A team of Cypriot researchers from ISOTECH Ltd has been honored with the prestigious BeMed award, granted by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.

According to ISOTECH Ltd’s announcement, the award recognizes the "Green Ports in Circular Economy for a Litter-Free Mediterranean" initiative.

This initiative aims to address plastic pollution in the Mediterranean by improving and upgrading policies, infrastructure, and waste management practices in ports and ships, setting new sustainability standards.

As stated in the announcement, Cyprus, as a Mediterranean island, is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of plastic pollution, yet at the same time, it presents a unique opportunity for innovative solutions.

Building on ISOTECH’s previous work—also supported by BeMed—this new project focuses on implementing innovative waste reduction and management solutions in five Mediterranean ports. The goal is to improve both port facilities and onboard practices while promoting four key areas in collaboration with the Mediterranean platform CapiMed-Islands.

These solutions include:

• Strengthening cooperation between Mediterranean islands for the implementation of green and circular economy initiatives in ports and the broader maritime sector.

• Transferring best practices and solutions to other regions.

• Enhancing awareness and visibility of innovative approaches to combat plastic pollution.

• Supporting the green transition of stakeholders in the Blue Economy.

Dr. Xenia Loizidou, Director of ISOTECH Ltd, described the award as "a major and prestigious recognition of our work by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and BeMed."

"This award," she continued, "allows us to share our expertise and implement solutions in Mediterranean ports."

She emphasized that the initiative is highly innovative, stating: "Mediterranean ports can lead the way in the green transition, improving their operations while reducing costs. We expect very positive results. We are grateful to BeMed for their strong support and are excited about this important recognition."

BeMed was established in 2015 by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, in collaboration with the MAVA Foundation, Surfrider Europe Foundation, Tara Océan Foundation, and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

For over a decade, BeMed has been committed to tackling plastic pollution in the Mediterranean through local partnerships. In Cyprus alone, it has supported 15 projects and continues to drive impactful solutions.