Addressing those challenges requires more than technological innovation or policy reform. It requires active societal participation. This is where citizen science comes in.

At alchemia-nova Greece, citizen science is not an add-on activity. It is a core methodology embedded in the European projects we participate in, namely REMEDIES and Cooling Havens. Through these initiatives, we work alongside citizens to generate data, test solutions, and co-design climate-resilient environments.

What is citizen science?

Citizen science refers to the active involvement of the public in scientific processes, from data collection and monitoring to co-creation, testing, and validation of solutions. Importantly, citizen science transforms people from passive observers into active contributors to climate action.

At a European level, citizen science is recognized as a driver of climate change mitigation and adaptation, uptake of Nature-based solutions (NBS), transitions to circular economy, protection of biodiversity and democratic participation in the Green Deal. Especially, under frameworks such as Horizon Europe, citizen engagement is embedded in research and innovation policy. By involving citizens directly, the EU aims to ensure that climate solutions are not only scientifically sound, but socially accepted, scalable, and impactful.

Citizen science in REMEDIES: Tackling plastic pollution together

A key pillar of the REMEDIES project is to engage citizens as environmental stewards and data contributors to reduce plastic waste and drive behaviour change. By involving communities directly, plastic pollution becomes a shared responsibility.

Through structured protocols and open-access tools, citizens participate in:

• Beach litter monitoring: Using standardized methodologies and digital applications, volunteers collect and categorize marine litter at the Shoreline Marine Litter App. The data contributes to a larger Mediterranean dataset, supporting evidence-based policymaking.
• Microplastics from washing machines: Citizens follow a scientific protocol to recover and quantify microfibers released from synthetic textiles during washing. This makes the invisible problem of microplastics measurable and relatable.
• Zero-waste innovation testing: In activities such as the Zero-Waste Seaweed Coatings for Cosmetics demonstrations, participants test biodegradable alternatives to single-use plastic packaging, while their feedback provides valuable insights into usability, acceptance, and behavioural change.

Citizen science in Cooling Havens: Co-designing urban microclimates

Climate adaptation in cities cannot succeed without local knowledge and public participation. Through Cooling Havens, we contribute to the creation of microclimatic refuges in Athens using blue and green infrastructure and nature-based solutions.

Residents are not simply “consulted.” They actively shape interventions that influence their daily comfort and wellbeing. This participatory model strengthens local ownership, social cohesion, long-term maintenance and viability of the new infrastructures and trust between municipalities and communities.

When climate adaptation is co-designed, it becomes embedded in everyday life.

From participation to transformation

Citizen science is more than data collection. It is a governance innovation. It empowers individuals to understand environmental systems, see the impact of their behaviour, contribute to building solutions, and influence local and European policy frameworks.

At alchemia-nova Greece, we view citizen science as a bridge connecting science, design, and everyday life.

Through projects like REMEDIES and Cooling Havens, we demonstrate that when citizens become collaborators, climate action becomes tangible, local, and transformative.

The environmental transition cannot be delivered to society. It must be built with society. And citizen science is one of the most powerful tools to make that happen.

At alchemia-nova Greece, we contribute to this transition by transforming policy objectives into real-world solutions. Through the PLUG-AND-PLAY 2 ZERO WASTE system, which we developed and demonstrated within the REMEDIES project, we showcase how bio-based materials, circular design and water-smart technologies can work together to deliver tangible impact in public spaces, events and tourist hotspots.

What the EU bioeconomy strategy calls for

The updated EU Bioeconomy Strategy focuses on three interconnected pillars:

• Replacing fossil-based materials with renewable, bio-based alternatives
• Keeping resources in use for as long as possible through circular systems
• Deploying sustainable, local solutions that protect ecosystems and support climate resilience

Achieving these goals requires more than innovation in materials alone. It demands integrated systems that address production, consumption, reuse, water and energy use, while actively involving citizens and end-users. This is exactly the challenge we aspired to address through the PLUG-AND-PLAY 2 ZERO WASTE.

