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EcoMedIslands project launched in Gozo to advance circular waste solutions across Mediterranean islands

The EcoMedIslands project was officially launched on 28 and 29 October 2025 in Gozo, Malta, where representatives from the seven participating Mediterranean countries gathered for the Kick Off Meeting. Co-funded by the Interreg Euro-MED Programme, the project aims to strengthen the transition towards a circular and resource efficient economy by developing and testing innovative waste management solutions on island territories.

EcoMedIslands

Co-funded by the Interreg Euro-MED Programme under the priority Greener MED (RSO2.6 – Promoting the transition to a circular and resource-efficient economy), EcoMedIslands brings together 11 partners from seven Mediterranean countries — Greece, Croatia, Italy, Cyprus, Spain, France and Malta — in a strategic territorial project dedicated to strengthening an innovative sustainable economy. With a total budget of €3.974.970,00, the project is supported by an EU contribution of €3.179.976,20 (80%) and co-financing of €€794.994,00 (20%), the project will run for 45 months, starting 1 September 2025.

Hosted by the EcoGozo Directorate, during Greening the Islands’ 10th International Conference, the meeting brought together all 11 partners, including municipalities, research bodies, civil society organisations and regional networks. The event served as the first opportunity for the consortium to review the project structure, align expectations and initiate the coordinated work that will guide the next months.
The opening session featured interventions by the EcoGozo Directorate and the Joint Secretariat, followed by a presentation of the project’s main objectives and expected impacts. EcoMedIslands introduces an integrated approach combining real time waste monitoring, digital innovation, circularity metrics, behavioural change, stakeholder engagement and policy development.

Pilot activities will take place across five island territories; Mykonos in Greece, Cres and Losinj in Croatia, Berchidda in Italy, Paralimni and Deryneia in Cyprus, and Gozo in Malta. Each territory will contribute to a shared Mediterranean effort to reduce waste at the source, increase reuse and recycling, optimise waste collection and strengthen local circular ecosystems.
The agenda included dedicated sessions on the three core Work Packages that will guide the project implementation:
• WP1 – Study, led by the University of the Balearic Islands, focuses on diagnostics, sustainability indices, and circularity strategies.
• WP2 – Test, led by the Πανεπιστήμιο Δυτικής Μακεδονίας – University of Western Macedonia, will implement IoT-based smart monitoring, pilot testing, and capacity-building activities.
• WP3 – Transfer, led by the Greening the Islands Foundation, will drive communication, dissemination, and knowledge transfer to other Mediterranean islands.

The Kick Off Meeting concluded with the first Steering Committee session, which established the governance framework and initial responsibilities. On the second day, partners joined a cultural visit in Gozo and were invited to attend the 10th Greening the Islands International Conference, where EcoMedIslands was presented to wider island stakeholders.

 

#InterregEuroMED #EcoMedIslands #GreenerMED #InnovativeSustainableEconomy 

 

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