Countries across the world have started the journey towards a Circular Economy. On behalf of the EU-funded SWITCH to Green Facility, Susanne documented the Circular Economy transition processes at national level to produce insights on selected country experiences in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
Interviews with stakeholders in Colombia, Ecuador, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Senegal and Uganda highlighted drivers in the national transition process. Across the six countries the main drivers for accelerating the transition to a CE rise from the ambition to generate economic growth, the goal to reduce negative environmental impacts and the determination of political leaders. Susanne compiled information from conducted interviews with stakeholders including EU Delegations, national governments, the private sector and civil society.
Environmental impact and addressing pollution represents another major driver towards the circular economy. Countries like Columbia, Ecuador and Kyrgyzstan see the transition to a circular economy as a measure to protect ecosystems and natural resources as cultural, natural and economic assets. Sustainable Tourism as part of the circular transition is an ambition of the three countries. Other interviewees highlight the potential of tackling pollution and resource scarcity with circular approaches. For Mongolian policy makers, the reduction of water pollution and securing future access to clean and safe drinking water is a driver for change. Circular approaches are, for example, reflected in the National Green Development Policy’s ambition for wastewater treatment and water reuse.
Another observation of the case studies is that, the introduction of the circular economy is strongly influenced by political leadership. In all countries the buy-in of the political leader has been instrumental in securing support among policy makers and the private sector.
The brochure identified vision and motivation of actors in the circular economy transition process, the key challenges met, and the milestones set and lessons learnt.
The research was conducted by Camilla Shearmen, Ilka Buss (Ecuador) and Anna Urgeghe (Colombia).