PLUG-AND-PLAY 2 ZERO WASTE: A circular system in action

PLUG-AND-PLAY 2 ZERO WASTE is a container-based, modular system that enables the shift from single-use plastics to reuse at scale. It combines bio-based reusable products with an on-site cleaning infrastructure, creating a closed-loop solution that is easy to deploy and adapt to different contexts.

By focusing on high-volume items such as 0.5L beer and water, zero-waste cups, the system targets products responsible for a disproportionate share of event-related waste. This aligns directly with the EU Bioeconomy Strategy’s goal to redesign products and systems to prevent waste before it is created.

Circularity does not stop at materials. Cleaning and maintaining reusable products requires water, a resource that is increasingly scarce, especially in Mediterranean regions. This is where vertECO® technology plays a critical role.

vertECO® is an innovative water recovery and treatment technology, which is integrated into the PLUG-AND-PLAY 2 ZERO WASTE infrastructure and enables on-site treatment and reuse of greywater, significant reduction in freshwater and energy consumption, and closed-loop water management.

By treating and reusing water locally, vertECO® supports the EU Bioeconomy Strategy’s emphasis on efficient resource use, ecosystem protection and climate adaptation, particularly in water-stressed urban and coastal environments.

Developed within the REMEDIES project, the system responds directly to one of the most visible sources of plastic pollution: disposable cups and bottles used at festivals, events and coastal destinations.

REMEDIES provides the framework to show that bioeconomy solutions are not just theoretical concepts, but practical systems that can be deployed today to reduce pollution, protect ecosystems and support sustainable tourism.

The EU Bioeconomy Strategy will only succeed if innovation reaches everyday life. Systems like PLUG-AND-PLAY 2 ZERO WASTE demonstrate how:

• bio-based materials can replace single-use plastics,
• water can be reused safely and efficiently,
• circular infrastructure can operate locally and at scale,
• citizens can actively participate in the transition.

By integrating products, infrastructure and behaviour into one solution, we move beyond isolated interventions and toward systemic change.

The EU-funded DigiCirc project aimed to digitalize the circular economy by building on the innovation potential of SMEs in three strategic areas: Circular Cities, Blue Economy, Bioeconomy.

Zero Waste Cups’ mission to turn the coffee business into a sustainable plastic-free industry introduced a set of technological tools to operate flexible, transparent, and sustainable management of resources and materials, ensuring smooth circularity flows, high return rates, and positive environmental impact of take-out coffee.

Kerkennah Municipality – Tunisia

Project Name: No More Plastic in Kerkennah

Duration: 8 months

Description: The project aims at reducing plastic waste by implementing three key initiatives. First, rainwater collected in school and public place tanks will be treated with desalination and reverse osmosis to provide safe drinking water, minimizing the use of PET bottles. Second, customized kraft paper bags will replace single-use plastic bags, with a focus on local manufacturing and home delivery options to raise awareness and reduce plastic consumption. Lastly, workshops will teach residents palm leaf weaving for creating sustainable shopping bags, blending traditional craftsmanship with eco-friendly practices. These efforts collectively promote environmental preservation and sustainable living.

Mersin Metropolitan Municipality – Turkey

Project Name: Unite for Plastic-Free Coasts! (Up-FreeCoasts)

Duration: 8 months

Description: Mersin Metropolitan Municipality aims to create a plastic-conscious community along the Mediterranean coast. The “Up-FreeCoasts” project will implement a zero-waste approach with closed-loop plastic recycling. Actions include installing a smart reverse vending machine in a municipal cafe, setting up water fountains along the coastal line, and training 1200 youngsters about plastic recycling and composting techniques at the MERCAN Environment and Climate Science Center. Additionally, cleanup activities will be conducted in various coastal and lakeside areas in Mersin.

