The final event of the European project brought together key players from the sector to present the results of the technologies developed and explore new ways to implement them.
The European SYMBIOREM project, in which the GAIKER Technology Centre, a member of the Basque Research & Technology Alliance (BRTA), took part, held its final event in Brussels on September 29. The event provided an opportunity to present the results of the bioremediation technologies developed and tested at the demonstration sites, their potential for upscaling, and the regulatory and funding implications for the future of the environmental biotechnology sector.
The event focused on the theme “Restoring ecosystems, recovering resources: bioremediation solutions for a sustainable future”, and highlighted the fact that nature-based solutions can deliver environmental and social benefits, and contribute to restoring contaminated soil and water in a sustainable way.
Twelve bio-based solutions at eleven sites
SYMBIOREM took on the challenge of soil and water pollution by developing 12 bio-based technologies and strategies at 11 sites across Europe and the United States. The event outlined the solutions tested in the various demonstration projects, the results achieved, the participatory methods used to engage local communities, and the recommendations made to make it easier to incorporate them into public policy.
Co-creation and support in decision-making
The innovatory nature of the project meant that it went beyond just designing and testing advanced technologies. The partners also developed tools for engaging communities, circular business models, social impact assessments and analyses of the perspectives of the players involved. The results presented included a practical tool to aid decision-making, designed to help select the most appropriate bioremediation solution in each context.
Regulation and ways to expand implementation
The final round table looked at the regulatory frameworks needed to roll out these technologies on a larger scale, the driving factors and barriers in European and national legislation, and the evidence and business cases required by public authorities and the agricultural and industrial sectors to prioritise bioremediation over conventional approaches. It also covered the importance of training, the integration of digital advancements and communicating the social benefits of these solutions.
As part of the project, GAIKER coordinated the work package dedicated to developing bioremediation and restoration strategies for contaminated soils. Its work included isolating and characterising indigenous hydrocarbon-degrading microorganisms, and designing, developing and optimising cell biostimulation and bioaugmentation treatments. It also studied genetic bioaugmentation strategies aimed at improving the metabolic pathways involved in the degradation of hydrocarbons.
Information about the project and GAIKER’s work
SYMBIOREM was funded by Horizon Europe and coordinated by the University of the Basque Country, and developed innovative solutions from 2022 that combine different bioremediation technologies to restore contaminated soil, sediment and water in a more effective, sustainable, cost-efficient way.
Project website: https://symbiorem.eu/
The SYMBIOREM project received funding from the EU's Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement No. 101060361.
https://cordis.europa.eu/project/id/101060361.Funded by the European Union. The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency (REA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
