SME - Sea The Change SRL

The Sea Footprint project introduces an innovative method for measuring the environmental impact of coastal economic activities on marine ecosystems, helping companies reduce pollution and improve water quality. Already validated in pilot settings, the methodology will be tested on a wider territorial scale through a partnership with the energy company Energia Wind 2020, located along the Rimini coastline. Using Sea Footprint, the project will assess real impacts such as emissions, physical alterations to the marine environment, thermal pollution, and effects on food webs. Based on these results, Fondazione Cetacea will design targeted regenerative actions (such as habitat restoration, marine reforestation, or nutrient and pollutant bioabsorption) while the UNIBO spin-off Microbiome Analytics will conduct advanced biological analyses to understand how marine microbial communities respond to these pressures. The Province of Rimini will ensure alignment with local policies and explore incentive mechanisms for companies that adopt the methodology. By combining environmental assessment, biological monitoring, and co-designed restoration strategies, the project aims to reduce marine pollution, increase transparency about the impacts of coastal businesses, and create a replicable model for sustainable and regenerative blue economy practices across the Adriatic. Potential challenges (such as limited data availability, resistance from companies, or the complexity of biological analyses) will be addressed through technical support, clear communication of economic benefits, simplified reporting tools, and strong institutional involvement.