Community-Led Circular Economy Initiatives in Colombia: A Study of Multiple Value Creation

Abstract

World Bank data from 2023 indicates that 75% of the global population resides in middle-income countries, mostly in the Global South. Improved living standards in these regions have led to increased consumption and environmental impacts, including pollution, land use changes, and resource over-extraction. Colombia, known for its biodiversity, heavily relies on landfilling for waste management with low recycling rates. With a projected population of 57 million by 2050, sustainable waste management is crucial.

This study addresses the lack of research on community-led circular economy initiatives and women's roles in such projects in Colombia. Focusing on the "Guardianas del Manglar" (GdM) project on Colombia’s Pacific coast, it employs the Circular Value Flower (CVF) framework to analyze the values generated by the initiative. The GdM project, involving 133 women, collects approximately 4000 kg of waste per month, demonstrating environmental, economic, cultural, aesthetic, and social values.

The study's methodology includes semi-structured interviews and workshops, adapted to the contextual realities of Buenaventura. This approach highlights the importance of flexible, participatory research methodologies and the role of companies like Organización Carvajal in integrating informal waste pickers into the industrial sector. Despite challenges such as outdated waste management plans and social stigmatization, the study underscores the potential of community-led initiatives in fostering sustainable development in the Global South.