Periodic Reporting for period 1 - REMEDIES (Co-creating strong uptake of REMEDIES for the future of our oceans through deploying plastic litter valorisation and prevention pathways)
Reporting period: 2022-12-15 to 2024-06-14
Innovative solutions for plastic litter valorisation and prevention
The EU-funded REMEDIES project aims to restore our seas and rivers through deploying (micro)plastic litter valorisation and prevention pathways. Project activities will revolve around monitoring and detection, collection and valorisation, and prevention and reuse of plastic waste. The REMEDIES movement is striving to co-create a plastic-conscious society by applying cutting-edge technology and circularity approaches, underpinned by a holistic citizen engagement framework. After validating the technologies in eight demonstration sites, they will be scaled up in 33 more locations across the Mediterranean, while 400 tonnes of plastic litter will be collected in the marine and riverine environment. Moreover, during this EU mission, EUR 500.000,00 of cascade funding will be granted to foster real zero-waste solutions with two open calls targeting five associated regions.
The EU-funded REMEDIES project aims to restore our seas and rivers through deploying (micro)plastic litter valorisation and prevention pathways. Project activities will revolve around monitoring and detection, collection and valorisation, and prevention and reuse of plastic waste. The REMEDIES movement is striving to co-create a plastic-conscious society by applying cutting-edge technology and circularity approaches, underpinned by a holistic citizen engagement framework. After validating the technologies in eight demonstration sites, they will be scaled up in 33 more locations across the Mediterranean, while 400 tonnes of plastic litter will be collected in the marine and riverine environment. Moreover, during this EU mission, EUR 500.000,00 of cascade funding will be granted to foster real zero-waste solutions with two open calls targeting five associated regions.
The main achievements of the project is reaching over 700,000 people and activating more than 2,000 citizens include connecting with over 20 important initiatives in the field, engaging citizens in beach clean-ups and workshops, participating in numerous events and workshops, organizing a successful PLASTIC FANTASTIC Hackathon, contributing to publications and press releases, and connecting with ambassadors and local opinion makers. The project has successfully conducted beach clean-ups, workshops, seminars, and cluster meetings, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange reaching over 300 documented activities from 22 partners. These efforts aim to raise awareness, promote sustainable practices, and drive positive environmental impact on a significant scale. In REMEDIES we completed two Open call for associated regions deploying €500k for 5 associated regions, co-creating business plans for zero-waste products, establishing a Mediterranean acceleration network, and connecting with venture capitalists and funding programs for quicker scaling. These efforts enhance network, reach, and credibility for REMEDIES impact and outcomes.
Aerial drones equipped with AI were deployed to monitor macro- and microplastic waste on shorelines, covering significant land and sea areas. Underwater drones were used to collect data on underwater litter and microplastics, with advancements in detecting mega litter and floating microplastics. Automated microplastic detection technologies are being developed, with one attached to underwater drones and another after wastewater treatment plants. Collaboration and research efforts have focused on sensor development, AI technologies, and real-time detection methods. Additionally, efforts to detect plastic hotspots in the Aegean Sea and rivers involved launching buoys with GPS locators, engaging citizens in monitoring activities.
Over 100 buoys were deployed in key locations to track marine litter entry points, engaging citizens and stakeholders in the process. Collaborations with international partners and initiatives such as EMODnet, RIMMEL, PADI Aware Foundation, and KIMO International have facilitated data exchange and alignment. The development of the REMEDIES mobile app and dashboard has enhanced monitoring and clean-up efforts, providing a comprehensive platform for data visualization and impact assessment. The project's progress in developing automated microplastic detection technologies and engaging in citizen science initiatives demonstrates a holistic approach to combating plastic pollution.
The REMEDIES project has made significant strides in collecting and valorizing plastic litter in various environments. Over 3,000 kg of plastic debris have been collected along shorelines, engaging over 2,000 participants. Underwater clean-up efforts in Sardinia and the Cyclades have resulted in the removal of over 400 kg of underwater plastics, including fiberglass boats, tires, and marine litter. Mechanized collection methods have been adapted to address challenges in riverine litter collection, in Lana river in Tirana, Albania. Progress has been made towards collecting microplastics after WWTP, with the construction and testing of removal units in Mykonos. Despite delays, the project is on track to meet its goals and KPIs.
