In celebration of Resilience Learning Month (RLM) 2023, ADB has organized a series of online events and capacity-building workshops that highlight regional and global innovation and lessons learned on tackling climate change and building climate and disaster resilience, delivered in partnership with ADB operations departments and sector and thematic groups.

The session covered the challenges and opportunities of circular economy in the Asian context and discussed Hong Kong, China’s practical experiences in applying circular economy principles to food waste and waste electrical and electronic equipment.

Note: In this presentation and video, ADB recognizes "Hongkong" and Hong Kong" as Hong Kong, China.

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.