Biodegradable Materials for Sustainable agriculture and tourism

Project background

Agriculture and tourism are important sectors in the Liguria Region’s economy. Waste production is a problem for both sectors. In the agriculture sector, waste plastic materials have a negative impact on the environment and increase the quantity of waste to be disposed. In the tourism sector, the quantity of waste disposed in landfills has risen significantly in the last years, and planning in control and prevention is lacking. The BIOMASS project aims at reducing the volume of waste produced, and introduce recycling methods, in compliance with EU legislation. It will also encourage, by imposing regional law, the use of biodegradable/compostable materials in the agricultural processes and in bathing establishments.

Project objectives

• To spread the use of biodegradable materials in the agriculture and tourist sectors in Liguria, in order to obtain a reduction in non-biodegradable waste;
  
• To stimulate the use of these materials in accordance with environmental and agricultural regional regulations;
  
• To provide applicable instruments for legislators, farmers, and tourism operators to facilitate the reduction of the use of plastic materials, such as: polypropylene pots for horticulture, polyethylene mulching films, other accessories for normal crop management, and plates, glasses and cutlery used for the summer catering in the beach front concessions or in the public catering during local events.