This session highlighted delving into the crucial element of stakeholder engagement in the successful execution of circular economy projects. Beyond mere community involvement, stakeholders encompass waste generators, potential recyclers, financiers, and government officials, collectively forming a dynamic team.

Plastic pollution is an archetypical global challenge, the complexity of which means that we still do not have a sufficient understanding of fundamental aspects – for example, the relative importance of its forms, sources, pathways, and receptors.

ADB held in a hybrid format, a closing workshop for TA 6619 Marine Aquaculture, Reefs, Renewable Energy, and Ecotourism for Ecosystem Services (MARES) at ADB HQ on 20 November 2023.

Healthy coastal ecosystems provide natural protective services and a first line of defense for coastal cities, communities, and infrastructure, as well as other valuable ecosystem services. For example, well maintained coral reefs provide critical ecosystem services, such as nurseries and feeding grounds for fisheries; coastal protection; and food supply and livelihood security for many coastal communities.

The circular economy offers a framework for reducing waste and increasing sustainability by keeping materials in use through repair, reuse, and recycling. However, scaling the circular economy requires overcoming challenges like connecting suppliers and buyers of used materials, tracking materials flows, and financing circular business models.

This session discussed about an innovation for Waste to Energy: How Waste can be turned into an Energy Resource without air pollution and landfill needs as well as manage energy/waste/climate goals all at once.