Continue reading ”Paving the Way for Circular Nutrient Management: The CiNURGi Project in Focus”
Visby: Bridging Heritage and Sustainability in the Baltic Sea Region
At the EUSBSR Annual Forum 2024, Visby, Gotland, Sweden.
Text & Photo © CM Cordeiro & , E Sindhöj 2024
Visby, the historically rich capital of Gotland, Sweden, stands as a remarkable example of how heritage and sustainability can be harmoniously integrated [1]. My recent visit to attend the EUSBSR Annual Forum 2024 provided an opportunity not only to engage with leading experts on regional sustainability but also to observe firsthand how Visby balances its medieval heritage with contemporary environmental practices. This reflection captures the multifaceted approaches of Visby and Gotland to managing tourism, conserving biodiversity, and addressing water resilience.
Continue reading ”Visby: Bridging Heritage and Sustainability in the Baltic Sea Region”
Situating the discourse of recycled nutrient fertilizers in circular economy principles for sustainable agriculture
The article explores the multifaceted discourse surrounding recycled nutrient fertilizers (RNFs), examining their technological, environmental, economic, and policy-related dimensions. It highlights how stakeholders’ perceptions and the influence of public and farmer acceptance shape the adoption of RNFs, alongside the critical impact of regulatory and policy frameworks on their implementation.
Citation: Cordeiro CM and Sindhøj E (2024) Situating the discourse of recycled nutrient fertilizers in circular economy principles for sustainable agriculture. Front. Sustain. 5:1465752. doi: 10.3389/frsus.2024.1465752
Showcasing CiNURGi at the EUSBSR Annual Forum 2024: Fostering a Circular Economy for Nutrients in the Baltic Sea Region
At the EUSBSR Annual Forum 2024, Visby, Gotland, Sweden.
Text & Photo © CM Cordeiro & , E Sindhöj 2024
At the end of October, I had the opportunity to attend the 15th Annual Forum of the EU Strategy for the Baltic Sea Region (EUSBSR) in Visby, Gotland. This year’s forum brought together over 500 stakeholders, including policymakers, industry representatives, and researchers, all focused on advancing the sustainability, resilience, and security of the Baltic Sea Region. Set against the historical backdrop of Visby, with its UNESCO-recognized medieval architecture, the forum provided both an inspiring and ideal setting for discussing sustainable regional development.
As co-lead for the EU Interreg BSR core project CiNURGi, my goal was to showcase our work on developing a circular economy for nutrients in the region. CiNURGi is an EU Interreg BSR core project dedicated to enhancing nutrient recovery from various resource streams, including agricultural, municipal, and industrial sources. By upgrading current infrastructure and technology, we aim to increase nutrient recovery efficiency and promote the adoption of recycled fertilizer products. In a region facing significant environmental challenges due to nutrient leakage and eutrophication, CiNURGi’s mission aligns well with the EUSBSR’s broader goals of sustainability and environmental protection.
Insights from the 9th Nordic Biogas Conference 2024: Advancing Circular Economy and Nutrient Recovery
At the ninth Nordic Biogas Conference (NBC), held October 22nd–23rd, 2024 in Aalborg, Denmark.
Text & Photo © CM Cordeiro & , JE Nilsson 2024
Reflecting on the Nordic Biogas Conference 2024: Championing Circular Economy and Nutrient Recovery
This past October, I had the privilege of participating as a plenary speaker at the Nordic Biogas Conference (NBC) 2024 in Aalborg, Denmark. The NBC is a key platform for knowledge exchange and networking among experts, innovators, and stakeholders in the biogas and circular economy sectors. Organized by leaders from the biogas industries of all five Nordic countries, NBC 2024 brought together a diverse group of professionals dedicated to advancing sustainable energy and waste management solutions.
A Focus on Circular Economy, Waste Management, and Nutrient Recovery
During the session, titled Circular Economy – Waste Management – Feedstock and Fertiliser Quality, moderated by Linn Andersson from Avfall Sverige, I presented insights from the EU Interreg BSR core project, CiNURGi, where we focus on nutrient recovery as a catalyst for sustainable synergies across various sectors in the Baltic Sea Region. My presentation, Circular Solutions for Nutrient Recovery: Building Sustainable Synergies Across Sectors in the Baltic Sea Region [PDF], highlighted innovative solutions for recycling nutrient-rich biomass, developing industry standards for safe fertilizers, and fostering cross-sector collaborations. These approaches are essential for creating resilient, circular systems that reduce environmental impact while opening new economic opportunities.
Adapting International Business Models for EU Projects: Macro- and Micro-Foundations of the Uppsala Model in Multinational Collaborations
Reference
Cordeiro, C.M.; Sindhøj, E. Adapting International Business Models for EU Projects: Macro- and Micro-Foundations of the Uppsala Model in Multinational Collaborations. Businesses 2024, 4, 509-530. https://doi.org/10.3390/businesses4040031
Advancing the Discourse on Recycled Nutrients: Integrating Sustainable Practices into the Circular Economy
Photo © JE Nilsson 2024
Introduction
The growing discourse on recycled nutrients (RNs) in organic farming is influenced by several key factors. Nutrient deficits, particularly of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), are a significant challenge in organic farming, as biological nitrogen (N) fixation can only partly meet nitrogen demand, necessitating the replenishment of other nutrients through external inputs. Yet the uptake and use of RNs remains challenging. Concerns about contaminants, such as potentially toxic elements (PTEs), microplastics, and antibiotic resistance genes, create doubts among organic farmers regarding the safety and health impacts on soil and crops. Although some contaminants are declining, and soils show resilience in degrading or stabilizing pollutants, uncertainties persist.