Tyre Coast Nature Reserve– Lebanon

Project Name: Toward Zero-waste, Tyre Plastic Management Plan (TPMP)

Duration: 8 months

Description: The Tyre Plastic Management Plan (TPMP) by Tyre Coast Nature Reserve (TCNR) focuses on reducing single-use plastics through community engagement and education. It promotes sustainable practices, empowers eco-leaders, and fosters eco-entrepreneurship. The project integrates traditional and innovative approaches, aiming to establish a zero-waste culture and contribute to long-term environmental sustainability in Tyre.

We commend all the winning organizations for their dedication to addressing plastic pollution and advancing the goals of the REMEDIES program. Their innovative projects exemplify the spirit of collaboration and environmental stewardship, offering hope for a cleaner, healthier Mediterranean ecosystem.

For more information about the REMEDIES program and future REMEDIES activities and opportunities to engage with us, please visit here.

Together, let’s continue our journey towards a sustainable and plastic-free future for the Mediterranean and beyond.

We invite projects that aim to tackle prevention measures and zero-waste for a plastic free future and promote the implementation of action towards plastic remediation and protection through innovation services in the Mediterranean, namely at a technical, finance, business and governance level. Our goal with this Call is to contribute to creating a trend on the prevention of plastic through the exploitation of traditional and modern channels and through citizens science and participatory co-creation processes building a more plastic-conscious society.

REMEDIES offers a grant of €300.000.00 in total and will contribute up to €100.000 per applicant. The awarded local or regional authorities will receive technical assistance, including advisory services, to implement aquatic ecosystem restoration solutions and contribute to the objectives of the REMEDIES project.

To be considered for the evaluation process for the REMEDIES Open Call 2 for associate regions, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Alignment: The project/application must align with the objectives of the REMEDIES project and the Open Call 2 for associate regions.
Sector: Only public organizations that are local and/or regional authorities in associated regions, are eligible to apply.
Location: Applicants must be from Member States and/or Participating Countries in the Mediterranean region, excluding countries where the REMEDIES partners are located, namely: Slovenia, Greece, Germany, Croatia, Spain, Belgium, France, Albania, Serbia, Ireland, Morocco, and Italy. OC 2 also excludes applicants from the NUTS regions where the OC1 winners are located. Please check the Guide for Applicants for the complete information.
Language: All application documents must be filled and submitted in English.
Compliance: The project must comply with EU sanctions and measures.
Budget: The proposed activities should adhere to the defined maximum budget. Applicants cannot receive double funding for the same project proposal (other OCs or other EC or national/regional financing).

For complete information on this point and other important information on the Open Call for associate regions please consult the Guide for Applicants.

Benefits of selection in Remedies OC2

• 1) Financial support up to 100,000 euro per applicant
• 2) Access to tools and resources
• 3) Tutorials, mentors and webinars
• 4) Mentorship, experts and key ecosystem stakeholders
• 5) Access to use-cases to pilot their solutions
• 6) Enter a wide European network of 12 countries and 23 partners
• 7) Visibility and credibility by association to an Horizon Europe project – as a winner of an Open Call for associate regions

Applications opening: March 28, 2024 (12:00 PM CET)

Applications deadline: June 05, 2024 (17:00 PM CET)

The Open Call 2 for associate regions is open for submission from March 28, 2024 (12:00 PM CET). All applications must be submitted through the F6S platform link, as the single-entry point for applications.

Successful local and/or regional authority selected in the Open Call 2 will receive various types of support, including:

• Implementation Support: Access to tools and resources. Tutorials, mentors, and webinars. Networking and connections with key ecosystem stakeholders. Access to use-cases for piloting their solutions.
• Financial Support: The Open Call 2 for associate regions offers a maximum funding of up to €100,000 per applicant.

The financial support will be provided in two stages, in the beginning of the project (70%) and at the end of the implementation (30%), upon a submission of a report of implemented actions, within the 8 months duration of the OC2 project timeline for implementation.

Please access here the template of the Sub-grantee to have more information here.

For specific questions please contact REMEDIES Open Call 2 official channels: opencall@remedies-for-ocean.eu. Please have the Guide for Applicants as the primary go to document on the OC2.

