A regional gathering focused on “Financing Circular Economy Solutions for Waste Management” concluded on September 6. Funded by the EU’s Zero Waste in the Caribbean initiative and co-financed by German Cooperation alongside CARIFORUM, the meeting brought together over 60 waste-management experts to explore financial solutions for transforming waste into opportunities within the circular economy.
Held in Bridgetown, Barbados, from September 3-6, the event was organized by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), with support from the EU, GIZ, OECS, the Ministry of Environment & National Beautification of Barbados (MENB), the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB). It focused on developing stronger partnerships between the public and private sectors, along with regional and international financing partners.
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Key discussions addressed financing instruments, challenges, and strategies to enhance waste management. In his keynote address, Adrian Forde, Barbados’ Minister of Environment, urged stakeholders to support circular economy initiatives, emphasizing the urgency of sustainable waste management for the region’s future.
Presentations included insights from CARIFORUM countries about their financing needs. Luca Trinchieri of the EU Delegation to Barbados reiterated the EU’s commitment to funding and technical assistance in the Caribbean. Vincent Sweeney of UNEP emphasized that financing involves creating investment-friendly conditions, including regulatory frameworks and public-private partnerships.
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Participants also discussed innovative financial instruments, such as tipping fees, deposit return systems, and extended producer responsibility policies. Jean Eric Theinhardt of IDB stressed the importance of accurate data for informed decision-making and policy evaluation.
The meeting included over 30 bilateral sessions and site visits to Barbados’ recycling and landfill facilities, demonstrating best practices that could be replicated in other Caribbean countries. The event highlighted the critical role of financing partners in advancing sustainable development and environmental resilience across the region.
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