project acronym: BLUECIRCLE

Project ID: IPA-ADRION00316

Project start date: 2024-09-01

Project end date: 2027-08-31

Project status: ongoing

Relevant linked projects:

Interreg Croatia-Italy (2014/2020)
"RESPONSe": Strategies to Adapt to Climate Change in Adriatic Regions. Adaption Booster for Climate Change
RESPONSe supports coastal municipalities in the Adriatic region by promoting smart governance in response to the risks and impacts of climate change. Meteorological and oceanographic data, along with interactions with local communities, will contribute to the development of an action plan tailored to the specific characteristics of the territory.
The project aims to enable local policymakers to implement approaches and tools for the implementation of "smart climate" and the promotion of sustainability in the marine and coastal environment of the Adriatic regions. (EN) | Regione Puglia is a beneficiary partner in the project RESPONSe. The LP of the project BLUECIRCLE will be in charge of linking the experienced gained through the project RESPONSe to the current one. The protection of the environment is the common link of both projects. (EN), INTERREG V-A Italy - Croatia (2014 - 2020)
CASCADE: CoAStal and marine waters integrated monitoring systems for ecosystems proteCtion AnD managemEnt
CASCADE will develop a set of concerted and coordinated actions including monitoring (observing and modelling) and management (Maritime Spatial Planning - MSP, Integrated Coastal Zone Management - ICZM, Land-Sea Interaction - LSI) to enhance the knowledge and to evaluate the quality and assess the vulnerability of inland, coastal and marine ecosystems in Italy and Croatia with the final objective to restore endangered species and to support integrated management. The project will consolidate long-lasting research capabilities in the field through a concrete dialogue with stakeholders and the participation of Agencies, research centers and universities in order to enhance inland, coastal and marine knowledge. Such shared information and monitoring protocols are essential for supporting concrete actions dealing with environmental vulnerability, fragmentation and safeguarding of ecosystem services at cross-border level. (EN) | Both projects CASCADE and BLUECIRCLE seek for an improvement of marine and coastal knowledge of Adriatic Sea. Both projects aim to improve the management systems of marine litter; CASCADE aims to develop monitoring systems, to facilitate the access to monitoring data through an information system, while BLUECIRCLE will produce a prototype of marine litter management system.
The Regione Puglia as lead partner of both projects will link the outcomes of both projects to enable better synergies, best practices exchange and lessons-sharing.
(EN), Interreg IT-HR 2014-2020
MARLESS: MARine Litter cross-border awarenESS and innovation actions
The objective of the project is to implement joint interventions to address the phenomenon
of marine Litter from different points of view and methods of intervention.
The project therefore put into effect concrete actions of monitoring, management,
prevention and removal of the marine litter without neglecting the normative aspect
within which these actions are framed.
Finally, it proposed innovative and experimental actions aimed at treating plastic
waste in a circular economy perspective. (EN) | The synergy between BLUECIRCLE project and the MARLESS project lies in their shared objective of addressing marine litter and promoting a circular economy perspective for waste management. Both projects implement concrete actions, including monitoring, management, prevention, and removal of marine litter, while also focusing on innovative approaches to treat plastic waste. By collaborating, they aim to improve marine litter management and promote sustainable waste practices in the Adriatic and Ionian territory.
Regione Puglia has been project partner of this project and will bridge the knowledge acquired through it, that will be applied to BLUECIRCLE. (EN), Interreg ENI CBC MED 2014-2020 COMMON: Coastal Management and Monitoring Network for tackling marine litter in Mediterranean sea Marine litter is one of the main pollution sources of the Mediterranean Sea, with negative consequences for living marine organisms, marine ecosystems, human health and coastal activities, including tourism and fisheries.
Combating the issue of marine litter requires a global effort at basin level through AN approach that tackles the environmental, economic, social, cultural and recreational drivers that can affect marine ecosystems.
The COMMON project will apply the Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) principles to marine litter, improving knowledge of the phenomenon, enhancing the environmental performance of 5 pilot coastal areas in Italy, Tunisia and Lebanon, and engaging local stakeholders in marine litter management. (EN) | The synergy between the BLUECIRCLE project and the COMMON project is their shared objective of addressing marine litter in the Mediterranean Sea and promoting sustainable coastal management. They aim to enhance knowledge, improve environmental performance in pilot areas, and engage stakeholders in marine litter management to achieve a comprehensive and sustainable approach. While the COMMON project specifically applies the principles of Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) to address marine litter; BLUECIRCLE, on the other hand, focuses on intervene with pilot action testing the circular management system identified within the project for waste treatment in the ADRION area and raising awareness among stakeholders in the Countries involved. (EN), INTERREG VB Mediterranean (2014 - 2020)
