Nature provides benefits worth billions of euros a year to EU agriculture - such as pest control by insect predators. An EU-funded project has improved knowledge of the habitats that foster these so-called ecological services, helping to support an increase in sustainable farming and food security.
The textile industry generates enormous amounts of waste and is one of the largest consumers of water and energy resources. EU-funded research is looking at ways to reduce its ecological impact by using textile waste and design to develop new materials for the future.
An EU-funded project has developed a virtual research environment to help the earth sciences community manage its research life cycles and to share knowledge. The new e-infrastructure platform provides easy access to vast amounts of data and tools, boosting researchers’ productivity and creativity.
Without a clear view of marine resources and environments, efforts to derive sustainable growth from the seas cannot fully succeed. An EU-funded project has developed virtual labs for research relevant to policy aimed at activating untapped economic potential in a sustainable manner and stimulating job creation in the marine and maritime sectors.
Vast volumes of data from satellites in space, drones in the air and sensors on the ground will be harnessed by a pioneering EU-funded project that promises to revolutionise farming, land use, agricultural sustainability and food security.
An EU-funded project has helped promote Europe-wide sustainable rural development by facilitating the implementation of successful cooperative models based on mutual economic, social and environmental benefits.
From local recycling schemes to community-led business start-ups, social innovation can drive the revitalisation of marginalised areas where markets and public administrations have failed. EU-funded researchers are studying examples of social innovation and exploring how best practices can be shared across Europe and beyond.
EU-funded researchers have developed new tools for designing and analysing the economic reliability and environmental performance of wave and tidal-energy power farms. These are currently being implemented and validated in real-life situations, while the DTOCEAN consortium has secured further EU funding.
An EU-funded study is exploring agricultural practices and EU policies related to drinking water quality and the use of pesticides and nitrogen. Results will inform an integrated EU response to a major environmental and health challenge.
Buildings in Spain and Estonia have been fitted with novel construction and insulation materials made from natural fibres and forest waste as part of an EU-funded project demonstrating innovative applications of biocomposites. These materials not only comply with building codes and boost sustainability but also reduce the risk of residents becoming sick.