For detailed information about the process, interested parties can visit the Remedies OC2 announcement.

A diverse group of innovators from 18 different countries (Europe, Africa, North America, and Asia) applied to compete with their projects to fight plastic pollution. Among the numerous participations, 24 of them stood out for their innovative ideas and solutions that can make a real impact. The 15 finalist, engineers, scientists, designers, and environmental enthusiasts, were given the floor to impress the judges with a 5’ Pitch.

The Hackathon Ceremony and Final Pitching Day was realized on the 18th of April starting with an inspiring keynote speech from the Deputy Director General at European Commission, Mr Kestutis Sadauskas, that followed by a warm introduction of the 8 Jury Committee members.

Special acknowledgements were made to the Plastic Fantastic Award Sponsors for their support to the 4 winning teams!

• SupportSani/Ikos hospitality Group, a leader in sustainability and sustainable tourism with numerous global awards and certifications in areas such as environmental management and carbon neutrality, having an ambitious triple target to be net zero by 2030,
• Athanasios C. Laskaridis Charitable Foundation dedicated to supporting various charitable initiatives, including those focused on environmental conservation, education, and healthcare,
• Sporos Platform combining robust & future-proof financial returns with measurable environmental & social impact,
• WIT & Scientists Against Plastic creating nature-inspired scientific solutions to fight plastic pollution,
• EU Horizon Program RAMONES on radioactivity monitoring in ocean ecosystems.

Based on the judges evaluation, 4 teams stood out for their positive impact & their acceleration readiness for the strong potential to fight ocean plastic pollution.

Winning start-ups

CAPTOPLASTIC has developed a technology capable of controlling and capturing microplastic from water bodies. Its technology can be implemented in different facilities like wastewater treatment plant, drinking water treatment plant, water bottling plant, plastic industry WWTP, textile dyeing WWTP, recycling plants, removing textile fibres in water, personal care industry, etc.

BioFlocean is a bioplastic produced from microalgae that treats waste and captures carbon while generating potential carbon credits. Through their innovative Cleantech solutions, the founded and led by women innovators team, harness the power of microalgae offering a comprehensive suite of solutions that address diverse environmental issues. With advanced biological treatment technology, they efficiently remove pollutants from wastewater, safeguarding marine life and water ecosystems & their carbon capture technology has potential to capture up to 2.7 tons of CO2 per acre daily, contributing to climate change mitigation.

Winning ideas & projects

BioRise is a spin off that comes from the NTUA, with a team of two young & promising students, with the aim to transform plastic waste into high-value bio-products using advanced microbial cell factories! Their primary objective is to develop new biotechnological tools; enzymes and microorganisms, for the production of second generation biofuels, bio-based polymers and chemicals in the concept of Industrial Biorefinery.

DropliNet is a women led researchers’ team, developing a user-friendly and sensitive approach for micro-and nano-plastic (MNP) monitoring in environmental water samples, via receptor-and droplet microfluidics-based technology. The value of this technology are that it detects low concentration of micro-and nano-plastic, the automation and minimal need for training, the high speed in getting results & portability!

We congratulate these teams for their outstanding achievements and innovative solutions & we are looking forward to starting collaborating with them closely!

Opportunities ahead

As we celebrate the success of the winning teams, we also want to extend our gratitude to all 15 finalists for their incredible performance throughout the hackathon. Although they may not have secured the top spot, their dedication and hard work have not gone unnoticed.

As a token of appreciation, all finalists will still have the opportunity to network and be referred to potential collaborators, donors, and sponsors, opening doors for future collaborations and partnerships.

Acceleration program

In addition to recognition and networking opportunities, the winning teams will receive valuable prizes, including up to 8,000 euros, tech prizes, and a free three-month acceleration program by Impact Hub Athens. This program will provide them with the resources, mentorship, and support needed to further develop and scale their projects, bringing them one step closer to implementation and real-world impact.

