Approximately 10% of global waste is generated in the Latin America and the Caribbean region. The management of solid waste is a serious issue in Caribbean countries, in the light of consumption patterns largely based on a linear economy, resulting in major impacts on public health and the environment. In response, Caribbean countries have introduced a number of mitigation measures to tackle different elements within the waste stream including programmes targeted at reducing waste generation, partial or full bans on the importation and use of single use plastics and Styrofoam and supporting recycling efforts by the private sector, with the aim to move away from the linear model to transition towards a circular economy model.  Coordination at the regional level has started with the establishment of a regional dialogue on Solid Waste Management and the drafting of a Regional Action Plan with the support of the UN Environment. 

The overall objective of this project was to provide Technical Assistance to CARIFORUM and to the EU Delegation to Barbados, the Eastern Caribbean States, the OECS and CARICOM/CARIFORUM in the identification of opportunities for policy development and implementation of innovative technical interventions to improve solid waste management systems in selected Caribbean countries, paving the way for future circular economy investments in the region. The outcome of this work will guide the development of targeted national and regional level demonstration actions foreseen to be funded under the 11TH EDF Waste Management Regional. 

The following activities were performed: 

• Task 1: We prepared a methodology and a draft work plan for the assignment – including the approach to the data collection in terms of SWM related documents and statistics from countries and regional actors.
• Task 2: We developed a non-exhaustive but meaningful review of the existing regional and country legal and strategic frameworks, SWM related statistical data, stakeholders, and major SWM infrastructure. We analysed lessons learned and recommendations from previous and ongoing programmes, documented existing tools and mechanisms applied to SWM, and identified needs and gaps to cover under additional support. We described how the action will contribute to cross-cutting issues and notably to gender equality and the empowerment of women. This will include the communication action messages, materials and management structures.
• Task 3: Carried out 6 field mission/ targeted calls in order to conduct stakeholder consultations concerning the current gaps and targeted actions that should be considered in the implementation of the regional programme. These consultations supported the identifications of needs, best practices, and possible means of implementation, innovative waste management demonstrated actions and the practical ways of implementing them within this project. The consultations were carried out by the consultants during the field visits, and through targeted calls to important stakeholders that were identified under Task 2 (e.g. the regional UN Environment office in Panama and Caribbean regional and national specialised institutions/offices) and that were not present in the countries visited during the field missions. This process included visits to Barbados, St. Lucia, Grenada, Dominican Republic, and Jamaica.
• Task 4: Based on analysis of the information and data collected in Tasks 1-3, we developed a comprehensive regional assessment report that outlines the major constraints in SWM in the region, areas for policy development and recommendations for technical interventions to address needs at the country and regional level.

• Inception Report outlining the methodology and indicative work plan 
• Initial Summary Report outlining information and data collected through desk review and stakeholder consultation
• Mapping of key regional programmes and projects implemented by governments and international partners (both donors and multilateral and regional organisations)
• Analysis of lessons learned and recommendations issued from existing studies and conferences proceedings
• Documentation of existing tools and initiatives developed by international and regional organisations, identifying also gaps and needs for support
• Documentation of partners consulted and the main conclusions, needs and constraints in the implementation/ development of SWM actions identified
• Final Regional SWM Assessment Report including comprehensive review of the regional and country legal and strategic frameworks relevant to solid waste management, individual country review reports, draft elements for a Description of Action annex that will support the EUD and CARIFORUM in the negotiations with the implementing agencies preselected for the future EU-CARICOM Regional Waste Management Programme, proposed regional action based on the review detailing relevance to the priority areas within the sector and objectives.