- Ecowaves Interreg- Croatia
- Problem addressed
- Results
- Stakeholders
- Timescale
- Fields of application
- Transferability
- Impact & Results
- Results of the World Cafè analysis
- Weaknesses
- Strenghts
- Possible implementations through the New European Bauhaus and digital transition
- Role of the social economy sector in promoting & improving the best practice
- External links
Ecowaves Interreg- Croatia #
The area of the Adriatic, and whole Adrion sea is inhabited centuries ago, having an important role in history. Today the east coast of Adriatic is one of the most attractive coastal areas in Europe where millions of tourists come every year. Considering the fact that the quality of sea water and the water in general is one of the top challenges of 21st century, project ECOWAVES (enhance the capacity in transnationally tackling environmental vilnerbility, fragmentation, and the safeguarding of ecosystem services in the Adriatic-ionian area) contributed to saving and reducing the pollution of this area with the help of transnational approach.
Problem addressed #
The water quality problems remain unsolved and they are becoming serious in Programme countries due to poor wastewater management, lack of political will, underinvestment and limited awareness of environmental issues.
Therefore, ECOWAVES project results are based on innovative models of waste management.
Results #
This project achieved two results:
1. Transnational strategy aiming to improve waste management system and
2. Transnational network for environmental protection within the port area
Stakeholders #
The main stakeholders are national public authorities, port authorities, infrastructure and (public) service providers (concessionaires) and ship operators.
Timescale #
The project started in March 1st 2020 and ended on February 28th 2023.
Fields of application #
The main field of application for this project covers a range of organizations, including national public authorities, large infrastructure and service providers, and enterprises, excluding small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This diverse range of organizations highlights the project’s ability to serve the needs of both public and private sector entities.
Transferability #
The ECOWAVES project intended to be replicable in other contexts of sea or river port authorities in Adriatic- Ionian basin. The model that forms the basis of the strategy, is centred on types of waste to dispose, optimization of waste management approaches and represents the first step for the creation of environmental conditions as improved waste management of ports and plays an important
role in overcoming environmental vulnerability.
Creating a board network of awareness and knowledge will ensure long lasting results in environmental preservation of seas and port areas.
Impact & Results #
The project main results are an evident enhancement of common understanding among partners and stakeholders on the base of shared transnational policies regarding port waste management.
Considering that vessels voyaging to and from ADRION countries are major sea polluters, establishing the network of the port authorities and its stakeholders for adoption of the transnational port waste management model, which is the base of transnational strategy elaborated, and agreement deed with ship operators and cruising lines will be one of the most important results of the project.
As a result, port areas will be provided with ecoislands, lighting sign system, monitoring equipment with state-of art methodologies and
technologies.
Results of the World Cafè analysis #
Weaknesses #
The best practice for the preservation of the Adriatic Sea and its surrounding areas faces some challenges in terms of its replication potential across different project countries. The lack of funding and support from stakeholders is one of the major weaknesses of this approach, as it requires a large budget to be successful. Another challenge is the need for increased education and awareness about the importance of caring for the sea and its surrounding areas, which needs to be taught in schools and other educational institutions. The sustainability of the results after the project’s completion is another weakness, as there is a need to find ways to maintain the positive impact long term. Additionally, the geographical location of the Adriatic Sea as a “closed” sea, not open to the ocean, can limit its potential for replication in other areas. Lastly, a reactive approach to preserving the sea and its surroundings is another weakness, as a proactive approach is more effective in achieving positive results.
Strenghts #
On the other hand, the best practice for the preservation of the Adriatic Sea and its surrounding areas has some notable strengths that make it a good candidate for replication in different project countries. Firstly, the fact that many countries are involved in the project highlights its potential for success, as it brings together a wide range of expertise and resources. The project’s ambition to create a transnational network of partnerships is another strength, as it leverages the power of collaboration to achieve a common goal. The focus on changing rules and regulations, as well as its emphasis on ports, pollution, and waste, makes the project unique and sets it apart from other initiatives. This focus also makes it possible for the project to have a real and lasting impact on the preservation of the Adriatic Sea and its surroundings. Lastly, the project’s focus on proactivity and its aim to play a different game in terms of preserving the sea and its surroundings, makes it a strong contender for replication in other countries.
Possible implementations through the New European Bauhaus and digital transition #
The New European Bauhaus (NEB) and digital transition can play a significant role in addressing some of the weaknesses of the best practice for the preservation of the Adriatic Sea and its surroundings. Firstly, the availability of EU funds for sustainable projects can provide the necessary financial support to replicate the best practice in other countries. Secondly, the inclusiveness of the NEB, which emphasizes the importance of education and awareness, as well as encouraging dialogue and practice, can help to overcome the lack of education and awareness about the importance of caring for the sea and its surroundings. Additionally, the NEB’s focus on improving and enriching other sectors of the economy can help to create a more sustainable future for the region and reduce waste. Furthermore, the use of electric ferries and special boats for waste waters can help to reduce pollution and improve the health of the sea. Lastly, the NEB’s inclusive approach and emphasis on dialogue and practice can help to create a more sustainable future, as people are less likely to pollute beautiful and well-kept areas. By making ports more attractive, people and companies will be more likely to take care of them and reduce their impact on the environment.
Role of the social economy sector in promoting & improving the best practice #
The social economy sector in the project countries can play an essential role in promoting this best practice. For example, local initiatives such as encouraging a dialog between stakeholders and tracking waste can help make a much larger impact. Additionally, by researching these initiatives first and connecting the stakeholders who are most affected, it can enable the country to build better resilience, create more independence, and self-sufficiency. Lastly, an example of best practice that the social economy sector can learn from is the New York subway effect where it has been demostrated that dirty places are more likely to be littered. Therefore, it is up to the social economy sector in the country to create and adapt this best practice into their day-to-day lives.
