On September 18, 2024, NENUPHAR project hosted a dynamic workshop at the European Sustainable Nutrient Initiative (ESNI) conference. The workshop, titled “Hands-On Nutrient Management: Barriers and Opportunities in EU & Regional Legislation and Economic Strategies,” provided an interactive platform for stakeholders to explore the regulatory and economic instruments that can drive nutrient recovery across Europe.
The session began with a brief introduction to the NENUPHAR project, followed by an overview of the regulatory landscape, highlighting the current EU policies and regional regulations that influence nutrient management in areas such as Spain, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary, and Slovakia.
Following the presentations, the workshop shifted to a hands-on, interactive format. Attendees were divided into small groups to engage in lively discussions on topics such as manure management, sewage sludge recovery, and dairy wastewater treatment. Each group, guided by technical and economic experts from the NENUPHAR consortium, debated the barriers hindering effective nutrient recovery, such as regulatory constraints, licensing challenges, and waste treatment limitations. They also identified opportunities for improvement, including the promotion of favorable frameworks for nutrient application and market integration.
The workshop highlighted several key barriers, such as the lack of financial and market-based instruments, legislative inconsistencies, and the need for more supportive frameworks for the marketing and application of recovered nutrients. Participants shared experiences and explored potential solutions to overcome these challenges, emphasizing the need for stronger regulatory support and innovative economic incentives.
This collaborative exchange of ideas culminated in a final round of conclusions, which helped shape the next steps for advancing nutrient recovery and creating more sustainable agricultural practices across Europe.
