Background As with many areas of the Mediterranean, agriculture and tourism are important for the economy of the Liguria Region. Both industries, however, have an impact on the environment in terms of waste. The agriculture sector produces quantities of plastic waste, while the amount of waste generated by tourism and disposed in landfills has risen significantly in recent years. Prevention of waste production and recycling, in compliance with EU and national legislation, is therefore vital. Objectives The BIOMASS project aimed to reduce the volume of waste produced by the agriculture and tourism sectors in Liguria. Recycling methods in compliance with EU legislation would be introduced and the use of biodegradable materials in agriculture and bathing establishments encouraged. The project aimed to reduce non-biodegradable waste, including polypropylene pots for horticulture, polyethylene mulching films, crop management accessories and cutlery used for summer catering in beach front concessions and in public catering during events. Results The BIOMASS project managed to foster sustainable agriculture and tourism development by reducing the amount of plastic used in both sectors. This result was achieved by testing and employing items made from biodegradable products (based on raw starch). Not only does an introduction of biodegradable plastics to the agriculture and tourism sectors prevent waste production, it also allows waste to be composted together with the biological waste thus improving waste management. The project managed to achieve all of its planned objectives. The project carried out extensive field trials; reduced the amount of waste produced (i.e., by beach front developments and during summer village fairs); implemented differentiated waste disposal; supported the change of regional policies and regulations (in the field of the use of biodegradable raw materials), set up nine information points and organised several dissemination initiatives. The project managed to foster sustainable agriculture and tourism development by reducing the amount of plastic used in both sectors. In the agricultural sector, the project substituted the planned number of 130 000 flower pots and used 114,700 m2 of mulch biodegradable films in vegetable cultivation (over 220% of the target – the use of 51 000 m2 of film was initially foreseen). In the tourism sector, the beneficiary distributed 380 000 dinner sets and 160 000 bags for differentiated recovery (double of the planned figures), with an overall replacement result of 9,2 t of plastic materials (although 10 t were foreseen). The beneficiary and its partnership carried out more than 90 demonstration initiatives in the agricultural sector, and more than 30 in the tourist sector. Dissemination activities were well organised. The project is highly reproducible in similar regions with a strong agriculture and tourism sectors. The project partners are committed to maintaining the project's actions and have planned a range of follow-up initiatives. The project is an example of how different bodies concerned with waste prevention and management can co-ordinate their activities, including legislative actions (at least at a regional level, where relevant action has been put already in place). Further information on the project can be found in the project's layman report (see "Read more" section).