The European Union Supports Innovative Waste Management Solutions in Mediterranean Countries Through the MEDWISE Project with Palestinian Participation

SadaNews: The European Union announced the launch of the MEDWISE project – Innovations in Waste Management for a Sustainable Environment in the Mediterranean regions, funded by the Interreg NEXT MED program, with the participation of partners from Italy, Spain, Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey, and Palestine. The project aims to accelerate the transition towards a more efficient and sustainable circular economy in waste management in the countries of the region.

In Palestine, the Leaders International Foundation is leading and implementing the project activities locally, developing practical and innovative waste management solutions in line with national priorities and enhancing the Palestinian role in regional and international efforts towards a circular economy.

The project started in July 2025 to bring together research institutions and private sector partners to tackle the worsening waste crisis, as the majority of municipal waste is still being sent to landfills. Through joint practical experiments, the project aims to test and scale innovative solutions that enhance recycling, reduce emissions, provide new resources, and create green job opportunities.

The project will rely on three main paths:
●    Smart sorting using artificial intelligence to reduce food waste.
●    Production of organic compost at the local level to manage organic waste.
●    Industrial integration by repurposing secondary waste from a specific industry as raw material for another.

The project's activities include implementing experimental procedures with the participation of municipalities, academic institutions, and local communities in partner countries, alongside conducting standardized technical tests across different countries.

In addition to technical solutions, MEDWISE focuses on the human and social aspect by engaging students, researchers, startups, and local operators in training programs and awareness campaigns aimed at transforming waste into economic opportunities that foster innovation and support sustainable development.

For his part, Professor Giuseppe Mancini, project coordinator from the University of Catania (Italy), stated: "Our goal is to prove that waste is not a burden but a resource that can drive innovation, enhance competitiveness, and serve sustainability goals. By sharing proven solutions and new innovations, we can achieve faster steps towards a greener and fairer future for Mediterranean countries."

It is expected that MEDWISE will provide practical and replicable recycling models across various countries, contribute to reducing reliance on landfills and lowering emissions, while creating green job opportunities and building new skills, in addition to supporting national policies to achieve long-term sustainability goals.

About the Project
MEDWISE – Innovations in Waste Management for a Sustainable Environment in the Mediterranean, a project funded by the European Union under the Interreg NEXT MED program:
●    Total budget: €2,491,900
●    EU contribution: €2,217,791 (89%)
●    Duration: 36 months (July 2025 – July 2028)

Partners: University of Catania (Italy), Vic University – Catalan Central University (Spain), the Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (Italy), American University of Beirut (Lebanon), EDAMA Association for Energy, Water, and Environment (Jordan), Mugla Sıtkı Kocman University (Turkey), Leaders International Organization (Palestine).