Support INsular and low density areas in the transition towards a more CIRCuLar tourism Economy
Updated on 28.02.2023
INCIRCLE set out to support insular, remote and scarcely inhabited areas of the Mediterranean (MED) to meet the increasing environmental challenges caused by tourism. It did so by promoting and testing a new methodology for applying circular economy principles. Its tailored policies addressed mobility, energy efficiency, resource use and waste production.
More information
Tourism is recognised as an important economic driver for the MED. However, in its vulnerable touristic destinations – such as islands and scarcely inhabited territories – natural resources are at stake. The massive tourist flows in these areas often cause a wide range of negative impacts, affecting aspects such as the quality and availability of natural resources as well as the attractiveness of the areas.
The environmental footprint of tourism is regularly reflected in increased air emissions and water waste, excessive waste production, increased levels of energy waste, and high noise levels in these areas. A joint response and shared methodological framework for policy-making are required to seize the sustainability challenge. In particular, sustainable tourism planning must be improved and integrated in order to preserve and valorise non-renewable resources.
INCIRCLE builds up on previous projects (BLUEISLANDS, EMbleMatiC, CASTWATER, MITOMED, AlterEco, LOCATIONS, ACT4LITTER), capitalising on available knowledge and tools to test a new methodology, with a focus on the needs of islands and low density areas. Durable and easily adaptable outputs aimed to provide decision-makers with concrete tools and testing opportunities to improve their capacity. This capacity building focused on assessing and planning sustainability in territories with scarce resources, disclosing funding and replication opportunities, and establishing a critical mass for sustainable and circular growth.
The project focuses on the following areas: Gozo (coastal area/island, Malta), Himara (coastal area, Albania), Larnaca (coastal area/island, Cyprus), Rethymno (coastal area/island, Greece) and Palma (coastal area/island, Balearic Islands, Spain).
Relevance for Circular Systemic Solutions
The project looks into the application of circular economy principles in the tourism sector, taking into account a cross-sectorial approach with aspects related to mobility, energy efficiency, use of limited resources such as water, and waste production. The project not only looks at the entire value chain, but also aims to derive outcomes that can potentially be relevant for policy-makers to speed up the circular economy transition in the tourism sector in the MED region (and beyond).
Responsible organisation and contact details
AREA Science Park
Contact the project: https://incircle.interreg-med.eu/special-pages/forms-templates-for-projects/contact-form/
Project consortium partners
- CIVINET CY-EL
- Larnaca-Famagusta District Development Agency
- Albanian Institute of Transport
- Energy and Water Agency
- Region of Crete
- Himara Municipality
- Palma City Council
- Regional Government of the Balearic Islands
- Larnaka Municipality
- Ministry of Gozo
- Institute Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna
- Municipality of Rethymno
- MedCities
