Waste management is a significant challenge for any society since all natural processes generate waste. It is crucial since it mitigates public health risks, contributes to sustained economic activity, and enhances general welfare. In several Caribbean countries, both upstream waste collection and downstream waste disposal present significant financial, environmental, and public health challenges. The region also faces increasing waste production, but the need for more data limits comprehensive waste profiling. However, waste characterization studies suggest that organic waste is the predominant waste stream with a growing volume of plastics. Plastics have made their way into the marine environment, posing a threat to human health and the tourism sector on which many island economies depend.
Despite developing national and municipal level policies, many states are challenged with fragmented overarching policy frameworks where guidance on various aspects of the waste management process is found under policy instruments across a broad spectrum of legislative areas. Waste-related policy guidance is commonly found within legislation related to public health, marine and coastal management, hazardous substance management, tourism, and trade. In addition, the institutional arrangements in the region are as varied as the waste-related policy and legal frameworks, with responsibilities shared among different actors across government ministries and departments.
In this scenario, integrated solid waste management through a circular economy approach has been identified by CARIFORUM Member States as a priority for the region. Therefore, the Zero Waste in the Caribbean initiative, under the theme New Ways, New Waves, will support strengthening national legislative frameworks and establishing a regional policy structure to support sub-regional and Caribbean-wide action. In addition, the move will help pilot innovative technologies and methodologies to support the operational elements of waste treatment and recovery in the region. Finally, the action will add value to the visibility and communication efforts of the EU-CARIFORUM partnership in developing sustainable and environmentally sound development across the Caribbean.
