ChristyD
Thu, 12/06/2025 – 10:45
Three outstanding LIFE projects were awarded the LIFE Awards 2025, held as part of EU Green Week to recognise excellence in nature conservation, circularity and climate resilience. The winners were selected from nine finalists in three categories: nature, circular economy and quality of life, and climate action. Given that the ECESP’s focus is the circular economy, we’ll look at the winners and runners-up in the categories relevant to that field.
LIFE Award for Circular Economy and Quality of Life winner: LIFEPOPWAT
This project piloted a new nature-based technology to remove hazardous man-made chemicals from contaminated water.
It tackled the problem of old industrial sites in Czechia and Poland which still leak dangerous pesticide pollution into the environment. These remote areas are hard to clean up with traditional methods, which are often costly and complex. The LIFEPOPWAT project introduced the ‘Wetland+’ technology as an answer. This combines constructed wetlands with reactive zones and cleans contaminated water naturally. It’s a low-cost solution that works even in hard-to-reach areas. By proving its impact and encouraging cross-border cooperation, the project sets an example for sustainable pollution clean-up across Europe. See the video presenting the project.
LIFE Award for Circular Economy and Quality of Life runner-up: LIFE EMERALD
This project focuses on emissions modelling and forecasting of air in Ireland.
Air pollution affects people’s health, but in Ireland, there was no real-time system to track air quality or predict future pollution levels. The LIFE EMERALD project created Ireland’s first real-time air quality nowcast and forecast system, including detailed maps and three-day predictions. With advanced modelling tools, the project gave people and policymakers easy access to accurate air data, helping shape healthier habits and smarter environmental policies.
LIFE Award for Circular Economy and Quality of Life runner-up: LIFE LANDSCAPE FIRE
This project focuses on new methodologies for forest fire prevention in Mediterranean landscapes.
Wildfires are becoming more frequent and intense in Portugal and Spain, putting forests, biodiversity and communities at risk. Dense vegetation and changing land use make many areas highly vulnerable. To reduce this risk, smart land management is needed to lower fuel loads and make forests more resilient.
The LIFE LANDSCAPE FIRE project combined prescribed burning with targeted grazing, reviving traditional practices to manage vegetation safely. This approach reduced fire danger, supported biodiversity and helped shape better regional fire policies, a sustainable way to protect nature and people from wildfires.
Rising Star Recognition winner: LIFE RE-ZIP
This year, a special category was introduced for projects making a remarkable contribution to the circular economy. This special Award went to LIFE RE-ZIP, a Danish project which aims to replace thousands of tonnes of commercial packaging waste with more environmentally friendly reusable eCommerce packaging. When the project ends in 2026, more than 120 million reusable packages will be in circulation, with 17 000 tonnes of cardboard and plastic waste saved and more than 300 jobs created.
