Beyond Plastic Med Celebrates a Decade of Tackling Plastic Pollution in the Mediterranean
The Monaco-based organization marks ten years of initiatives to mitigate plastic waste in the Mediterranean region.
Beyond Plastic Med (BeMed), an organization founded by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, is commemorating its tenth anniversary with a focus on reducing plastic pollution in the Mediterranean Sea.
Established in 2015, BeMed aims to connect public and private stakeholders to combat the rising threat of plastic waste in this environmentally sensitive region.
Over the past decade, it has collaborated with numerous organizations engaged in similar environmental efforts.
The Mediterranean is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, attracting millions of visitors each year.
However, this popularity comes with significant environmental challenges.
The tourism industry, a major economic driver in the region, has been adversely affected by plastic pollution, leading to loss of customers and increased costs for waste management.
BeMed's initiatives are designed to address both the environmental impact of plastic waste and the economic implications for businesses in the tourism sector.
A notable pilot program was launched in 2022 at the Intercontinental Hotel in Marseille, where BeMed worked to reduce single-use plastic items.
The project entailed a thorough analysis of plastic usage, prioritization of reduction strategies, and trials to assess the environmental and economic viability of proposed solutions.
Within the first three months, the hotel successfully eliminated approximately 3,000 plastic items and 1.5 kilometers of plastic film.
Following the success of this project, BeMed implemented a similar initiative in Tunisia from 2023 to 2024, further validating its approach.
In response to the findings from these pilot projects, BeMed developed a practical guide for hotels aiming to minimize single-use plastic.
This guide encompasses the strategies employed during the initial pilot, presenting solutions that have been effective in real-world applications.
For example, it advises replacing single-serving tea bags with bulk options and transitioning from individual sugar packets to communal sugar containers, which contribute to both cost savings and environmental benefits.
BeMed emphasizes the crucial role of businesses in mitigating plastic pollution, asserting that they must take responsibility for their contributions to this environmental crisis.
The organization advocates for accessible alternatives to single-use plastics in supply chains, enabling consumers to make more sustainable choices.
Central to BeMed’s mission is its role as a facilitator of collaboration among diverse stakeholders, including scientists, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and private companies.
The organization has established a network that fosters the sharing of best practices and strategies, thereby amplifying the impact of local initiatives through regional cooperation.
Looking ahead, BeMed plans to launch a training program for hotel operators in 2025, allowing them to learn from each other's experiences and implement effective practices.
Additional initiatives are underway, including working with local stakeholders in Albania and Tunisia to improve waste management in the hospitality and sports sectors.
The organization receives ongoing support and engagement from Prince Albert II, who remains actively involved in discussions surrounding environmental issues, particularly plastic pollution, at international forums.
The regulatory framework in Monaco is noted to be ahead of many European standards, reflecting local commitment to tackle plastic waste, although stakeholders recognize the continuous need for further advancements in policy and practice.
Established in 2015, BeMed aims to connect public and private stakeholders to combat the rising threat of plastic waste in this environmentally sensitive region.
Over the past decade, it has collaborated with numerous organizations engaged in similar environmental efforts.
The Mediterranean is one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, attracting millions of visitors each year.
However, this popularity comes with significant environmental challenges.
The tourism industry, a major economic driver in the region, has been adversely affected by plastic pollution, leading to loss of customers and increased costs for waste management.
BeMed's initiatives are designed to address both the environmental impact of plastic waste and the economic implications for businesses in the tourism sector.
A notable pilot program was launched in 2022 at the Intercontinental Hotel in Marseille, where BeMed worked to reduce single-use plastic items.
The project entailed a thorough analysis of plastic usage, prioritization of reduction strategies, and trials to assess the environmental and economic viability of proposed solutions.
Within the first three months, the hotel successfully eliminated approximately 3,000 plastic items and 1.5 kilometers of plastic film.
Following the success of this project, BeMed implemented a similar initiative in Tunisia from 2023 to 2024, further validating its approach.
In response to the findings from these pilot projects, BeMed developed a practical guide for hotels aiming to minimize single-use plastic.
This guide encompasses the strategies employed during the initial pilot, presenting solutions that have been effective in real-world applications.
For example, it advises replacing single-serving tea bags with bulk options and transitioning from individual sugar packets to communal sugar containers, which contribute to both cost savings and environmental benefits.
BeMed emphasizes the crucial role of businesses in mitigating plastic pollution, asserting that they must take responsibility for their contributions to this environmental crisis.
The organization advocates for accessible alternatives to single-use plastics in supply chains, enabling consumers to make more sustainable choices.
Central to BeMed’s mission is its role as a facilitator of collaboration among diverse stakeholders, including scientists, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and private companies.
The organization has established a network that fosters the sharing of best practices and strategies, thereby amplifying the impact of local initiatives through regional cooperation.
Looking ahead, BeMed plans to launch a training program for hotel operators in 2025, allowing them to learn from each other's experiences and implement effective practices.
Additional initiatives are underway, including working with local stakeholders in Albania and Tunisia to improve waste management in the hospitality and sports sectors.
The organization receives ongoing support and engagement from Prince Albert II, who remains actively involved in discussions surrounding environmental issues, particularly plastic pollution, at international forums.
The regulatory framework in Monaco is noted to be ahead of many European standards, reflecting local commitment to tackle plastic waste, although stakeholders recognize the continuous need for further advancements in policy and practice.
