Date: 30 April 2005
Place: Tokyo, Japan
The importance of reorienting the production and consumption pattern through effective implementation of the 3Rs (reduce, reuse, and recycle) principles has been widely recognized in various national and international fora. While it is understood that the major cause of the continued deterioration of the global environment is the unsustainable pattern of consumption and production, many local and national governments in developing countries often lack the institutional framework and technical capacity, as well as the financial resources to develop and realize a comprehensive work programs in promoting various aspects of the 3Rs.
In 2004, UNCRD conducted needs assessment mission to 10 South Asian and South East Asian countries to assess the needs and priorities in relation to promoting 3R/sustainable consumption & production. Through extensive discussion and consultation with relevant government agencies and other stakeholders, UNCRD came up with a comprehensive need-based project proposal to promote sustainable production and consumption at local and regional levels in Asia. The project proposal, which has received strong expectations and official support from the targeted countries, includes a range of capacity building activities, pilot/demonstration projects, and formulation of waste minimization strategies.
The main purpose of this initiative was to integrate the perception of 3R/sustainable production and consumption with mainstream thinking, national policies and regulatory framework by sensitizing the civil society, local/national governments, private sectors, industry/business groups (mainly SMEs) and NGOs. UNCRD sought partnerships and cooperation with key development and funding agencies in implementing such a range of activities as outlined in the need-based project proposal.
Objectives:
Introduce UNCRD activities in the area of 3R/ Solid Waste Management, with special emphasis on the presentation of the UNCRD needs assessment and project proposal on 3R related needs and priorities of developing countries in Asia;
Exchange opinion and share information on current solid waste management/3R related trends, policies, issues, and practices among participating countries; and
Provide a platform for networking and discussing possible partnerships among participating countries, in addressing 3 R related problems.