01 Jun 2023
Since most products and services are provided by the private sector, green startups and initiatives playing a pivotal role in society’s shift towards Sustainable Consumption and Production were invited to the “Peer-to-Peer exchange and Regional training on Innovative Circular Economy Business Models in the Mediterranean. The event consist of a three-day Regional Training organized by WES “The Water and Environment Support in the European Neighborhood South (EN) Region” project on 15-17 May in Barcelona. The project aims to protect the natural resources in the Mediterranean context and to improve the management of scarce water resources in the region.
According to Mr Hamdan, founder of E-Tafkeek a green startup from Jordan recycling E-waste, the 35 participants appreciated the training because it promoted the exchange of ideas and experiences between policymakers, entrepreneurs, researchers and industrialists.
"Interactive sessions allowed participants to explore how to develop, accelerate and deploy solutions and measures that solve the problems linked to pollution prevention and the rational use of water", Said Mr Hamdan
The regional training which ended by a study visit, gathered civil society organizations including Banlastic, green entrepreneurs such as Home biogas and E-Tafkeek, and ministry of environment and industry representatives from Mediterranean countries in order to maximize synergies, and facilitate the implementation of measures to support and boost the development of green and circular businesses in their respective countries. Participants were also introduced to “Open Eco-Innovation” as a tool for Circular Economy Enablers.
The half-day study visit integrated in this regional training highlighted the circular economy practices in the Barcelona.
"The visit to the green textile company was very inspiring. They recycle used fabrics into other fabrics and sustainable construction materials" said ELKHALIGI Abdelkader, representative of Banlastic.
Banlastic is one of the most active initiative that tackles single used plastic in Egypt.
In the end of 2023, participants will be directly supported with technical assistance on a needs-basis. A final on-line meeting of the P2P exchange will be organized where the Peers will be able to present their progress, challenges, and lessons learned.