Colombo, Oct. 20 (Daily Mirror) - South Asian countries are working towards a regional circular economy framework and a 2026–2030 action roadmap to address growing waste management challenges and promote sustainable business opportunities.
The proposed framework was discussed at the Regional Forum on Circular Economy in South Asia, held in Colombo on October 19 and 20, with the participation of business leaders, policymakers, environmental experts and other stakeholders.
The forum was co-convened by the SAARC Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SAARC-CCI) and the Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry of Sri Lanka (FCCISL), in collaboration with the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES), through its Centre Collaborating with UNEP on Environmental Technologies (IGES-CCET), and HELP-O Sri Lanka.
South Asia generated an estimated 346 million tonnes of municipal solid waste in 2022, with the volume projected to increase substantially by 2050, according to the forum's concept paper.
Inadequate waste collection, limited segregation, open dumping and weak recycling markets remain major challenges across the region.
The proposed roadmap identifies six priority sectors: plastics, textiles, agriculture, electronic waste, construction and tourism.
Discussions focused on how countries could strengthen cooperation, improve access to finance and technology, expand recycling markets and help businesses adopt circular economy practices.
The forum also reviewed a draft Regional Circular Economy Framework and considered a phased implementation plan covering 2026–2030.
The proposed roadmap envisages foundational work during 2026–2027, scaling up and integration during 2027–2028, and consolidation and review during 2029–2030.
A draft SAARC-CCI Colombo Declaration on Circular Economy in South Asia was also scheduled for discussion, with the aim of identifying regional priorities and establishing a follow-up process for implementation.
