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Mediterranean region aims to lead the way in circular economy push

(EurActiv, 28 Nov 2022) Organisations working on the ecological transition of the Mediterranean basin used the COP27 climate summit to push for the region’s future as part of a circular economy.

The Mediterranean Sea, which covers 1% of the world’s marine surface, stretches across a 46,000 kilometre-coastline, spans 24 countries and is home to over 150 million people.

Still, its value is estimated at $5.6 trillion as it rakes in a yearly $450 billion in gross marine product (GMP) which amounts to 3% of the EU’s GDP as 20% of the world’s global marine production is concentrated there.

This year’s annual UN climate conference (COP27), hosted by Egypt, was the opportunity for environmental actors to make their concerns known.

For them, maritime activities – the blue economy – must become more environmentally-friendly and move towards a new model: the circular economy.

Going green, going circular

A circular economy is about “eliminating waste and pollution; circulating products and materials; regenerating nature,” according to the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, which has been involved in the circular economy since 2009.

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EurActiv, 28 Nov 2022: Mediterranean region aims to lead the way in circular economy push