Region’s leaders commit to joint action for zero waste future

8 HLF group photo

The 8th High-Level Forum (HLF) for Caribbean Ministers and Senior Officials overseeing waste management wrapped up yesterday, representing a significant advancement in the region’s dedication to establishing a Zero Waste Caribbean. The forum, themed “Strengthening Regional Action Toward a Zero Waste Caribbean,” provided a venue for essential discussions regarding financing for circular economy initiatives, regional cooperation, and the involvement of the private sector in waste management. Important topics included sustainable financing, private sector participation, and innovative strategies aimed at promoting the circular economy and minimizing waste production throughout the region.

Hon. Marvin Gonzales, Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Public Utilities, pointed out the country’s waste management issues, noting that over 700,000 tons of waste are produced each year, with two-thirds of landfills operating beyond their capacity. He emphasized the necessity for changes in behavior, updated policies, and improved infrastructure, especially concerning electronic waste management. Gonzales expressed optimism about new initiatives, such as the memorandum of understanding between Trinidad Cement Limited and the Solid Waste Management Company Limited, which seeks to tackle these challenges and reduce waste disposal.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Marlon Daniels, President of the Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association (CWWA), reflected on the crucial decision made in 2017 to incorporate waste management as a core component of CWWA’s mission. He reaffirmed CWWA’s commitment to enhancing capacity-building efforts and nurturing partnerships to bolster waste management across the Caribbean.

Mr. Vincent Sweeney, Head of the Caribbean Sub-Regional Office at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), raised concerns about the rapid increase in waste generation in the region, stating,“with 320,000 tons of plastic impacting the marine environment, it is necessary to strengthen national frameworks and capacity-building efforts to transition from concept to implementation in waste management.”

A significant highlight of the forum was the signing of the “Declaration of Port of Spain 2024 on Regional Action towards Zero Waste,” which articulates the region’s collective commitment to embracing circular economy principles, enhancing waste management policies, and mobilizing financial resources to support both national and regional objectives. The declaration also underscores the necessity of digital transformation and improved data management systems to monitor and enhance waste management practices.

Throughout the forum, various regional case studies were presented to illustrate effective practices and innovative approaches in waste management and circular economy initiatives. Grenada shared its experiences in rehabilitating the Perseverance landfill and emphasized the importance of waste diversion, while the British Virgin Islands discussed the unique challenges faced by small island nations regarding waste disposal. Other Caribbean countries, including Saint Lucia and Barbados, also highlighted successful projects aimed at reducing waste and encouraging recycling.

The forum recommended the formation of regional working groups to promote waste management that incorporates circular economy principles, as well as the establishment of a Regional Community of Practice to facilitate ongoing engagement, knowledge exchange, and the sharing of best practices across the Caribbean.

8 HLF conference

Organized by the Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association (CWWA), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Ministry of Public Utilities of Trinidad and Tobago, the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and the World Bank, the event attracted around 50 participants, including five ministers: Hon. Marvin Gonzales and Hon. Penelope Beckles from Trinidad and Tobago; Hon. Ramon Cervantes from Belize; Hon. Vincent Wheatley from the British Virgin Islands; and Hon. Anand Persaud from Guyana, along with senior officials, development partners, and representatives from the private sector across the Caribbean. They engaged in strategic discussions aimed at advancing sustainable waste management practices that incorporate circular economy principles.

This forum was supported by the European Union-funded Zero Waste in the Caribbean: New Ways New Waves Project, co-financed by the German Government. Since its inception in 2022, this initiative has aimed to promote regional cooperation in partnership with CARIFORUM and to support innovative solutions to waste management challenges.

Mr. William Ashby, Acting Division Chief of the Economic Infrastructure Division at the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), highlighted the increase in CDB’s accreditation to the Green Climate Fund from $50 million to $250 million USD, which provides a substantial platform for designing and implementing regional waste management projects. Meanwhile, Mr. Sergio Campos, Division Chief of Water and Sanitation at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), stressed the importance of engaging younger generations and fostering collaboration between producers and consumers to advance the circular economy.

Hon. Penelope Beckles, Minister of Planning and Development, reaffirmed Trinidad and Tobago’s commitment to a Zero Waste Caribbean and emphasized the significance of the Revised Framework for the Management of Municipal Solid Waste. She expressed appreciation to the CWWA and all partners for their contributions to solid waste management in the region.

In addition to productive discussions, participants attended a session focused on structuring and implementing a deposit return system in the Caribbean, drawing on experiences from Barbados, Saint Lucia, and Trinidad and Tobago. Field visits were also conducted to local recycling facilities and industry initiatives producing plastic lumber.

Looking forward, the forum aims to enhance collaboration throughout the Caribbean, reinforcing the region’s commitment to sustainable waste management and circular economy practices. This collective dedication aligns with the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and positions the Caribbean as a frontrunner in transforming regional waste management practices.

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1 Comment

  1. Ibo France
    October 26, 2024

    A few months ago someone posted a video comparing parts of Kingston then and now. It was an eye opener for me.

    The city then was as clean as a freshly painted wall. The more recent photo was one of congestion, widespread waste and pollution. This is something that is typical in most countries of the Caribbean. The landscape is decorated with derelict vehicles, plastic bags and bottles, white goods, green waste, et cetera.

    To effect positive changes in the way we treat the environment, education and legislation must work hand in glove.

    Cleanliness is the mother of good health.

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