Independent Dialogue
Improving our food systems using circular economy principles and models.
Geographical focus:
No borders
Discussion topic outcome
Public Awareness and Social Marketing of Circular Economy Principles and Practices A regional platform on the circular economy in agriculture should be created to not only promote good practices but share and highlight success stories. The platform should also have a knowledge sharing space , discussion board and a means of generating consumer content The use of Green Marks and Sustainable procurement were strongly advocated for as part of a policy that supports education, training and awareness for circular economy principles, practices and standards across the food system value chain There i... Read mores need for review of the education curriculum for agriculture. there is a need for emphasis on sustainable, climate smart and resilient practices that includes the circular economy . These practices should be included from primary to tertiary in adequate depth and breadth. More importantly demonstrable models of the practices should be created for applied learning. It was felt that service learning and other practices that allow the students and graduates in tertiary settings to gain credits for practical application of the science in benefits to the community can become a more dominant mode in education It was felt that there is need in the public awareness and education campaigns to reduce the technicality of the language used, use more local examples and terminology, promote national and regional pride by connecting and placing messages in the cultural context and expressions of song, dance, spoken word and regional genre. It was felt that simpler language, using dialect and real life testimonials will help better connect regional and national audiences to the messages and practices. The historical context in applying these principles and models were also critical to both acceleration and scale Utilize social media platforms and specifically designated platforms . You tube styled video, doodle, tic tok and other means should be used to share information, insights, success stories, lessons learnt and share opportunities for financing and incentives Climate financing, green funding and biodiversity funds should provide support for circular economy activities inclusive of education, public awareness, training and capacity building Partnerships between UNDP. academia, civil society, private sector, social enterprises, were seen as critical to the success of all aspects of PR, education, training and awareness activities. Education and awareness need to be integrated and incorporated into all interventions. Horizontal communications . Partnerships include Ministries of Education, Calypsonians, Reggae Artiste, Spoken Word, drummers, Dancers, Chutney Singers, Poets, Universities and Colleges, Ministries of Agriculture and Ministries of the Environment. A regional and national working group should be convened to assist in navigating these partnerships and assuring the relationships are managed and harnessed on an ongoing basis. technology should be leveraged in practicable ways to harness these relationships. The analytics and data can also be used to enhance the communication flows, planning and intervention. There is need to manage these interactions in the interrelated, interconnected and interdependent ways that they are and not get drawn into recreating or perfecting silos whilst using new technology Read less
Action Track(s): 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Keywords: Environment and Climate, Finance, Governance, Innovation