|
Project Topic
|
The MedAgriCycle project is a transformative initiative designed to integrate urban agriculture with sustainable waste management practices across Mediterranean regions. By addressing key challenges such as urbanization, climate change, water scarcity, and food security, the project seeks to create resilient, self-sustaining urban and peri-urban food production systems. This multidisciplinary approach brings together partners from Türkiye, France, Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, and Italy to develop circular bioeconomy solutions for urban agriculture.
Key Objectives of MedAgriCycle:
Reutilization of Agricultural and Urban Wastewater: The project promotes the reuse of treated wastewater from urban areas and agricultural runoff, ensuring the conservation of freshwater and the reduction of the environmental footprint of urban agriculture. Innovative irrigation systems will enhance water use efficiency and protect natural water sources.
Recycling Urban Agricultural and Organic Waste into Compost: By turning urban agricultural residues and domestic organic waste into compost, MedAgriCycle offers a circular economy model that reduces landfill waste, mitigates greenhouse gas emissions, and improves soil fertility, ultimately enhancing agricultural productivity.
Extraction of High-Value Compounds from Agricultural Waste: The project pioneers innovative techniques to extract economically valuable proteins, pectin, carotenoids, and phenolic compounds from agricultural residues. This not only reduces waste but also supports the production of functional food products, contributing to food security and economic growth.
Development of Policy Recommendations: Comprehensive policy frameworks will be developed to support the sustainability and scalability of urban agriculture initiatives. These policies will promote resource efficiency, inclusivity, and the adoption of sustainable practices in urban environments.
Digital Toolbox for Urban Agriculture Management: The project will create a comprehensive digital infrastructure, integrating IoT sensors, real-time monitoring, and a decision support system. The toolbox will facilitate the efficient management of urban agriculture systems, allowing stakeholders to simulate and optimize practices for improved environmental outcomes.
Relevance to Global Challenges:
The MedAgriCycle project aligns with global goals such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the European Green Deal, and the Farm to Fork strategy. Its focus on urban agriculture and circular bioeconomy principles makes it an innovative response to pressing issues of water scarcity, waste management, and sustainable food production in urban areas. The project also emphasizes gender inclusion and aims to support equitable access to resources for all stakeholders involved.
Expected Impact:
MedAgriCycle aims to enhance the resilience of urban food systems through sustainable practices that conserve natural resources, reduce urban waste, and promote inclusive economic growth. The project is expected to make a significant contribution to food security and urban sustainability, setting a replicable model for other Mediterranean regions and beyond.
Strategic Alignment:
The project responds directly to the challenges outlined in Topic 2.3.1 (RIA) – Leveraging Urban and Local Food Systems for Sustainable Food Systems Transformation. By emphasizing a circular bioeconomy and focusing on inclusive regulatory frameworks and market formalization, MedAgriCycle addresses critical sustainability issues while promoting the integration of urban agriculture into broader city planning efforts.
|
