In an effort to address the growing challenges of waste management and environmental sustainability in the Caribbean region, a regional training and technical exchange activity opened yesterday and will run until tomorrow in Kingston, Jamaica.

This initiative aims to strengthen waste information systems and enhance the capacity of participating countries to generate accurate waste-management statistics.

The Caribbean region faces unique challenges when it comes to waste management and environmental conservation. As the demand for resources continues to rise, the responsible management of waste becomes increasingly vital.

To address these challenges effectively, the Zero Waste in the Caribbean initiative was launched to promote integrated and sustainable waste management in the context of a circular economy in the Caribbean.

The Zero waste in the Caribbean project is funded by the European Union, in collaboration with Cariforum, co-financed by the German Development Co-operation and implemented by AFD, GIZ and UNEP, in partnership with the OECS.

The European Union Ambassador, Marianne Van Steen underlined the importance of solid waste management strategies in the Caribbean.

“Small-island developing states are facing particular challenges when seeking how to best handle solid waste because of their limited size and limited waste management capacities,” she said.

“To face these challenges, waste data collection and management are key and the sharing of good practices and exchange of experiences during this workshop are essential and extremely valuable.”

The workshop focusing on strengthening waste information systems and capacity to generate waste statistics includes the following key objectives:

• Share good practices and lessons learnt in the Caribbean for the improvement of waste data and statistics and associated indicators, especially from the four case study countries of the project

• Strengthen waste information systems and capacity to deliver waste statistics by facilitating the integration of the Caribbean countries in the waste and circular economy Hub for Latin America and the Caribbean

• Promote the harmonisation of waste information systems in the Caribbean, strengthening their sustainability and enhancing regional co-operation in this field

• Prepare draft work plans to improve the availability and reliability of data related to waste management and the circular economy

• Network with peers, experts and organisations involved in waste management and environmental conservation, fostering collaboration and information exchange

The workshop includes virtual and in-person sessions and participants include government officials, environmental professionals, waste management experts, and representatives from relevant organisations and institutions from across the Caribbean region.

This initiative is made possible through collaboration with the European Union, Cariforum, the German Development Co-operation, United Nations Environment Programme, the German Agency for International co-operation, the French Development Agency, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States, and the Inter-American Development Bank, who are all committed to supporting sustainable waste management practices in the Caribbean.

UNEP said the organisation was excited to be facilitating the important workshop, which is expected to have a lasting impact on waste-management practices and environmental preservation efforts in the region.

Jordi Pon, UNEP programme management officer, said: “Within the Caribbean region there is a need to strengthen waste information systems, in order to guide informed policy development and decision making.

“By sharing experiences and best practices between the different countries, we can also facilitate a harmonised approach across the region.”