The Caribbean faces growing challenges in waste management due to population growth, tourism, rising imports, and changing consumption patterns. Per capita waste generation in the English-speaking Caribbean is above the global average, yet regional recycling rates remain as low as four percent. Recycling is rarely economically viable because of limited economies of scale, and most waste ends up in landfills. The lack of waste disposal fees further discourages investments in sustainable, climate-sensitive systems. Organic waste contributes to climate change through methane emissions, while plastics harm biodiversity and threaten the tourism industry, which is a key economic driver in the region. Although awareness of circular economy opportunities is increasing, policy incentives, financing options, technical expertise, and regional collaboration remain insufficient. Gender aspects are also underrepresented, despite the disproportionate exposure of women in informal waste roles. To address these challenges, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) finances the project "Supporting the framework conditions for a climate-sensitive circular economy in the Caribbean", implemented by Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. The project runs from 2025 to 2028 in Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. The project strengthens institutional and operational capacities of state and non-state actors, e. g. national solid waste management authorities, to plan and implement circular economy approaches. It promotes regional cooperation, knowledge transfer, gender equality, and private sector engagement, while supporting capacity development and digital awareness campaigns. By 2027, the project seeks to achieve: - at least 40 companies in agriculture and tourism sectors implementing circular economy measures, including 9 led by women - 6 countries developing and sharing circular economy approaches - 200 professionals (incl. 50 women) trained and better equipped for circular economy implementation - 6 national waste authorities adopting incentive systems for circular practices - 500 managers informed and engaged through outreach activities and 3 digital campaigns reaching 50,000 views. The project will promote climate-sensitive circular economy potential as a strategy to reduce waste, mitigate climate change and strengthen sustainable and inclusive economic development in the Caribbean.

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