A big shout out to all the 50+ experts that contributed to the Plastic Fantastic Bootcamp & Hackathon!

We hope that the 1st plastic preneurial community has done its first steps & we commit that we will build on the connections & educational content created during the Plastic Fantastic Hackathon to further create & support systemic change!

Stay tuned for updates and highlights from the hackathon as we continue our journey towards a cleaner and healthier future for our oceans.

The General Assembly will feature three parallel sessions, each focusing on distinct aspects of the REMEDIES program:

Parallel Session 1: Underwater Drone Monitoring Approach & Business Model Development

• Discussion on the underwater drone monitoring approach for demo sites.
• Development of business models and socio-ecological governance for local
  stakeholders.
• Project status and overview of results in Work Packages 6, 5, 7, and 3, including
  achieved results, next milestones, and updated risks.

Parallel Session 2: Evaluation of Joint Solutions & Anti-Litter Campaigns

• Evaluation of joint solution: dehumidifier fountain.
• Guidelines and initial design of anti-litter campaigns for demo sites.
• Overview of results in Work Packages 1, 2, and 4.

Parallel Session 3: Training on Mobile App Usage & Evaluation of Joint Solution

• Training on mobile app and portal usage for demo sites.
• Evaluation of joint solution: biodegradable cups and dishwasher.

Throughout the General Assembly, partners will collaborate, share insights, and strategize on
advancing the objectives of the REMEDIES program. The discussions and outcomes from
this assembly will contribute significantly to the program’s ongoing success in addressing
environmental challenges and fostering sustainable solutions.

For more information about the REMEDIES program and its initiatives, please visit
https://remedies-for-ocean.eu/
Alchemia-Nova Greece
https://alchemia-nova.gr/

PLASTIC FANTASTIC offers a unique opportunity for up to 30 plastic solutions to participate in a 2-day Bootcamp, followed by a 2-day Hackathon. The program culminates in the selection of three winners who will receive custom business support until July 2024. Whether you’re an environmental enthusiast, a business expert, or an impact entrepreneur, this event is designed to accelerate your solution and connect you with a prominent community dedicated to tackling plastic pollution.

During the Hackathon, participants will collaborate with environmental and business experts, water and environmental activists, and impact entrepreneurs to further develop solutions related to the detection, monitoring, collection, valorization, and prevention, as well as the reuse of plastic litter. Whether you have an innovative idea on the drawing board or are part of a recently established non-profit or for-profit organization, PLASTIC FANTASTIC welcomes your participation.

To apply for PLASTIC FANTASTIC, visit the website and submit your application by the 28th of March. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a groundbreaking entrepreneurship program dedicated to addressing one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.

Share this opportunity with friends and colleagues who are passionate about sustainability and innovation. Together, let’s make a difference and create a more sustainable future for our planet.

For further inquiries, feel free to reach out directly to Elena Kalimeri at elena.kalimeri@impacthub.net.

Join PLASTIC FANTASTIC today and be part of the solution to plastic pollution!

After the 1st successful Webinar with more than 30 attendees, the time has come for our 2nd!

If one of your goals as a public institution is to benefit and accelerate the uptake of plastic litter collection or find innovative ways to transform plastic waste into valuable products or resources, this call is for you!

Sign up for the 2nd Webinar that will take place on Tuesday, October 31, 11 am – 12 pm CET (Brussels time) to find out more about the REMEDIES Open Call 1 rules and requirements and to get familiar with the application process.

REMEDIES Open Call 1 aims to boost the deployment of plastic litter collection and valorization schemes in the Mediterranean.

Sing up here: https://www.f6s.com/remedies-open-call-1-webinar-2
A Q&A Session will follow the presentation!

Watch our last webinar here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5l0PIMkaWHE

Apply for the REMEDIES Grant here: https://remedies-for-ocean.eu/open-call-1/

Let us share with you the incredible success of the REMEDIES Inauguration Event, which took place in Athens, Greece, on Sept 26!

