Seasonal variation of waste as effect of tourism

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Blue Islands Project brings together 14 partners from 8 countries in a systematic effort to properly identify, address and mitigate the effects of the seasonal variation of waste generation on MED islands as an effect of tourism. The issue has been a vexing problem for years but it has never before been approached methodically: The quantity and composition of waste generated over a twelve-month period on nine MED islands will be measured and the correlation between the quantified waste generated and both the number of tourists and the presence of litter in the coastal environment will be examined. At the same time, the existing waste management structure and followed respective practices will be assessed. Based on the report prepared from the results derived from all nine islands a multidimensional tool will be formulated, encompassing action plans, through which this common problematic phenomenon can most effectively be addressed. Over a following twelve-month period the tool will be implemented with selected action plans for each participating island, while the efficacy of each action plan will be evaluated. Eventually, a final report entailing all derived data and experience will showcase the most efficient and successful ways to turn a difficult and burdensome issue for MED islands’ communities into a means fueling the establishment of circular economies while preserving and perpetuating sustainable tourism to the Mediterranean.

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