Spanish Municipalities Lead Circular Economy Initiatives in Tourism and Industry
Dénia and Paterna lead innovative circular economy projects in tourism and industry, advancing Spain's sustainable development goals.
- • Dénia is part of a SEGITTUR project to apply circular economy principles to tourism, involving local officials and tourism stakeholders.
- • Paterna's Industrial Symbiosis project was presented at the European Collaborative Economy Meeting and recognized for best practices.
- • Both municipalities focus on collaboration between public and private sectors to promote sustainable production and waste management.
- • The initiatives align with larger policy frameworks like the 2030 Agenda and the European Green Deal for climate and sustainability.
- • The projects serve as models for SMEs and local administrations aiming to implement circular economy strategies.
Key details
Spain is advancing its commitment to sustainability through notable circular economy projects in both tourism and industrial sectors. In Dénia, the city has been selected by SEGITTUR, the public agency managing the Smart Tourist Destinations Network, to develop a pioneering circular economy project focused on tourism. A working group including Mayor Vicent Grimalt and tourism representatives has been formed with the objective of creating a roadmap for circular economy actions tailored for tourism subsectors like accommodation and dining. The initiative aims to generate knowledge on effective circular strategies, supporting SMEs in their transition towards sustainable practices such as waste management and resource reduction.
Meanwhile, in Paterna, the City Council showcased its leadership in circular economy at the first European Meeting on Collaborative Economy held in Burgos. Mayor Juan Antonio Sagredo highlighted the city's Industrial Symbiosis project, developed with the AIDIMME Technology Institute and recognized by the Spanish Federation of Municipalities and Provinces for its best practices. Paterna's efforts focus on collaborative waste management, material reuse, and reducing environmental impacts across its six industrial areas. Attracting over 200 international participants, the forum emphasized cooperation among businesses, public administrations, and social entities to foster innovation and sustainable production models.
Together, these projects demonstrate Spain's growing dedication to implementing circular economy principles at local levels, advancing both sustainable tourism and industrial collaboration to meet broader climate and policy goals such as the 2030 Agenda and the European Green Deal.
This article was synthesized and translated from native language sources to provide English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