BLUEMED PLUS: Capitalization by transferring to new Med territories the BlueMed multidisciplinary model for sustainable and responsible coastal tourism development. BlueMed PLUS builds on the perspective of capitalizing on relevant experiences, outputs, and results of the BlueMed project. In doing so it takes advantage of one of the main outputs of BlueMed – the Roadmap and Action Plan for taking up its multidisciplinary model, which distils the accumulated tacit knowledge, the knowhow, and most other outputs of the completed project. The chief objective of the new BlueMed PLUS project is to “transfer” the Roadmap and the Action Plan to new Med territorial “receivers”, through a process that supports knowledge systematization and decision-making and facilitates territorial uptake and ownership. (EN) | BLUEMED aims to support competent government authorities to develop strategies, plans and policies for local coastal and island economies of the Mediterranean region in adopting a sustainable and responsible model for tourism development. The project BLUECIRCLE is in line with this objective and shares it.
The Municipality of Budva, beneficiary partner of the capitalisation of the project BlueMed (BLUEMED PLUS) will share the outputs of the project with the other partners of BLUECIRCLE, creating valuable synergies among both projects. (EN), Integrated Waste Management and Marine Litter Prevention in the Western Balkans (MLP) - German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) 2022-2025
The Integrated Waste Management and Marine Litter Prevention Programme in the Western Balkans (MLP) supports four countries – Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo and Montenegro – in reducing plastic discharge into the Adriatic Sea. It aims to achieve its goals by facilitating regional exchange, knowledge sharing and cross-border cooperation.
The MLP Programme supports its partners in improving the implementation of coordinated strategies to reduce marine litter. The Programme brings public and private partners as well as civil society from the four countries together and advises them on how to reduce the leakage of plastic waste into the Adriatic Sea. It initiates regular and systematic exchanges of information about the project’s experiences at regional, national and local levels. (EN) | The Municipality of Neum, the Development Agency of Nera, and JP Komunalno Neum have been actively involved in the mentioned project, which is implemented and financed by GIZ in BIH, since February 2019. As one of the more significant activities of the project, a vehicle for the removal of municipal waste was procured as well as for PVC waste, which is given to the Neum Municipal Corporation for use and management.
The knowledge will be transferred to the BLUECIRCLE project, as a strong synergy in the objectives shared by both projects. The Municipality of Neum will be a strong connection point between both projects, bridging experiences that will be shared from the beginnin of the project in the first activiy of project launch (A.1.1). (EN), LIFE12 ENV/IT/000289
SMILE: Strategies for Marine Litter and Environmental prevention of sea pollution in
coastal areas. The project aims to decrease marine litter in coastal areas.
The project involves 4 Municipalities in Liguria Region and focuses on different levels:
finding efficient solution for waste recovery and recycle; building common strategies for local waste management; raising citizens and tourists’ awareness to encourage sustainable behaviours. (EN) | BLUECIRCLE project and SMILE project share the objective of reducing marine litter in coastal areas and promoting sustainable waste management practices.
The SMILE project focuses on building common strategies for local waste management, and raising awareness. The BLUECIRCLE project, on the other hand, aims to acquire more technical knowledge on this issue, verifying the technical feasibility of a circular management tools for waste treatment and improve marine litter management through activities such as the creation of a mobile recycling plant and pilot action sessions. Both projects align in their efforts to tackle marine litter and promote sustainable waste practices in coastal areas. (EN), INTERREG V-A GREECE-ITALY (2014-2020)
RE.CO.RD: REcycling strategies for the COastal sustainable waste management towards R&D Innovation
The overall objective of RE.CO.RD is to introduce environmentally friendly sustainable technologies and processes to manage plastic waste, specifically to promote a model of sustainable exploitation of the coasts through shared strategies for a functional waste management. Bathing sites will become protected sites in order to safeguard and enhance coastal ecosystems. Among most innovative project outputs there is the realization of 2 experimental prototypes for plastic recycling and 6 demonstrative actions for collecting, weighing and recycling plastic materials directly near the beaches. (EN) | The synergy between the BLUECIRCLE project and the RE.CO.RD project is their shared objective of promoting environmentally friendly and sustainable management of plastic waste, particularly in coastal areas.
The BLUECIRCLE project aligns with RE.CO.RD by also focusing on waste management, particularly in the context of marine litter. Both projects emphasize the importance of implementing innovative solutions and technologies to address plastic waste and promote sustainable exploitation of coastal areas.
The Municipality Nikolaos Skoufas ahs participated in this project as partner. By exchanging information on the project, they can contribute to the development and implementation of effective strategies for plastic waste management and the protection of coastal ecosystems.
