Here’s the translation into American English:
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In response to the growing concern over plastic pollution in the oceans, Universal Plastic and the Secretary of State for Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence (SEDIA) have launched an innovative data space designed to transform the collection of plastic waste into useful knowledge. This tool, which combines artificial intelligence and blockchain technology, aims to monitor the journey of plastic in Spanish waters, from its fragmentation to its impact on marine ecosystems.
The system, known as ONDAs, is developed under a national digitalization program aimed at key sectors and has the collaboration of the municipalities of Gijón, Blanes, and the non-profit organization Innoceana. This approach aligns with the principles of the blue economy, which promotes the sustainable use of marine resources.
The main challenge this project addresses is the lack of reliable data on how plastic waste affects aquatic environments. As plastic waste breaks down into microplastics and soluble substances, tracking it becomes more complicated, increasing its damage to ecosystems and human health. Through ONDAs, the project seeks to answer four fundamental questions: the current location of plastic, the amount entering the food chain, the methods for tracking it, and how to transform this data into effective decisions.
One key feature of the system is its advanced traceability capability, which allows verification of each waste collection and records detailed information about each collected fragment, including the location, time, and extraction conditions. This transparency and security in handling information are essential for the institutions and scientific communities involved in environmental protection.
The data space not only provides technical information but also promotes a long-term vision that integrates technology and environmental commitment, fostering the sustainable use of marine resources and their regeneration. This initiative highlights the importance of partnerships among public, social, and scientific stakeholders, making it clear that real transformation comes from active collaboration and shared knowledge.
via: MiMub in Spanish