Prioridad proyecto 27: 2 - Promoting social cohesion and territorial and demographic balance in Sudoe through innovation and the transformation of productive sectors

This report presents an integrated assessment of the environmental, economic, and social dimensions of the phosphorus cycle in the SUDOE region. The analysis combines Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), territorial emissions data, and stakeholder consultations to characterize the current phosphorus management model and establish a baseline against which future recovery solutions can be evaluated.

The results show that the current system generates significant environmental pressures (2.53 billion kg CO₂ eq associated with fertilizer supply and 14.8 kt P/year released through wastewater treatment plant emissions), economic vulnerabilities arising from external dependency and price volatility (approximately €1.849 billion per year), and social barriers related to trust, information gaps, and the perceived viability of recovered phosphorus products.

The report identifies opportunities to move towards a more circular phosphorus management model through phosphorus recovery in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), agricultural optimization practices, and communication strategies tailored to different stakeholder groups. It provides a solid foundation for the subsequent phases of the ENDORSE project.

This report provides an initial identification and comparative analysis of the regulations and policies related to phosphorus (P) management in Spain, France, and Portugal, developed within the framework of the ENDORSE project. Its objective is to determine the regulatory and public policy frameworks that influence phosphorus recovery and valorization across the SUDOE region, as well as to identify barriers, areas for improvement, complementarities, synergies, and differences among the three countries.

The analysis, based on a review of the relevant European policy framework and five regional contributions from project partners, confirms that Spain, France, and Portugal share a common regulatory foundation derived from the EU acquis communautaire. However, they differ in the degree of implementation, coordination between administrative levels, and the maturity of their circular economy instruments.

The report identifies several key challenges, including regulatory uncertainty regarding the classification and market placement of certain recovered phosphorus products, fragmented responsibilities across the water, waste, and agricultural sectors, administrative complexity, weak market signals, and the need to strengthen traceability, quality control, and social acceptance.

At the same time, the report highlights opportunities for improvement, such as clarifying regulatory pathways, simplifying administrative procedures for pilot projects and large-scale deployment, creating demand for recovered phosphorus fertilizers, and better integrating nutrient recovery into agricultural, environmental, and circular economy policies.

Overall, the findings provide a common basis for advancing a shared and actionable agenda that supports the transition towards a more circular, secure, and resilient phosphorus management model in the SUDOE region.

This report presents the diagnosis of the phosphorus cycle in the SUDOE region, developed within the framework of the ENDORSE project. Its objective is to identify the key phosphorus-emitting and phosphorus-consuming sectors, as well as the streams with the greatest recovery potential, through a territorial analysis that integrates up-to-date technical information and stakeholder perspectives.

The analysis confirms a structural dependence on phosphorus imports, persistently positive soil phosphorus balances, and phosphorus emissions to aquatic environments arising from both diffuse agricultural sources and point-source urban and industrial discharges. Concentrated urban streams, particularly those associated with wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), emerge as the most viable option for technological phosphorus recovery.

The diagnosis is complemented by a stakeholder co-creation process that identifies technical, economic, and social perception barriers, while also confirming a strong willingness among stakeholders to adopt recovered phosphorus-based fertilizers.

The results provide the technical foundation for prioritizing actions in the subsequent phases of the project and advancing towards a circular phosphorus management model in the SUDOE region.