1% of the world’s water. 7% of its microplastics.
The Mediterranean Sea represents only around 1% of the world’s waters. However, it contains approximately 7% of global microplastics. This striking difference shows the scale of plastic pollution in the Mediterranean. It also highlights the growing pressure that marine litter puts on fragile marine ecosystems. For Mediterranean islands, the challenge is even greater. These small territories are surrounded by a sea under intense pressure from plastic waste. At the same time, their location and limited space often make waste management more difficult. They can also face challenges in using resources efficiently and applying circular economy solutions.
Putting waste prevention first
This is one of the key challenges that EcoMedIslands aims to address. Across its pilot islands, the project promotes a prevention-first approach to waste management. This approach follows the principles of the waste hierarchy. Instead of focusing only on waste after people generate it, EcoMedIslands looks at how islands can prevent waste at its source.
For example, islands can reduce unnecessary material use and encourage reuse. They can also improve local waste practices and involve communities in new solutions. As a result, less waste has the potential to reach the Mediterranean Sea.
Mediterranean islands as testing grounds for sustainable solutions
EcoMedIslands uses its pilot islands to explore new approaches to waste prevention, circular economy and sustainable resource management. The project brings together local authorities, communities, businesses and other stakeholders. Together, they can identify solutions that respond to the specific needs of Mediterranean islands. Moreover, the project aims to turn local experience into knowledge that other island territories can use. In this way, solutions tested on one island can support change across the wider Mediterranean. Plastic pollution already places strong pressure on the Mediterranean Sea. Therefore, preventing waste before it is generated is not only an environmental goal. It is a necessary step towards more resilient and sustainable Mediterranean islands.
EcoMedIslands is working to turn this principle into practical action, starting from the islands themselves.
