WeMed Award 2024

The Mediterranean Sustainability Award aims to promote
an inclusive transition to sustainability in the Mediterranean.

In this fourth edition, organised by MedWaves, the United Nations Environment Programme Mediterranean Action Plan (UNEP/MAP) Regional Activity Centre for Sustainable Consumption and Production (SCP), the award recognises success stories of sustainable businesses in the Blue Economy sector.

WINNERS

Category A:
EARLY STAGE

  • Alexandre El Nahry

    PairHouse S.A.R.L


    PairHouse S.A.R.L. is a Lebanese enterprise transforming fish waste into renewable biogas and bio-fertilizers through anaerobic digestion. By partnering with local fisheries, the company reduces environmental pollution and supports sustainable agriculture, embodying innovation and sustainability in the Mediterranean.

  • Anis Ben Ghalia and Kais Aouaieb

    Chitelix


    Chitelix is revolutionizing Tunisia’s seafood industry by converting crab waste into valuable biopolymers and bio-ingredients. Their eco-friendly process tackles the dual challenges of reducing waste and providing sustainable alternatives to chemicals. Chitelix aims to scale up operations, reducing the crab industry's environmental impact.

Category B:
GROWTH STAGE

  • Nawal Allaoui

    EcoProd Solutions


    EcoProd Solutions is a Moroccan company that turns waste fish skin into high-quality leather goods. Their brands, SeaSkin Morocco and Rhea, emphasize sustainability by reducing waste and using eco-friendly tanning methods. The company also empowers women in Sidi Rahal through job creation, contributing to social development.

Category A

Early-Stage
Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs or start-ups with less than 2 years of work that have integrated environmental and social values into a validated business model and prototype with a promising economic outlook in the Blue Economy sector. Companies may be generating early-stage revenue but might be not profitable yet. The entity must be legally constituted in a Southern Mediterranean country (eligible areas of SwitchMed Program).

Prize

  • Gold Soft
    Landing service

    10.000 euros

  • Silver Soft
    Landing service

    8.000 euros

Soft Landing services includes marketing support services and technical assistance, including travels to Europe and other Mediterranean Countries to connect, learn and discover new potential markets

Category B

Growth-Stage
Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs or start-ups with from 2 to 10 years of work that have integrated environmental and social values into a viable business model in the Blue Economy sector. The entity must be legally constituted in a Southern Mediterranean country (eligible areas of SwitchMed Program) and have a validated business plan and marketed services/products (profit margins and growth trend). Companies are in commercial operations with recurring revenues and existing customers.

Prize

  • Gold Soft
    Landing service

    10.000 euros

  • Silver Soft
    Landing service

    8.000 euros

Soft Landing services includes marketing support services and technical assistance, including travels to Europe and other Mediterranean Countries to connect, learn and discover new potential markets

JURY

  • PATRIZIA BUSOLINI

    UNEP/MAP Socio-Economic and Sustainable Development Officer


    Patrizia works with UNEP/MAP, focusing on socio-economic aspects and sustainable development. Previously with the EU Commission’s DG MARE, she coordinated the implementation of the 2021 EU Communication on Sustainable Blue Economy and managed the EU Sea Basin Strategies.

  • IGNASI MATEO

    Project Manager at MedWaves (UNEP/MAP Regional Activity Centre)


    Ignasi manages projects aimed at combating marine litter in the Mediterranean. His role involves implementing pilots and developing measures to address marine litter and plastic pollution throughout the region.

  • MAR RIERA

    Consultant, Researcher, and Lecturer in Environmental Management


    Mar manages various EU-funded projects and provides financial advice for cultural organizations. She specializes in climate change, local development, and sustainability, offering expertise in environmental management and policy.

  • MAYA KARKOUR

    Environmental and Circular Economy Specialist and Eco-Entrepreneur


    Maya, founder of EcoConsulting, excels in sustainability and circular economy consultancy. As Chair of the EcoSwitch Coalition for Green Entrepreneurs in Lebanon since 2022, she leads efforts to promote green entrepreneurship and sustainable practices.

  • JORDI PONT

    Project Manager at the Green Entrepreneurship Area of MedWaves


    Jordi oversees green entrepreneurship initiatives at MedWaves, focusing on Lebanon and Egypt. He is responsible for developing and implementing activities that foster sustainable business practices and support green innovation in these regions.

ABOUT

The WeMed Award is hosted by MedWaves, the United Nations Environment Programme Mediterranean Action Plan (UNEP/MAP) Regional Activity Centre for Sustainable Consumption and Production (MedWaves – Catalan Waste Agency)

WeMed, the Mediterranean Sustainability Award, is a flagship initiative of the UNEP/MAP Mediterranean strategy for Sustainable Development (MSSD).

The fourth edition of WeMed is funded by the EU through the SwitchMed Programme.

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