LIFE-IP CEI-GREECE and the Municipality of Souli join forces for the utilization of agri-food waste and the promotion of circular economy
A new bilateral voluntary agreement for the advancement of circular economy practices has been signed between the LIFE-IP CEI-GREECE project — coordinated by the Hellenic Ministry of Environment & Energy — and the Municipality of Souli. This agreement marks an important step toward the sustainable management and valorisation of agri-food waste at local level.
The bilateral agreement was officially signed at the Ministry of Environment & Energy, with the participation of Manolis Grafakos, Secretary General for Waste Management Coordination of the Ministry of Environment & Energy; Thanasis Danis, Mayor of Souli; Mary Plati, LIFE-IP CEI-GREECE Project Manager on behalf of the Ministry; and Maria Tsakona, Special Associate of the Ministry.
The agreement is fully aligned with European and national policies for green development, unlocking the potential of circular and bio-economy as set out in Greece’s National Circular Economy Strategy. The aim is to ensure that agri-food waste is not treated as a burden but as a valuable resource for the production of new products, raw materials, and energy.
Through this cooperation, the Municipality of Souli joins the core group of local authorities shaping new value chains based on the utilization of bio-waste originating from agriculture, livestock farming and agri-food processes. The agreement includes:
• Organisation of meetings and workshops with local stakeholders, producers and businesses to exchange know-how and map local waste streams.
• Technical support from LIFE-IP CEI-GREECE for the development of innovative solutions for waste prevention, recovery and transformation into value-added products.
• Preparation of an integrated Agri-Food Waste Management Plan, tailored to the needs and conditions of the Municipality, including proposals for animal feed production, soil improvers, biogas or other applications.
• Information on available funding tools to support investments in new facilities or pilot circular applications.
• Awareness-raising and training activities for citizens and local businesses to strengthen participation and cultivate a new culture of responsible resource management.
LIFE-IP CEI-Greece continues to build strategic alliances with municipalities, universities, businesses and local communities nationwide, gradually shaping a national network of circular economy applications. The collaboration with the Municipality of Souli is a new milestone that lays the foundation for investment, innovation in the primary sector, and sustainable development in rural areas.
