Aiming to enhance the utilization of agri-food waste in accordance with circular economy principles, a Bilateral Agreement has been signed between the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MEEN) and the Mediterranean Institute for Nature and Anthropos (MedINA). This initiative falls under the European project “LIFE-IP CEI-Greece – Implementation of the Circular Economy in Greece.”
As part of the National Circular Economy Strategy and the National Waste Management Plan (NWMP), the LIFE-IP CEI-Greece project implements actions and promotes dynamic initiatives to transition toward a sustainable and efficient economic model. By establishing voluntary agreements, the project strengthens the circular economy, fosters bioeconomy development, and leverages Greece’s unique natural resources.
Through this Agreement, MEEN and MedINA will collaborate on knowledge and data exchange in the agri-food waste sector, the identification of best management practices, the installation of innovative technological systems, and the exploration of investment opportunities, as the sector presents significant growth potential.
Furthermore, the actions carried out under this agreement align with MedINA’s new Strategic Plan (2025-2029) and the “Let It Grow – Sustainable Agri-food Systems in the Aegean” program. The implementation of MedINA’s Strategic Plan is expected to be incorporated into the “Sustainable Agri-food Entrepreneurship” initiative, with a particular focus on Lemnos and the Northern Aegean region.
As part of the agreement’s signing, MedINA representatives met with Mr. Manolis Grafakos, Secretary-General for Waste Management Coordination at MEEN. The voluntary alliance was signed by:
Mr. Alexis Katsaros, Executive Director of MedINA, Ms. Sofia Mani, Project Coordinator and Head of the Waste Management Department at MEEN, Ms. Zoi Gaitanarou, Waste Management Expert and project associate from the Green Fund.
Among those present at the signing were: Mr. Rigas Zafeiriou, Program Coordinator for Sustainable Agri-food Systems at MedINA, Ms. Eva Bozou, Project Manager for Sustainable Agri-food Systems at MedINA, Ms. Mary Plati, Project Management Officer at MEEN, Ms. Fai Nakou, Waste Management Expert at MEEN, Ms. Maria Tsakona, Waste Management Expert at MEEN, Ms. Christina Gioti, Administrative and Secretariat Support Officer at MEEN, Ms. Katerina Ladopoulou, Communications, Events & Public Relations Officer at MEEN.
About the “LIFE-IP CEI-Greece – Implementation of the Circular Economy in Greece” Project
The LIFE-IP CEI-Greece Implementation of the Circular Economy in Greece project aims to contribute to the implementation of the National Waste Management Plan, the National Waste Prevention Program, and the National Circular Economy Strategy. This initiative promotes a new approach to waste management based on circular economy principles by adopting best practices and behavioral changes to extend product lifecycles, convert waste into resources, and effectively implement the EU’s waste legislative package.
More information about LIFE-IP CEI-Greece – Circular Greece “Νo time to waste ” is available at the project’s website: www.circulargreece.gr , and on social media:
- https://www.facebook.com/CircularGreece/
- https://twitter.com/CircularGreece
- https://www.linkedin.com/company/life-ip-cei-greece-circular-greece/
- https://www.instagram.com/circulargreece/
- https://youtube.com/@circulargreece
About MedINA
MedINA is an environmental organization that supports small local communities by empowering them through the protection and conservation of their natural resources and the promotion of their cultural heritage. The organization’s vision is a world where communities thrive in harmony with nature.
