German RETech Partnership e.V. (RETech) organised this year’s international conference titled “Transforming Islands’ Waste Management: Overcoming Challenges with Sustainable Solutions”, on 20th to 21st November 2024, in Berlin. It was organized in collaboration with the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection. Τhis event brought together stakeholders from around the world to discuss and develop strategies for tackling the environmental challenge on the waste management on islands. This conference served as a platform for experts, policymakers, and industry leaders to share insights, discuss adapted and innovative solutions, and build partnerships that will drive sustainable waste management practices on islands and beyond.
The Department of Environment of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment in Cyprus presented the LIFE IP CYzero WASTE Project and the relevant waste management projects for promoting waste prevention, reuse/repair and recycling. Furthermore, the conference network will foster international cooperation, enhance the knowledge transfer on best waste practices exists in the field, and promote technology to manage waste more effectively.
As global consumption continues to rise, so does the production of waste. This trend poses a significant challenge in all regions, but islands face particularly acute difficulties and challenges. With limited space, fragile ecosystems, lack in infrastructure, accumulation of marine litter and economies depending on tourism, the consequences of improper waste management are especially severe and visible in their environments. Moreover, the isolation and size of the population of many islands makes it difficult to implement and maintain comprehensive waste management and recycling systems. As a result, waste-related issues on islands can escalate quickly, with significant environmental and social impacts.
Further details on the conference program and presentations is provided: https://www.retech-germany.net/en/projects/international-retech-conference-2024
