International Best Practices on Circular Economy Roadmaps -The Case of Vietnam - WCEF 2023
Short Summary:
This video transcript discusses international best practices in developing circular economy roadmaps, focusing on the case of Vietnam. Key points include the importance of inclusivity (involving diverse stakeholders), setting specific targets with measurable indicators, scheduled reviews for ongoing progress, and integrating circular economy principles into legislation. Finland's experience, with its iterative roadmap process and emphasis on education and competence building, is highlighted, along with Japan's early adoption of circular economy principles. The discussion analyzes various national roadmaps, revealing trends in sector focus (waste management, textiles, food systems, etc.) and indicator selection. The implications are a more sustainable and economically viable future, but challenges remain in transitioning from linear to circular economic models, requiring innovation, investment, and policy changes. The detailed process of roadmap creation, including stakeholder engagement and iterative review, is a central theme.
Detailed Summary:
The transcript is structured around a panel discussion on circular economy roadmaps, primarily focusing on Vietnam's experience.
Section 1: Introductions and Hanseido Foundation Overview:
Mike Posigina, resident representative of the Hanseido Foundation in Vietnam, welcomes attendees (both in-person and online) to the World Circular Economy Forum 2023 accelerator session. He thanks sponsors and partners, including Esponry, DJ and Wendy Tour, Circle Innovation Lab, Chatham House, and Citra. He briefly introduces the Hanseido Foundation, a German political foundation working on sustainable development, good governance, environmental policy, and circular economy development in over 60 countries, with a regional ASEAN-wide focus on SDG 12.
Section 2: Session Overview and Agenda:
An unnamed speaker outlines the session's agenda: a keynote speech by Kari Herlevi (Sitra, Finland) on Finland's circular economy roadmap; a presentation by Circle Innovation Lab on international best practices; a presentation by Dr. Tho (Vietnam's Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment) on Vietnam's circular economy National Action Plan; and a panel discussion.
Section 3: Finland's Circular Economy Roadmap (Kari Herlevi):
Kari Herlevi describes Finland's roadmap development (2015-2019), emphasizing its iterative nature and the importance of mapping economic potential alongside environmental considerations. He stresses the need for broad political commitment, consistent decision-making, collaboration between public and private sectors, and effective communication and education. He highlights Sitra's role as an independent foundation driving the process. A key takeaway is that roadmap development is a continuous process requiring consistent effort and evaluation.
Section 4: International Best Practices (Circle Innovation Lab):
Arpit Mehrotra (Circle Innovation Lab) presents research on nine international circular economy roadmaps, including Japan's early efforts (starting in 2000), Finland's roadmap, and others from Europe, South America, and Asia. He notes the increasing number of roadmaps, the evolution of indicators (from a focus on recycling rates to more comprehensive metrics), and the challenges of tailoring roadmaps to specific contexts, especially in emerging economies. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration and learning from other countries' experiences.
Section 5: Vietnam's Circular Economy National Action Plan (Dr. Tho):
Dr. Tho presents Vietnam's approach, highlighting the integration of circular economy principles into the 2020 Law on Environmental Protection. He details Vietnam's four circular economy criteria (efficient resource use, product lifespan extension, emission reduction, and environmental protection), the integration of circular economy into national and provincial plans, and the use of incentives (green procurement, green credit, green labeling) and penalties (extended producer responsibility) to drive implementation. He emphasizes the importance of stakeholder engagement (government, businesses, communities) and education. Vietnam's ambitious Net Zero target by 2050 and its Just Energy Transition Partnership are also mentioned.
Section 6: Panel Discussion:
The panel discusses the key elements of a robust roadmap (inclusivity, specific targets, monitoring, scheduled reviews, legislation), the challenges of harmonizing metrics across different roadmaps, the importance of adapting roadmaps to local contexts, and the role of academia in supporting the transition. The discussion highlights the need for a balance between economic development and environmental sustainability, the challenges faced by SMEs, and the importance of integrating circular economy considerations into broader SDG targets. The panelists emphasize the iterative nature of roadmap development and the ongoing need for collaboration and learning.