NATURE-based REmediation solutions for Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) contamination

The main objective of NATUREM is to take a step forward to make effective the prioritization of soil restoration through sustainable remediation solutions in contaminated soil policies.The EU Soil Strategy for 2030 establishes medium and long-term objectives to achieve good soil health by 2050. Promotes the hierarchy of waste (prioritizing recovery over landfi ll) and soil restoration using sustainable methods, specifying that "contaminated sites require remediation with often complex and expensive techniques, although in certain cases, low-cost bioremediation techniques have been shown to be effective." Conventional remediation methods are not sustainable or defi nitive methods, therefore, the incorporation of these priorities of the EU 2030 Soil Strategy in public policies for soil pollution management is a pending task that will be addressed by the NATUREM project.The partnership is formed by 8 European regions and 10 partners that share the interest of improving public policies under a common and priority problem, that establishes guidelines for action on contaminated soils, following two core lines: prevention of soil contamination and recovery of soils affected by historical contamination.The main objectives of Naturem are:- To exchange experiences and knowledge on natural and sustainable remediation solutions- To involve stakeholders in the development of the project.- To develop pilot actions for the incorporation of sustainable remediation solutions in the regional or national public policies. - To improve the current policy instruments.- To raise awareness and to disseminate the project results.Healthy soils are essential for achieving climate neutrality, a clean and circular economy and halting desertifi cation and land degradation. They are also essential to reverse biodiversity loss, provide healthy food and safeguard human Health. Thus, NATUREM also contributes to the EU biodiversity strategy objectives and the the European Green Deal.