Latin America and the Caribbean have a high diversity and abundance of resources that, over the years, has been sustained by a linear model dependent on extraction, which was the beginning of the production chain. In a global context where the demand for materials is increasing and with it the environmental impacts, it is important that our region moves towards a circular model where resources are not depleted, but rather used and regenerated. Latin America has a high potential to change its production model because, in addition to being a region rich in resources and biodiversity, it is also characterised by innovation, as well as by the historical traditions of diverse cultures that coexist in harmony with nature.
As the document states "Circular Economy in Latin America and the Caribbean: A shared vision".Latin America and the Caribbean must move towards economic development that works with and for people, climate and biodiversity. We require a systemic transformation that involves all sectors and in which all actors play a relevant role.
This is a vision that is already being advanced on various fronts with individual and collective efforts. In the Platform for Visualisation of Public Initiatives on Circular Economy in Latin America and the CaribbeanIn this section, we can find more than 300 initiatives in favour of the circular economy that are taking place in the countries of the region (such as plans, programmes, policies, agreements, among others) at different levels: national, regional and local. Likewise, the Circular Economy Coalition for Latin America and the Caribbeanis playing an important role in fostering inter-ministerial, multi-sectoral and multi-actor cooperation on the circular economy, connecting the various efforts being made to achieve greater impact.
From the Regional Programme Energy Security and Climate Change in Latin America (EKLA) of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS), we have been carrying out concrete actions to promote the circular economy in the region. For example, the annual organisation of the "VAIVÉN: Festival of Circular Economy in Latin America" (event of the Circular Economy Coalition for Latin America and the Caribbean), which brings together multiple actors in the region to exchange and advance collaboratively towards the same objectives (See VAIVEN 2022 website). We have also promoted the Circular Route project, which trained more than 25 municipalities in the region in the construction of a Roadmap for the transition to the Circular Economy.
As a region, we have a great challenge to accelerate the transition to the circular economy, and at the same time, we have a great opportunity to leverage our resources, diversity and history to take firm and collaborative steps towards circularity. We know that there is already an advanced path with different actors involved, and that now is the time to join forces so that the results are greater and benefit us all equally.
Article by Aracelli Ramos, Project Coordinator at the Regional Energy Security and Climate Change Programme in Latin America (EKLA) of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS).