REMEDIES kicked off the day with a Beach Clean-up in collaboration with Save Your Hood – Greece (Ελλάδα) and Impact Hub Athens. Our mission: tackle the #20TonnesChallenge by collecting plastic litter.

The event was enriched by a powerful Panel Session on Sustainable and Disruptive Solutions, where we had the privilege to learn from three distinguished speakers who are champions of environmental change:

Angeliki Kosmopoulou- Athasios C.Laskaridis charitable foundation

Luiz Bonvini- Impact Hub Athens

Uroš Novak – REMEDIES-for-ocean Horizon Program

A big thank you to the Municipality of Vari-Voula-Vouliagmeni for hosting us, right by the sea!

The Massive Business Clinic for Environmental was another highlight of the event tackling challenges related to climate change.

Meet the Greek Challenge Owners who joined us:

Anni Mitropoulou & Nassia Kassela – Cyclades Preservation Fund -CPF

Angeliki Kosmopoulou – Κοινωφελές Ίδρυμα Α Κ Λασκαρίδη – A C Laskaridis Charitable Foundation

Dimitris Alexopoulos – Enaleia

Sissy Laspidou – Arsinoe_eu project

Vassilis Sfakianopoulos – Save Your Hood

Our heartfelt gratitude to the more than 30 experts who joined us from across the country!

The REMEDIES Project Inauguration Event will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on our mission to protect our environment. We’re on a Mission! Let’s Restore our Ocean!

REMEDIES project is an Horizon Europe project with a mission to create innovative solutions and technologies to monitor, collect, prevent and valorise (micro)plastic from our oceans. Our approach is rooted in science, circularity, and community engagement aiming to protect water ecosystems, reduce pollution and develop a climate-neutral blue economy. To fulfill its mission REMEDIES is launching an Open Call providing financial support of up to 100.000 euro and innovation services to stakeholders working towards plastic collection and valorizaton of litter in the Mediterranean.

Open Call 1 – Collection & Valorization:

We invite innovative public sector that aim to accelerate the deployment of plastic litter collection schemes, promote  and explore innovative ways to transform plastic waste into valuable products or resources to apply to this call and join us on this mission of achieving a #PlasticLitterFree future

REMEDIES supports impactful projects with a grant of up to €100,000 from eligible regions (please check the guide for applicants to know if you are eligible)

Benefits for winners:

The awarded applicants will be part of this Horizon Europe project through its open call, for 6 months, joining forces with REMEDIES partners to contribute to the project mission. The winners will benefit from 100k euros and support from REMEDIES partners that will mentor and guide the process of implementation, to implement aquatic ecosystem restoration solutions and contribute to the objectives of the REMEDIES project and the OC1.

Application timeline:

Launch: September 15, 2023 (12:00 PM CET)

Deadline: November 15, 2023 (17:00 CET) 

For more information and start your application:

To access the full Open Call 1 information please consult the Guide for Applicants in the Open Call 1 announcement in REMEDIES website here. Please be aware that you should read this document before you apply.

Access the application here: https://www.f6s.com/open-call-1-remedies/apply 

Please note that to proceed with the application you need to have to own or create a F6S account: https://www.f6s.com/

For any specific questions about the OC1 please contact the REMEDIES OC management team: opencall@remedies-for-ocean.eu  

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our beach clean-up movement. Our mission is simple  yet profound: Organize 100+ beach clean-ups across the Mediterranean, with over 2,000  citizens and collect more than 20 tonnes of plastic litter. Our target areas of operation are  Koper, Sardinia, Cyclades, Porquerolles, and Morocco. A joint effort by a variety of  organizations who lead the change locally. By showcasing our collective achievements, we aim  to inspire others to join our cause and join the movement for a plastic litter-free future!

We join forces with like-minded individuals and organizations, to tackle the pressing issue of  plastic pollution in our coastal regions. Through dedicated efforts and a shared vision, we  believe that together, we can create a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable environment for  all. The clean-ups have already started in France, Slovenia, Italy and Greece, while the  Lighthouse Training took place as part of REMEDIES in Venice and its lagoon, to define the  strategy and the approach of our clean-ups. 

