Bio4HUMAN’s overarching objective is to provide humanitarian aid operators and bio-based sector stakeholders, with science-based information on the application potential, sustainable performances, and circularity of bio-based products and systems, suitable for humanitarian purposes. This will be accomplished by examining the applicability of sustainable bio-based products and systems in the humanitarian context across different geographical regions, focusing on solid waste-related challenges. Parallel to that the project aims to explore the socio-economic, innovative and governance aspects of the proposed solutions, not omitting their potential for future replication that brings about efficiency, effectiveness, sustainability, cost-effectiveness, knowledge sharing, etc. The main findings of the project will be translated into a set of guidelines and recommendations and a replication roadmap of solutions identified applicable to diverse humanitarian contexts. Bio4HUMAN will take into account all the newly adopted policies, programs and legislation of the EU. To succeed in this interdisciplinary endeavour and to solve real societal needs, the multi-actor approach involving a diverse range of actors (bio-based sector actors, humanitarian aid actors, circular economy experts) will lie at the core of the action.
Bio4HUMAN aims to contribute to the identification of bio-based solutions for solid waste management that have the potential to be applicable in various humanitarian settings. To achieve this goal, Bio4HUMAN will conduct a scoping exercise that will come up with a list of solutions but also identify existing supply chain gaps. Following that, it performs life cycle assessments of the proposed solutions and evaluates their applicability with regard to socio-economic and governance aspects. To explore if solutions fit the purpose of key solid waste management stakeholders and to explore the possibility of their acceptance by the community, local businesses, and local authorities,
Bio4HUMAN will conduct a feasibility evaluation process in 2 African locations. Simultaneously, the project will develop a replication roadmap that will contribute to the future replicability of the solutions identified. Altogether, all of the Bio4HUMAN’s actions will help to improve ways of addressing waste management challenges under humanitarian contexts and to the reduction of waste littered in the environment. In the long run, Bio4HUMAN is expected to contribute to the development of innovative and sustainable value chains that will benefit consumers and citizens in Europe and beyond.
