The workshop, organized by the Ministry of Local Government in cooperation with the German Foundation for International Cooperation (GIZ) and the German University of Rostock in Tunisia, was concluded, which was entitled “Circular Economy.”
Ministry employees from the departments of (international cooperation, environmental sanitation, waste, and projects) participated in the workshop, along with the directors of the cleaning services departments in the municipalities of (Tarhuna, Misrata, Tripoli Central, Janzour, Zintan, Abu Salim, Jado, Tobruk, and Shahat), within “Support to Municipalities in Libya (SML3)” project, funded by the European Union and the German Ministry of Economics and Cooperation (BMZ).
The workshop focused on introducing the concept of the circular economy and it’s importance in reducing,reusing and recycling waste,which contributes to improving municipal waste management plans and reducing negative environmental impacts.
The program included theoretical sessions and practical applications, in addition to field visits to the best international practices in this field, where the workshop witnessed positive interaction from the participants.
The importance of the circular economy in reducing the depletion of natural resources, preserving biodiversity, reducing carbon emissions, and improving the efficiency of resource use was also highlighted.
It was also pointed out that the economic returns that can be achieved by reducing costs associated with raw material extraction and waste management, and developing new technologies and products that enhance efficiency and sustainability.
The workshop also included field visits to some waste recycling factories, where participants listened to detailed explanations of recycling processes from factory officials.
It is worth noting that this workshop comes within the framework of the Ministry of Local Government’s ongoing commitment to support the efforts of municipalities to adopt innovative and enduring practices in waste management, which contributes to achieving the goals of environmental sustainability and local advancement.
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What are the main challenges Libya faces in transitioning to a circular economy?
Time.news Interview: Embracing the Circular Economy in Libya
Editor: Thank you for joining us today. We recently heard about a workshop organized by the Ministry of Local Government in Libya,in collaboration with the German Foundation for International Cooperation (GIZ) and the University of Rostock,focused on the theme of the circular economy. Can you start by explaining what the circular economy entails?
Expert: Absolutely! the circular economy is an innovative economic model that emphasizes the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling resources. Unlike the conventional linear economy, which follows a take-make-dispose pattern, the circular economy aims to keep resources in use for provided that possible, minimizing waste and environmental impact. This model is essential in improving municipal waste management plans and addressing ongoing environmental issues.
Editor: The workshop reportedly involved participants from various municipalities in Libya. What do you think is the importance of involving municipal authorities in such initiatives?
Expert: Involving municipal authorities is critical for the success of the circular economy. Since municipalities are primarily responsible for waste management and environmental sanitation,training them on circular economy principles can lead to more efficient waste processes. This involvement helps align local strategies with broader environmental goals, ensuring that the practices adopted are not only sustainable but also tailored to meet the specific needs of each community.
Editor: The workshop emphasized practical applications alongside theoretical sessions. Why is this balance between theory and practice so significant?
Expert: Theory provides the foundational knowledge needed to understand the concepts of the circular economy, but practical applications are where the real learning happens. By combining theory with hands-on experiences, participants can see how these concepts work in action. Field visits to recycling factories, as part of the workshop, allow attendees to witness effective waste management practices firsthand, see how recycling processes operate, and engage directly with experts in the field.
Editor: One of the key highlights from the workshop was the economic benefits of adopting a circular economy approach. can you elaborate on that?
Expert: Certainly! Transitioning to a circular economy can lead to considerable economic returns. For instance,it can significantly reduce costs tied to raw material extraction and waste management. By focusing on recycling and reusing materials, municipalities can develop new technologies and products that promote efficiency and sustainability. This not only fosters local economic advancement but also attracts investment in innovative practices.
Editor: The workshop was part of the “Support to Municipalities in Libya (SML3)” project, funded by the European Union and the German Ministry of Economics and Cooperation (BMZ). How do international collaborations benefit local practices in environmental sustainability?
Expert: International collaborations, like the one you mentioned, are invaluable for knowledge transfer and resource sharing. They bring global best practices and expertise to local contexts, enabling municipalities to adopt proven strategies that have worked elsewhere. these partnerships also facilitate access to funding, technical support, and training—critical components that can elevate local initiatives and foster sustainable development.
Editor: Looking ahead, what practical advice would you give to municipalities in libya aiming to implement circular economy principles?
Expert: My advice would be to start small, creating pilot projects that can demonstrate the benefits of circular practices before scaling up. Engaging local communities in these initiatives is crucial for garnering support and ensuring long-term success. maintaining a continuous dialogue with stakeholders—including citizens, businesses, and othre government entities—can provide valuable insights and foster collaboration. Lastly, keeping track of progress and sharing results can inspire further action and commitment to sustainability.
Editor: Thank you for your insights! As we embrace the principles of a circular economy, it is indeed clear that education and collaboration are key to fostering sustainable practices in Libya. We look forward to seeing how these initiatives evolve.
Expert: Thank you for having me.I am excited about the potential for positive change in Libya’s waste management and overall environmental practices.