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Description
Six partners in Cyprus, Malta and Greece come together through the project aiming to reduce the consumption, disposal and impacts of single-use plastics (SUP) in the tourism sector.
We will select a sample of at least three tourist establishments per region. Then, the partners will support those samples via pilots to move to sustainable resource-efficient business models that will identify and replace commonly used SUP with environmentally friendlier and affordable alternatives. The pilot samples will be supported in replacing SUP via a bespoke free web-based decision-support tool (DST) that will be developed. The DST will present viable and available alternatives to the most commonly used SUP taking into consideration the cost and environmental impacts of each alternative across its life-cycle.
Following the completion of the pilots, best practise guides will be developed that will present the findings of the pilots, the impacts of plastic waste on human health and the environment, how to reduce SUP in the tourism and other sectors and what environmentally friendlier and affordable alternatives are available.
The project is expected to bring about change in the coastal pilot areas in Cyprus, Greece and Malta by reducing the consumption and disposal of SUP that leak into and have detrimental impacts as litter on marine and terrestrial ecosystems.
Summary of project results
SUPMed project emerged as a response to urgent plastic pollution challenges, forming a transnational consortium across Cyprus, Greece, and Malta to reduce the use of single-use plastics (SUPs) in the tourism sector. Mediterranean basin''s configuration exacerbates plastic accumulation, threatening marine life with severe consequences. This degradation of marine ecosystems jeopardizes the appeal of beaches vital to the economies of Cyprus, Greece, and Malta, heavily reliant on tourism. Paradoxically, the tourism industry significantly contributes to plastic pollution, driving the SUPMed project to foster sustainable practices.
Collaboration with 10 pilot tourist establishments provided essential data through monitoring of their behavior regarding SUP usage. The consortium drew on relevant research, successfully implementing best practices and creating a web-based Decision-Support Tool (DST), leveraging Life-cycle Analysis (LCA) data. The DST played a pivotal role in shaping impactful actions outlined in each pilot hotel''s bespoke Action Plan, used to support towards moving to sustainable business models that replacing SUPs with environmentally friendlier, appropriate and affordable alternatives. The project also included developing and releasing a Best Practice Guide (BPG), disseminating key findings to raise awareness within the broader tourism sector. Workshops with stakeholders facilitated knowledge transfer and the adoption of sustainable practices, concluding the collaborative efforts of the project.
Results and Impact:
An estimated 17 tonnes monthly reduction in SUP consumption during high season months across pilot hotels.
A digital dissemination campaign and workshops reached 457 SMEs and 18 NGOs, fostering awareness and commitment.
The project laid common grounds for reducing plastic pollution and promoting sustainable practices in the tourism sector.
The success of the SUPMed project is pivotal for environmental impact reduction, economic sustainability, education, awareness, and replicability. It contributes to mitigating plastic pollution, preserving marine ecosystems, safeguarding economic vitality, and serving as a replicable model for regions facing similar challenges. In conclusion, the SUPMed project effectively contributed to reducing SUP consumption and disposal in the tourism sector, leveraging innovative tools like the DST to facilitate informed decision-making and laying the foundation for sustained environmental and economic benefits.