Colombia is creating the conditions to transition from a linear waste management system to a circular economy. A circular economy promotes new business models, creates green jobs, allows resources to be used more efficiently and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. The country must therefore promote circular economy policies and strategies nationally and ensure that they are implemented locally. To this end, it must cooperate with industry, the manufacturing sector and service providers.
The technical and institutional capacities of government and private-sector actors have been improved, enabling Colombia to implement a local and national circular economy effectively.
The project pursues three approaches:
1. It works with the national government on strategies and policy instruments to promote the circular economy and create green jobs.
2. It supports local administrations in Bogotá, Cali, Cartagena and Cúcuta in integrating the circular economy and green employment into their planning and governance. It is also developing public-private partnerships to implement circular economy business models in the four cities.
3. It promotes training and qualification measures. The project supports universities and vocational training centres in developing and integrating green content into training courses. Graduates use this knowledge in their professional activities.
It also promotes the dissemination of circular economy best practices and their application in other regions of the country, including through exchanges between municipalities.