The integration of nutrient recycling within the broader circular economy framework aligns with organic farming principles, promoting the reuse of societal waste streams to reduce reliance on finite mineral resources and minimize environmental impacts. However, acceptance of such practices remains debated within the organic sector. Economic feasibility and policy support are crucial, as cost-benefit analyses highlight the varying viability of different ecotechnologies. Technologies like anaerobic digestion of agricultural wastes are more economically viable compared to those in the wastewater sector, which require significant investments. Effective implementation depends on aligning economic and policy incentives with sustainability goals.
Public perception and stakeholder involvement also play a critical role, as participatory decision-making processes address local concerns and improve the legitimacy of implementing new ecotechnologies. Addressing stakeholders’ concerns about health risks, environmental pollution, and technical reliability is essential for broader acceptance. These factors collectively shape the ongoing discussion on the use of RNs in organic farming, balancing the benefits of nutrient recycling with the challenges posed by contamination, economic viability, and public acceptance.
In this article, a brief literature review is conducted to place the current discourse and concerns regarding RNs and nutrient recycling practices within the broader context of the circular economy, aiming to investigate how the uptake of RNs can be more effectively addressed.
Using 9 journal articles [1-9] as example studies of the field, this article begins by tracing the historical context and use of term “recycled nutrients”. It examines the various technological, environmental, economic, and policy-related dimensions of nutrient recycling, and illustrates how the practice of nutrient recycling can become an integral part of the circular economy. Continue reading ”Advancing the Discourse on Recycled Nutrients: Integrating Sustainable Practices into the Circular Economy”
Redefining Energy Innovation: How Strategic Action Fields (SAFs) are Transforming the Energy Landscape
Image credit: Gencraft
What is a Strategic Action Field (SAF)?
Strategic Action Fields (SAFs) [1] are meso-level social orders where various actors—established players, challengers, and sometimes governance units—interact, compete, and collaborate. These fields are characterized by ongoing power struggles, negotiations, and cooperation, leading to the creation of new norms, practices, and institutional arrangements. In the context of societal and technological changes, SAFs can provide a framework for understanding how different sectors converge and evolve through the actions of socially skilled actors who navigate and shape these complex interactions.
Transforming Energy: From Living Labs to Strategic Action Fields, the Example of Germany
In the face of global climate challenges, the transformation of energy systems has become imperative. In the example of Germany, the country’s innovative approach to this transformation is setting a benchmark by bringing together energy, mobility, and Information Technology. In a 2017 [2] study, scientists explore how living labs are evolving into strategic action fields, fostering intersectoral collaboration and innovation. Continue reading ”Redefining Energy Innovation: How Strategic Action Fields (SAFs) are Transforming the Energy Landscape”
A Walkabout at Borgeby Fältdagar 2024
Text & Photo © CM Cordeiro & JE Nilsson 2024
What an incredible experience at Borgeby Fältdagar 2024! On one of the warmest summer days in southern Sweden, this arena welcomed 19,900 visitors and 415 exhibiting companies. This event was the perfect mix of business networking and family fun! The two-day program was packed with fascinating seminars and cutting-edge technology showcases.
Here are the top three seminar topics I found most interesting:
- Technology You Didn’t Know Existed – Can It Revolutionize Future Agriculture?
- Details: Karolina Muhrman and Per Frankelius from Agtech Sweden blew us away with groundbreaking technologies like precision agriculture tools, autonomous machinery, and advanced data analytics. These innovations can make farming more productive and sustainable. It was especially inspiring to see how regions like Östergötland, which attract global investments in agtech and foster close collaboration between research institutions and industry, are leading the way. The area’s strengths in innovation, technology, and sustainable development make it a hotbed for agricultural innovation.
- Inflation is Receding – Here Come the Interest Rate Cuts
- Details: Anders Hansson from Sparbanken Skåne and Swedbank shed light on the upcoming economic shifts, emphasizing that with inflation receding, we can expect interest rate cuts. This is fantastic news for farmers, as lower borrowing costs will make it easier to invest in new technologies and infrastructure. It’s a much-needed boost that could significantly ease financial pressures on the agricultural sector.
- Sustainable Solutions for Future Agriculture: Circular Fertilizers
- Details: The seminar for the EU Interreg Baltic Sea Region (BSR) core project CiNURGi by RISE Food and Agriculture, was all about moving towards circular fertilizers. They highlighted how using local, sustainable fertilization methods can improve soil health and reduce our reliance on conventional mineral fertilizers. This is a crucial step towards building a more resilient and eco-friendly farming system.
Borgeby Fältdagar 2024 not only showcased the latest in agricultural technology but also provided valuable insights into the economic trends affecting our sector. The integration of these technologies is expected to drive efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and enhance the overall profitability of farming operations. Continue reading ”A Walkabout at Borgeby Fältdagar 2024”
EU Interreg Baltic Sea Region (BSR) Core Project CiNURGi 2023-2027
CiNURGi Project Summary
CiNURGi (6.5mEUR 2023-2027) is an EU Interreg BSR core project aimed at developing a circular economy for nutrients in the Baltic Sea Region. The initiative focuses on upgrading current infrastructure and technology to enhance nutrient recovery from biomass and resource streams from agricultural, municipal, and industrial sources. The project’s goal is to facilitate efficient nutrient use and promote the use of recycled fertilizer products.
Objectives and Strategic Alignment
The project aligns with several regional and European strategies, including:
1. HELCOM Baltic Sea Regional Nutrient Recycling Strategy and Baltic Sea Action Plan.
2. EU’s Circular Economy Action Plan under the EU Green Deal.
3. Integrated Nutrient Management Action Plan of the Farm to Fork Strategy.
4. EUSBSR Policy Areas Nutri and Bioeconomy. Continue reading ”EU Interreg Baltic Sea Region (BSR) Core Project CiNURGi 2023-2027”