(EN), GREen ENgineering solutions: a new LIFE for SEdiments And Shells
Funded by the European Union under the call LIFE-2022-SAP-ENV (POLIBA contribution: €675,276.79), the project aims to demonstrate the technical feasibility and commercial viability of innovative solutions for the in-situ recovery and re-use of dredged harbor sediments and shells (waste), which are used as secondary raw materials for the production of sustainable by-products by means of an optimized mixing technology. The project is synergic with the proposal since the latter includes a phase for the development of sustainable materials for building and construction starting from the material coming out of the mobile treatment plant referred to in the proposal (duration: 5 years; scientific responsible: Prof. Claudia Vitone; deadline: March 2028). (EN) | The project GREen ENgineering solutions, in which PoliBa has taken place, aims to demonstrate the technical feasibility and commercial viability of innovative solutions for the recovery and re-use of dredged harbor sediments and shells, shares synergies with BLUECIRCLE. Both projects are focused on the development of sustainable materials and by-products, with an emphasis on optimizing technology and promoting circular economy principles. (EN), Joint technologies for WEEE-cycle closure
Funded by the Italian Ministry of the Environment (POLIBA contribution: €169,572.0), the project aims to verify the technical feasibility of an innovative treatment scheme for Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE). The results acquired during the project and concerning tribo-electrostatic separation technologies and densimetric tables will be useful for the development of this proposal. (Duration: 2 years; scientific responsible: Prof. Michele Notarnicola; deadline: 15/03/2024). (EN) | BLUECIRCLE and the project "Joint Technologies for WEEE-cycle Closure" funded by the Italian Ministry of the Environment share synergies in their efforts to address waste management challenges, specifically focusing on Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE).
The project funded by the Italian Ministry aims to verify the technical feasibility of an innovative treatment scheme for WEEE, with a particular focus on tribo-electrostatic separation technologies and densimetric tables. The results and knowledge gained from this project can be highly relevant and valuable for the development of BLUECIRCLE.
PoliBa will bridge the knowledge between both projects, as scientific responsible in both initiatives. (EN), Sustainable Solid WAste management and Policies (SWAP)
Funded by the European Union in the framework of Action CBHE-JP - Capacity Building in higher education - Joint Projects (POLIBA contribution: € 96,705), the project aims at capacity building in the area of waste treatment in the Asian countries of Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia. The results acquired in the project will be useful for the proposal with regard to dissemination actions and interaction with foreign stakeholders (duration: 3 years; scientific responsible: Prof. Sabino De Gisi; deadline: 15/01/2024). (EN) | The project "Sustainable Solid Waste Management and Policies (SWAP)" funded by the European Union and BLUECIRCLE share synergies in their objectives to promote sustainable waste management practices and capacity building in waste treatment.
SWAP aims to enhance the capacity of Asian countries, specifically Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia, in the area of waste treatment. The project focuses on capacity building initiatives to improve solid waste management and policies in these countries.
The knowledge and experiences gained from SWAP, transferred by PoliBa, can provide valuable insights and lessons learned for the wide dissemination actions and interaction with stakeholders from outside of the ADRION Area in the BLUECIRCLE proposal. (EN), Project Research Agreement for Urgent Remediation Measurements and Environmental Requalification of Taranto
Project Research Agreement (2015-2018) with Special Commissioner of the Italian Government for Urgent Remediation Measurements and Environmental requalification of Taranto (Southern Italy, Site of National Interest) (DICATECh contribution: € 1,215,400). The research focus was the contaminated sediment remediation of the Mar Piccolo in Taranto - considered one of the areas of highest environmental risk in Europe - with several sustainable technologies as chemical reduction/oxidation, stabilization/solidification, aerobic/anaerobic biodegradation, reactive capping. The results of the project, of scientific and practical value, were used by the Italian Government for the international tender for the first intervention of remediation of contaminated marine sediments in the Mar Piccolo of Taranto (tender amount € 32,276,250). (EN) | The project "Project Research Agreement for Urgent Remediation Measurements and Environmental Requalification of Taranto" and BLUECIRCLE demonstrate synergy in their focus on environmental remediation and the application of sustainable technologies.
The research agreement, conducted in collaboration with the Special Commissioner of the Italian Government, aimed to address the urgent remediation and environmental requalification of Taranto, a site of national interest in Southern Italy known for its high environmental risk.
The outcomes of the research carried out in the scope of the project hold significant scientific and practical value, particularly in the field of contaminated sediment remediation. The results obtained though the research will be highly useful for BLUECIRCLE, and will be used by PoliBa for conducting the initial analysis foreseen in the first WP, as point of departure for the Italian investigations. (EN)