How to participate 

Are you participating/organizing clean-up actions? Let’s join forces!  

How does REMEDIES support amplifying and scaling impact?  

Specialized Trainings from Plastic Experts: 

We offer workshops for litter characterization to equip participants and local leaders with the  necessary knowledge and skills to make a meaningful impact during our clean-up activities. By  understanding the different types of litter and their origins, we can contribute to the efforts of  plastic litter prevention as well as more targeted and effective clean-up efforts.  

Getting access to collective results: 

The results of our clean-ups will be showcased in a specialized app, providing users with full  access to the findings of clean-up initiatives throughout the Mediterranean. By becoming part of  our movement, you will be contributing to a larger scope of data collection and analysis, helping  us gain valuable insights into the extent of plastic pollution in the Mediterranean sea. 

Advocating for a shared cause: 

We form an active network of individuals and organizations contributing to a common Mission.  Alongside our clean-up efforts, we are committed to raising awareness together, about the  consequences of plastic pollution. Through targeted campaigns with the collaboration of prestigious and experienced organizations worldwide such as WWF, Planet Matters, Med  Waves, Beyond Plastic Med, and Laskaridis Charitable Foundation, we will advocate for no  plastic litter oceans beaches, encouraging responsible waste management practices and  inspiring individuals to make sustainable choices. Together, we can make a real difference and  protect our precious coastal ecosystems. 

About REMEDIES: 

REMEDIES is an Horizon Europe Innovation Action creating innovative solutions and  technologies to monitor, collect, prevent and valorise (micro)plastic from our oceans. Our  approach is rooted in science, circularity, and community engagement aiming to protect water  ecosystems, reduce plastic pollution and develop a climate-neutral blue economy. In the next 4  years, 23 Partners from 12 countries will showcase 12 breakthrough innovations from validation  and demonstration, to system prototyping in operational environments. The innovative solutions  will be tested in 8 Mediterranean countries and replicated in 33 new sites in order to scale them  across the whole Mediterranean. 

For media inquiries, please contact: 

Violetta Tsitsiliani 

Communications Manager 

violetta.tsitsiliani@impacthub.net 

Impact HUB Athens 

Follow us 

www.remedies-for-ocean.eu 

Facebook 

Twitter 

LinkedIn 

Instagram

The European Union has launched a new Horizon Mission programme aiming to restore, protect and preserve the health of our ocean, seas and waters by 2030. The Mission is designed to deliver on the European Union’s 2030 quantified and measurable targets for protecting and restoring ecosystems and biodiversity with actions for zero pollution, and for decarbonisation as well as net greenhouse gas emissions reduction towards climate-neutrality, within the EU’s ocean, seas and waters. This Mission supports many of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): in particular restoring our ocean and waters related actions will directly contribute to SDG 14 – Life below water and SDG 6 – Clean water and sanitation, in addition to the SDG13 – Climate action.

The overall objective of the REMEDIES project is to attract public interest for deploying remedies of our seas. The efforts to monitor and collect plastic litter, as well as to prevent the generation of litter in the first place, should become mainstream and an everyday part of our lives. REMEDIES is thus aiming to create a trend of plastic prevention by exploitation of traditional and modern channels and with the help of citizen’s science fostering co-creation of participatory processes building a more plastic-conscious society. To reach this goal, we need to identify appropriate wording and target “pain relievers” of each relevant stakeholder. These REMEDIES will be reached through the following specific objectives:

• To monitor macro- and microplastic waste in 8 Mediterranean areas.
• To collect and valorise >422 tons of plastic litter.
• To prevent the further deposition of an equivalent of >61 tons of plastic.
• To reach >250,000 people and activate >2,000 citizens.
• To scale and replicate zero-waste innovations in ~50 more sites.

