Yachting Art Magazine

The town of Mandelieu-La Napoule has become the first in Europe to commit to a ‘Zero Waste to Sea’ initiative, combining technology, smart data management and public-private partnerships. This ambitious initiative echoes UNOC3's systemic approach to protecting the oceans on a global scale.

Faced with the ecological emergency threatening marine environments, Mandelieu-La Napoule is taking a step ahead. This commune in the Alpes-Maritimes department, bordered by 2.5 kilometres of coastline and crossed by three rivers, has officially become the first town in Europe to adopt a comprehensive smart waste collection system before waste is discharged into the sea. This local initiative is fully in line with the objectives of UNOC3 — the third United Nations Ocean Conference — which focuses on concrete action to curb marine pollution.

Every year, more than 700,000 tonnes of waste are dumped into the Mediterranean, including 10,000 tonnes from French territory alone. The Mandolain project is responding to this alarming situation with a unique technological approach: by the end of summer 2025, 130 connected baskets and nets will be deployed across the municipality. Connected to storm drains and rainwater outlets, these devices will intercept urban waste before it reaches the sea.

This infrastructure is based on volumetric sensors linked to a digital platform. Thanks to these tools, municipal services have an automated system for monitoring, emptying and maintaining the nets based on the data collected. This logistical precision optimises waste treatment and enables detailed sectoral analysis, which is essential for continuously improving environmental strategy.

Led by Capgemini, the project was made possible by the ‘Territoires de demain’ (Territories of Tomorrow) contract offered by UGAP (Union des Groupements d'Achats Publics). This contractual framework, designed to support local authorities in their ecological transition, enabled the city to identify the most suitable partners. From feasibility studies to maintenance, the entire programme is being carried out with the support of Pollustock, an expert in anti-pollution solutions, and the Project 0 Waste to Ocean association.

Since 2022, the municipality has been pursuing a coherent environmental policy based on a series of concrete measures. These include smoke-free beaches and parks, saltwater-free cleaning systems for boats, a brigade dedicated to combating environmental incivility, and active support for associations committed to coastal protection. These actions have shaped a local ecosystem that is conducive to environmental innovation.

Sébastien Leroy, mayor of Mandelieu-La Napoule, sees this initiative as a founding step. "This programme structures our ambition to become a territory with zero waste discharge into the sea. It is part of a sustainable approach, combining public expertise and private skills to build a replicable model. We're not just collecting waste: we're building a living system, rooted in nature and supported by data."

This large-scale programme also benefits from the support of the Alpes-Maritimes Department, the eco-organisation Citeo and a committed sponsor, Algora Environnement. This synergy of funding highlights the importance of strong coalitions in responding to environmental challenges, an idea dear to UNOC3, which encourages multi-stakeholder cooperation at all levels.

The challenge is also cultural and civic. By offering visible and understandable infrastructure, the city is inviting residents to take ownership of the fight against pollution. ‘The intelligence of a region is also measured by its ability to engage its citizens and make them actors in ecological transformation,’ emphasises Laurent Dormal, head of market steering at UGAP at Capgemini. In his view, the combination of digital innovation and sustainable ambition is a powerful lever for rethinking urban management.

For Edward Jossa, president of UGAP, this operation marks a turning point: "It embodies what our “Territoires de demain” market aims to achieve: supporting the emergence of more resilient, attractive and forward-looking cities.

This shared model enables local authorities to benefit from high-level expertise while accelerating the environmental transition." The example of Mandelieu-La Napoule shows that the fight against marine pollution can be addressed at the local level.

In line with the objectives of UNOC3, this local project demonstrates that enlightened governance, supported by technology and a sense of the common good, can give rise to effective, sustainable and replicable solutions. A clean sea starts in cities: the Côte d'Azur city has understood this and is turning this insight into concrete action.