Environmental problems are a disease. Each disease must be dealt with by an efficient diagnosis, therapy and prevention. As for environmental problems in the Mediterranean, and particularly in the Adriatic region, the diagnosis is relatively well established, while therapy and prevention are often neglected with the excuse that the lack of financial means does not enable more decisive actions. The intention of this contribution is to stress that the problem of toxic waste generated by land-based activities, endangering soil and water, is particularly serious in coastal regions. It has to be dealt with by: (1) stricter control supported by problem-solving oriented information systems, (2) establishment of cost-efficient waste processing and safe disposal, and particularly (3) eco-technological optimisation of production processes and products. Examples of research & developmental approaches to achieve these goals in university-industry cooperation are given. Important wider tasks are a better understanding of sustainable human development in the general public, and creation of a widespread eco-entrepreneurial spirit through education.
