Monitoring
ReMEd
ReMed is a fully planned European project that is currently awaiting funding to begin execution. The project aims to equip civil society organizations in Mediterranean port cities, particularly those most affected by the surge in cruise tourism, with the resources and knowledge necessary to address these challenges. ReMed focuses on three of the Mediterranean’s most significant cruise hubs: Palma, Venice, and Piraeus, which will serve as pilot areas for the project. The initiative seeks to strengthen the organizational capacity and social impact of civil society groups in these cities by providing tools for air quality monitoring, fostering interest in citizen science, and creating networks for the exchange of information and best practices.
Leading Entity
FIM
Year
2024
Key Partnerns
We are here Venice (Venice, ITALY), Observatory of Peiraikis - Piraeus (Athens, GREECE), Leiden-Delft-Erasmus Center on PortCityFutures (TU Delft), True World.
State of the Project
Not started - Pending funding
Keywords
Impact of cruises, citizen science, civic participation, European networks
Sustainable Development Goals
The Challenge
Cruise tourism has become one of the most pressing issues for European port cities, with the Mediterranean being particularly affected by the congestion of cruise routes. This influx of tourism overwhelms historic port cities, leading to significant environmental health impacts and disrupting the local economic and social fabric. It is essential to enhance the organizational capacity and political influence of civil society organizations to effectively tackle these challenges.
The Solution
At the heart of the ReMed project is the installation of an air quality monitoring system in areas near the ports, where pollution from cruise ships poses a severe public health risk. This system will operate through a network of sensors, easily expandable by local social entities, and an open visualization platform that unifies and interprets the collected data. This platform will also raise public awareness of the issue. In addition to these technical solutions, the project will produce publications to enhance the knowledge and operational capacity of the participating organizations.
Furthermore, ReMed will offer a series of in-person and online seminars aimed at empowering civil society groups in the participating cities and creating spaces for European-level cooperation.
Key Initiatives
- Sensor Network: Installation of a sensor network to monitor air quality in the port areas of Palma, Venice, and Piraeus.
- Visualization Platform: Development of an open platform to unify and interpret air quality data, accessible to both the public and organizations.
- Publications: Creation of resources to increase the knowledge and operational capacity of civil society organizations.
- Seminars and Training: Delivery of in-person and online seminars to empower civil society organizations and foster cooperation across Europe.
Impact
- Improved Air Quality: By reducing air pollution in port cities, the project will enhance public health and the quality of life for residents.
- Civil Society Empowerment: Strengthening the organizational and political influence of civil society organizations, promoting European cooperation.
- Increased Public Awareness: Raising awareness among the population about the impacts of cruise tourism and the need for sustainable management.
- International Cooperation: Establishing cooperative links between Mediterranean port cities to collaboratively address common challenges.
Key Partners
- Fundació Iniciatives del Mediterrani: Project initiator and coordinator of the initiatives.
- We are Here Venice: Civil society representatives in Venice, Italy.
- Piraeus Observatory: Civil society representatives in Piraeus, Greece.
- Leiden-Delft-Erasmus Center on PortCityFutures (TU Delft): Academic representation
- True World: Technology partner supporting sensor installation and the visualization platform.
- Future Partners: European third-sector entities, as well as other local and regional organizations interested in promoting environmental health and addressing similar challenges.
Future Outlook
The ReMed project is fully planned and currently awaiting funding for its implementation. The project is intended to be ongoing, with plans to expand the sensor network and cooperative efforts to other cities and address additional challenges.
Learn More
Discover more about our efforts to empower civil society and improve environmental health in Mediterranean port cities by visiting our project page.