Total budget/expenditure: EUR 1 629 596.01

Total EU funding (amount): EUR 1 385 156.59

Total EU funding (co-financing rate): 85.00%

Co-financing sources:

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

(bullets are inserted automatically and may be incorrectly placed)

Deliverables:

Organisation Event Kit
BLUECIRCLE's Newsletter
Protocol for Marine Litter Sampling, Characterization, and Classification
Joint Report on the Characteristics of Marine Litter in ADRION Territories
Comparative Analysis of Responses
Local Citizen Consultation on Marine Litter Recycling Kits
Prototype of Recycling
Plant
User Manual for Lab-Scale Prototype Plant
Protocol for Recovery
Manual Guide for Device Usage
Technical Report on Collected Marine Litter Features
Evaluation Results for Scaling Up the Collection Activity
Flyer development
Feasibility Plan of the pilot action
Study Visit Kits
Video Press Production
Technical Report on Monitoring of Pilot Action
Evaluation Results for Scaling Up the Recycling Prototype Plant
Dissemination Kit
Agreements with Stakeholders
International Agreement between Partners

Contribution to wider strategies and policies:

EUStrategyAdriaticIonianRegion BLUECIRCLE is in line with the EUSAIR strategy, Pillar 1: BLUE GROWTH, flagship 'Bolstering Capacity Building and efficient coordination of panning and local developmet activities for improving marine and maritime governance and blue growth services.
By addressing the issue of marine litter and developing innovative waste management solutions, the project enhances maritime and marine governance by promoting sustainable practices and efficient use of marine resources. It contributes to the harmonization of standards and the creation of new jobs in the blue economy sector, fostering economic growth and prosperity in coastal communities within the Adriatic and Ionian Region.
Furthermore, the project's focus on improving waste management and implementing circular economy principles helps to overcome barriers and obstacles related to competition for maritime space. By efficiently managing and reducing marine litter, the project contributes to the coherent and sustainable use of waters for various activities such as renewable energy equipment and aquaculture.
In terms of capacity building and skills development, the BLUECIRCLE project equips the regiosn with new skills, that are essential for the growth of a sustainable blue economy. By promoting innovative waste management techniques and technologies, the project strengthens the skills and career development in the blue economy sector, creating opportunities for individuals and fostering the growth of a skilled workforce in the maritime sectors of the macroregion.
Moreover, the project's collaboration with higher education institutions and organizations in the maritime sectors contributes to the strengthening of networks and knowledge-sharing within the macroregion. This collaboration enhances the expertise & capabilities of stakeholders involved in blue growth services and facilitates the exchange of best practices, ultimately improving the overall governance and sustainability of the maritime space in the Region.
EUStrategyAdriaticIonianRegion BLUECIRCLE is in line with the Pillar 3 of the Strategy: ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY, flagship 'Promotion of sustainable growth of the AI Region by implementing ICZM and MSP also to contribute on ICZM of Barcelona Convention and the monitoring and management of the marine protected area'.
The project is closely linked to the promotion of sustainable growth in the A-I Region through the implementation of Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) and Maritime Spatial Planning (MSP). By addressing marine litter and waste management, the project contributes to decreasing pollution, protecting unique biodiversity, and improving the quality of life in the region.
The project's actions directly contribute to the extension of MSP and ICZM to the entire A-I region, which strengthens and develops sustainable growth, particularly in economic and touristic sectors. It addresses the need for monitoring and management of protected areas, which is crucial for the conservation of marine biodiversity and the preservation of the region's natural assets.
The significance of the BLUECIRCLE extends beyond the macro-regional level. It is also relevant at the national level, as not all EUSAIR countries have established MSP and ICZM frameworks or implemented comprehensive approaches to monitoring and managing protected areas. By promoting best practices, knowledge sharing, and collaboration among project partners &nstakeholders, the project supports the adoption and implementation of these crucial frameworks at all levels.
In summary, the project contributes to filling knowledge gaps, addressing conflicts, and managing natural assets in the A-I region. The project also complements other aspects of the strategy, such as climate change adaptation, risk prevention, public participation and protection of sensitive biodiversity. Through its actions, the project supports the achievement of Good Environmental Status and the implementation of MSP and ICZM in the region.
EuropeanGreenDeal The BLUECIRCLE project strongly aligns with the objectives and priorities of the European Green Deal. The project directly contributes to several key areas highlighted in the European Green Deal.
Firstly, the project addresses the priority of protecting biodiversity and ecosystems by tackling the issue of marine litter and its detrimental impact on the marine environment. By developing innovative waste management solutions and implementing circular economy principles, the project helps to preserve the health and sustainability of Europe's seas and oceans.