The REMEDIES consortium (see Figure 2) is coordinated by the National Institute of Chemistry from Slovenia and builds its innovation actions around the three main pillars of monitoring plastic litter, its collection and valorisation, including the prevention of the distribution of non-degradable plastics. Twelve (4 per pillar) breakthrough innovations with be showcased in the next four years as the project focuses on technology readiness level from validation and demonstration in relevant environment to system prototype demonstration in operational environment (i.e. TRL 5-7). All innovative solutions will be tested in 9 demonstration sites in 8 Mediterranean countries. After validation, they will be scaled up in 33 new sites in order to implement them across the whole Mediterranean.

For our planet, the most promising aspect of REMEDIES is the activation of citizens, especially those affected by the plastic pollution directly on the shorelines. They will be informed, educated and guided to becoming plastic entrepreneurs. Through workshops and mentoring with a deeply rooted knowledge base and the right tools they will be able to start their own businesses focused on valorisation of collected plastic litter and the provision of zero-waste solutions to all actors (see Figure 3). Moreover, two types of open calls will be launched in order to boost the deployment of plastic litter collection and valorisation schemes as well as to push towards the development of zero-waste supply chains that will enhance the prevention of plastic litter. The calls will provide financial support to third parties in the form of grants. As required by call topic conditions, financial support will only be awarded to local and/or regional authorities from an associated region. The 1^st call for Collection & valorisation will be launched in September 2023 with a total budget €200.000 (cca 10 grants) and 2^nd call Prevention & zero waste in March 2024 with a total budget €300.000 (cca 15 grants).

REMEDIES  is not only an innovation action project for scientists or entrepreneurs. Its ambition stems from including all relevant stakeholders that wish to contribute to a plastic free future. By implementing their own ideas and projects. By becoming a future plastic entrepreneur. By changing their lifestyle to spread the zero waste way of living. Your participation will make a difference. Together we can have an enormous impact on the local and global community. With joint forces we will prevent and reduce plastic litter and microplastics in the Mediterranean Sea to preserve our planet. Lead by example. Each contribution counts.

Contact – Project Coordinator team:
Dr. Uros Novak, National Institute of Chemistry (Slovenia)
E-mail: uros.novak@ki.si, ph.: +386 40 526 314

Dr. Vesna Kuralt, National Institute of Chemistry (Slovenia)
E-mail: vesna.kuralt@ki.si, ph.: +386 31 456 789

Project Communication lead:
Mr. Dimitris Kokkinakis, Impact Hub Athens (Greece)
E-mail: dimitris.kokkinakis@impacthub.net

LIST OF ALL PARTNERS:

1. National Institute of Chemistry (NIC) – RTD Slovenia
2. University of Maribor (UM) – UNI Slovenia
3. Alchemia-nova Greece (ANGR) – SME Greece
4. Clera.One (CLERA) – SME Slovenia
5. Wasser 3.0 (W30) – NPO Germany
6. Mold Srl (RC) – SME Italy
7. Bio-Mi (BMI) – SME Croatia
8. Cittadini (CIT) – SME Italy
9. Next Technology Tecnotessile (NTT) – RTD Italy
10. AITIIP (AITP) – RTD Spain
11. Venice Lagoon Plastic Free (VLPF) – NGO Italy
12. CIBOS Innovation (CIB) – SME Greece
13. Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) – RTD Italy
14. Vlaamse Instelling voor Technologisch Onderzoek (VITO) – RTD Belgium
15. Small Islands Organisation (SMILO) – NPO France
16. Environmental & Territorial Management Institute (ETMI) – NGO Albania
17. Exit Foundation (EXIT) – NPO Serbia
18. National Technical University of Athens (NTUA) – UNI Greece
19. Marine Conservation Greece (MCG) – SME Greece
20. Impact Hub Athens (IHA) – NPO Greece
21. F6S Network Ireland Ltd (F6S) – SME Ireland
22. Mohammed First University (MOH) – UNI Morocco
23. Infordata (INFOR) – SME Italy