As the Mediterranean continues to grapple with alarming levels of plastic pollution, Beyond Plastic Med (BeMed) – a Monaco-based initiative – has launched its 10th Call for Micro-Initiatives (CMI), offering targeted funding to local projects tackling this urgent environmental issue.
According to the Mare Plasticum report by the IUCN, over 200,000 tonnes of plastic waste are dumped into the Mediterranean Sea each year. In response, BeMed is inviting NGOs, associations, municipalities, small businesses and academic institutions across the region to apply for grants of up to €15,000 to develop local, replicable solutions.
Applications are open until 5th January 2026, and projects may run for 12 to 24 months.
Who can apply?
The call is open to 18 Mediterranean countries including Monaco, France, Italy, Spain, Greece, Malta, Croatia, Slovenia, Cyprus, Turkey, Tunisia, Egypt, Algeria, Morocco, Albania, Lebanon, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro.
Priority will be given to initiatives based in Albania, Algeria, Egypt, Lebanon, Morocco, Montenegro, Tunisia and Turkey – countries considered particularly impacted by plastic waste and in need of additional support.
What kind of projects are eligible?
BeMed is looking to support concrete local actions that reduce plastic at its source, raise awareness, improve waste management, and contribute to scientific data collection or regulatory change. Past examples include educational programmes for school children in Tunisia, sustainable tourism initiatives in Albania, and marine waste data gathering in Spain.
Each selected project should have tangible results and the potential to be replicated in other parts of the Mediterranean.
Why it matters
BeMed has already supported more than 120 projects since its founding, helping to build a strong, cross-border network of environmental actors committed to reducing plastic waste across the region.
“This call for micro-initiatives is an opportunity for local communities to turn their ideas into action,” says the organisation. “Plastic pollution is not only a marine issue – it’s a health, economic and social challenge that requires grassroots solutions.”
The programme is backed by several major environmental funders, including the Didier and Martine Primat Foundation, the Aether Fund of the Foundation for Future Generations, the Fonds Français pour l’Environnement Mondial, KRESK 4 OCEANS, and the Sancta Devota Foundation.
How to apply
Full details, including the application form and eligibility requirements, are available on the BeMed website: www.beyondplasticmed.org
The deadline for submissions is 5th January 2026.
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Photo of Prince Albert II, credit: Axel Bastello