Overview
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) Business Council (BC) is a driving force in promoting sustainable economic practices. Recently, the SADC BC embarked on an ambitious project to support the region’s transition from a linear to a circular economy model. The initiative, supported by the European Union facilities Africa RISE and SWITCH to Green, started in October 2022 and expected to be operational by August 2023. The result is a Circular Economy (CE) and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) platform – a tool designed to revolutionise Waste Management and Sustainable Business practices within the SADC region.
The mandate of the EPR platform is to facilitate activities that can assist in the transition from a linear to a circular economy in the SADC region. This facilitation will be established through building and gathering knowledge on promoting good practices, facilitating guidance in designing related policies and implementing EPR frameworks, revealing business opportunities, fostering job creation, creating a general awareness and sensitizing both private and public sector on EPR and Circular Economy (CE) policies and regulations.
The launch of the platform signals the beginning of a new chapter in SADC’s sustainability narrative, where circular economy principles become the norm rather than the exception. The SADC BC is pleased to lead the transition and encourage members to follow suite.
Objectives
- Serve as a base for cross-sectorial dialogue and interaction between stakeholders in the Circular Economy value chain, including producers, governmental bodies, civil society, academia, the informal sector and other relevant stakeholders.
- Facilitate in obtaining technical guidance and support for implementing EPR frameworks and related policies, including developing training materials and identifying and disseminating best practices.
- Act as a catalyst for EPR implementation by facilitating guidance on legal advisory and practical guidance to producers, governmental bodies, and other stakeholders on the implementation of EPR/CE frameworks and PRO(s).
- Facilitate guidance on potential financial mechanisms to access funds for implementing circular economy activities and initiatives.
- Advocate and facilitate knowledge management by collecting, organizing, and disseminating information on the Circular Economy & EPR initiatives, and best practices in the region and globally.
By signing up, you can truly harness the benefits of this platform and stay informed about the latest advancements in the Circular Economy and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).
- Knowledge Management and Sharing: Our platform is an invaluable hub for members to exchange insights, experiences, and best practices related to the Circular Economy and EPR. We foster a collaborative environment where you can connect with like-minded individuals and organizations, learn from one another’s successes and challenges, and stay up-to-date with the latest trends and innovations.
- Information Repository: Our platform serves as a comprehensive information repository, housing a wealth of resources, reports, and studies related to the Circular Economy and EPR. Whether you’re looking for research papers, case studies, or policy recommendations, you’ll find a wealth of information at your fingertips.
- Building Databases: We understand the importance of data in driving effective policymaking and decision-making processes. Our platform is committed to building databases that offer relevant data and insights specific to the SADC region. By leveraging these databases, members can access valuable information to support evidence-based actions, monitor progress, and drive positive change.
But wait, there’s more! By signing up as a member of our platform, you’ll enjoy several additional benefits:
– Networking Opportunities: Connect with a diverse community of professionals, experts, policymakers, and industry leaders who are all working towards a common goal of advancing the Circular Economy and EPR in the SADC region. Forge valuable partnerships, collaborate on projects, and expand your professional network.
– Exclusive Events and Webinars: Gain access to exclusive events and webinars hosted by industry experts and thought leaders. These events provide a platform to foster meaningful discussions, share knowledge, and showcase success stories from the region.
– Timely Updates: Keep yourself in the loop with our regular newsletters and notifications. You’ll receive updates on the latest activities, projects, and developments within the Circular Economy and EPR field, ensuring you never miss out on any exciting opportunities.
So, why wait? Sign up today and become an active member of the SADC Regional Circular Economy and EPR Platform. Join us in shaping a greener, more sustainable future for our region and harness the power of collaboration and knowledge-sharing to drive positive change. Together, we can make a difference!
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