REMEDIES project include preventing the deposition of over 61 tons of plastic through anti-litter campaigns, reaching a large audience through collaborations with established campaigners, deploying bioderived and biodegradable fishing gear in demo sites, finished design and biomaterial testing for 60,000 multi-use bioplastic cups and 5,000 bottles with eco-friendly washing systems, designing and constructing dishwasher systems and water fountains for sustainable use. Furthermore, organizing local citizen-science zero-waste cosmetics workshops, establishing zero-waste supply chains with local retailers, and drafting a Technical Note with contributions from various partners are key accomplishments.
Aerial drones equipped with AI were deployed to monitor macro- and microplastic waste on shorelines, covering significant land and sea areas. Underwater drones were used to collect data on underwater litter and microplastics, with advancements in detecting mega litter and floating microplastics. Automated microplastic detection technologies are being developed, with one attached to underwater drones and another after wastewater treatment plants. Collaboration and research efforts have focused on sensor development, AI technologies, and real-time detection methods. Additionally, efforts to detect plastic hotspots in the Aegean Sea and rivers involved launching buoys with GPS locators, engaging citizens in monitoring activities.
Over 100 buoys were deployed in key locations to track marine litter entry points, engaging citizens and stakeholders in the process. Collaborations with international partners and initiatives such as EMODnet, RIMMEL, PADI Aware Foundation, and KIMO International have facilitated data exchange and alignment. The development of the REMEDIES mobile app and dashboard has enhanced monitoring and clean-up efforts, providing a comprehensive platform for data visualization and impact assessment. The project's progress in developing automated microplastic detection technologies and engaging in citizen science initiatives demonstrates a holistic approach to combating plastic pollution.
The REMEDIES project has made significant strides in collecting and valorizing plastic litter in various environments. Over 3,000 kg of plastic debris have been collected along shorelines, engaging over 2,000 participants. Underwater clean-up efforts in Sardinia and the Cyclades have resulted in the removal of over 400 kg of underwater plastics, including fiberglass boats, tires, and marine litter. Mechanized collection methods have been adapted to address challenges in riverine litter collection, in Lana river in Tirana, Albania. Progress has been made towards collecting microplastics after WWTP, with the construction and testing of removal units in Mykonos. Despite delays, the project is on track to meet its goals and KPIs.
REMEDIES project include preventing the deposition of over 61 tons of plastic through anti-litter campaigns, reaching a large audience through collaborations with established campaigners, deploying bioderived and biodegradable fishing gear in demo sites, finished design and biomaterial testing for 60,000 multi-use bioplastic cups and 5,000 bottles with eco-friendly washing systems, designing and constructing dishwasher systems and water fountains for sustainable use. Furthermore, organizing local citizen-science zero-waste cosmetics workshops, establishing zero-waste supply chains with local retailers, and drafting a Technical Note with contributions from various partners are key accomplishments.
REMEDIES deployed and utilized state-of-the-art technology to advance the understanding of plastic littering in coastal areas and water bodies, spanning from freshwater rivers to marine environments, by employing drones, a mobile app and AI-driven data collection methods. The incorporated citizen science and sustained engagement established a solid foundation for long-lasting public involvement and mobilized community efforts to clean up and eradicate plastic litter in the Mediterranean region. Additionally, REMEDIES is very active and involved in over 50 collective clean-ups and marine litter monitoring initiatives. The beach and riverine litter campaigns are active and will produce the continuous open data shared through EMODnet and the REMEDIES portal, which will further enable data sharing on the REMEDIES dashboard. Furthermore, the project will upgrade the anti-litter campaigns further preventing littering by addressing the primary sources of litter, particularly by eliminating the use of single-use items through circular business models and green and zero-waste products innovations at the EXIT festival(s) and a beach bar in Mykonos.