Secondly, the project contributes to reducing pollution. By implementing efficient waste management practices and recycling technologies, the project minimizes the release of pollutants into the environment, improving the overall environmental quality and reducing the ecological footprint.
Furthermore, the project's focus on circular economy principles directly supports the European Green Deal's goal of moving towards a circular economy. By designing and testing a mobile treatment plant that enables the separation and recycling of various waste materials, the project promotes the efficient use of resources, reduces waste generation, and supports the transition towards a more sustainable and resource-efficient economy.
Lastly, the BLUECIRCLE project contributes to the sustainability of the blue economy and fisheries sectors by addressing the challenge of marine litter, which poses a significant threat to these sectors. By implementing effective waste management strategies, the project helps to maintain the health and productivity of marine ecosystems, supporting the long-term viability of the blue economy and fisheries.
In summary, the BLUECIRCLE project aligns with the European Green Deal's vision and priorities by addressing key environmental challenges, promoting circular economy principles, improving waste management practices, and supporting the sustainability of the blue economy and fisheries sectors.
Other The project perfectly fits with the 'UN Marine Litter Resolution'
The resolution called for UNEP to play a stronger role in combatting marine litter and requested an overview of all voluntary commitments targeting marine plastics and microplastics. The resolution also established an Ad Hoc Open-Ended Expert Group to study and propose solutions to the marine
plastics crisis. The resolution aligns with the Statewide Microplastic Strategy adopted by the Ocean Protection Council on February 23, 2022, recognizing: High and rapidly increasing levels of plastic pollution represent a serious environmental problem at a global scale, negatively impacting sustainable
development.
The UNEA resolution stressed prevention through waste minimization and environmentally sound waste management as of highest priority. It noted the key role of sectors including plastic producers, retailers and consumer goods industry, and highlighted schemes such as extended producer responsibility and container deposit. It also emphasized that transfer of technology on mutually agreed terms and resource mobilization from all sources are important. The Assembly also agreed on a global zero-emission vision, for the of long-term elimination of discharge of litter and microplastics to the oceans, and asked everyone with a mandate to support combatting marine litter.
Other The project is in line with the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). It requires EU Member States to ensure that "properties and quantities of marine litter do not cause harm to the coastal and marine environment". This strategy represents a perfect framework in which BLUECIRCLE will develop. In fact, pollution of the seas from plastics including microplastics is one of the three major areas of the Strategy for Plastics, adopted by the
EC in 2018; most of the proposed Actions are directly or indirectly related to marine litter, including its international dimension. The Directive on Single Use Plastics and fishing gear introduces a set of ambitious measures: a ban on selected single-use products made of plastic for which alternatives exist on the market: cotton bud sticks, cutlery, plates, straws, sticks
for balloons, cups, food & beverage containers made of expanded polystyren; measures to reduce consumption of food containers and beverage cups & labelling of certain products;
Extended Producer Responsibility schemes, including the cost to clean up litter from products as tobacco filters, food containers, lightweight plastic bags, wet wipes & balloons”; a 90% separate collection target for plastic bottles by 2029 (77% by 2025) and introduction of design requirements to connect caps to bottles, as well as target to incorporate 25% of recycled plastic in PET bottles as from 2025 & 30% in all plastic beverage bottles as from 2030; monitoring and reporting requirements on the amounts of fishing gear containing plastic placed on the market & collected as waste. On this basis, the EC has requested the EU standardization to develop a harmonise circular design of fishing gear to encourage preparing for re-use & facilitate recyclability at end of life.
The project contributes to the MSFD by focusing on marine litter management and prevention, promoting circular economy principles, and implementing actions to reduce waste generation and improve resource efficiency.
Other The Italian Law 28/12/2015 n.221 introduced a provision aimed at regulating and promoting litter removal from the seabed near marine protected areas
The IMELS is going to sign agreements for the collection and management of waste found on the seabed of selected ports
These agreements will involve Port authorities, Marine Protected Areas, municipalities, environmental associations, local fisheries and scuba diving associations
The objective of the agreement is to identify an integrated system for the collection and the management of waste removed from the seabed, also through education and training initiatives for fisheries and diving associations, aimed at identifying the best procedures and possibly extending them to other ports.

Programme Common Output Indicator:

RCO 116 - Jointly developed solutions, Measurement unit:
RCO 084 - Pilot actions developed jointly and implemented in projects, Measurement unit:
RCO 087 - Organisations cooperating across borders, Measurement unit:

Programme Common Result Indicator:

RCR 084 - Organisations cooperating across borders after project completion, Measurement unit:
RCR 104 - Solutions taken up or up-scaled by organisations, Measurement unit:

Project part of European Union Macro-Regional or Sea Basin Strategy: EUSAIR

EUSAIR Priority (Policy) area / Horizontal action:

EUSAIR Degree of compliance:

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

Financing programme

2021 - 2027 Interreg VI-B IPA Adriatic-Ionian

Last month that data in keep.eu was retrieved from the Programme's website or received from the Programme

2024-12-23

No. of projects in keep.eu / Total no. of projects (% of projects in keep.eu)

67 / 69 (97.1%)

No. of project partnerships in keep.eu / Total no. of project partnerships (% of project partnerships in keep.eu)

606 / 713 (84.99%)

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Boosting Circular Economy Solutions for Marine Litter Collection and Recycling in the Adriatic-Ionian Regions

Description

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Partners (7)

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Summary

Investments, deliverables, policy contributions

Information regarding the data in keep.eu on the programme financing this project

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