The First Asia Pacific Regional Congress on Organics and Climate Change was recently held in Bangalore, India. This gathering brought together a diverse set of stakeholders, including government officials, civil society organizations, waste picker groups, academia, organic farmers, and social enterprises. This pivotal event, hosted by Hasiru Dala and the India Zero Waste Alliance, with support from GAIA Asia Pacific, was powered by the HLL Management Academy and the Urban Movement Innovation Fund. Over 250 participants attended in person, and more than 800 joined online from across the globe.
The congress served as a platform to explore innovative strategies for managing organic waste, a critical area in tackling the global climate crisis. The discussions covered a range of topics, from the vital role of governance in ensuring the successful implementation of organic waste policies to the contributions of social enterprises and waste picker groups in promoting sustainable practices.
Among the attendees was Wilyhard Shishikaye, Zero Waste Project Coordinator at Nipe Fagio, who shared Tanzania’s Zero Waste success story and his insights on the importance of engaging local communities in organic waste management. Shishikaye emphasized, “Local communities are the heart of organic waste solutions. Empowering them not only reduces waste but drives the shift toward a zero-waste society and fosters climate resilience.”
The collaboration among such a wide spectrum of stakeholders highlights the power of collective action. It demonstrated that a cross-sectoral approach where local governments, civil society, and the private sector work together can result in transformative outcomes. The Congress also emphasized that strong governance is essential in driving impactful climate action. Shishikaye pointed out, “The knowledge shared at the congress underscores the urgency of developing policies that support organic waste management. Strong governance and political will is necessary for long-lasting change, especially when addressing food loss and organic waste challenges faced by the communities and cities.”
The congress also gave special attention to grassroots movements that embrace the environmental Justices principles like those led by waste pickers, who play a critical role in waste collection and recycling. By including their voices, the congress recognized the importance of empowering often-overlooked communities, ensuring their expertise and experiences are leveraged for greater environmental outcomes. The discussions were not limited to challenges but also looked forward to the future. Attendees explored how organic farmers and social enterprises can create circular economies by using organic waste for composting and generating renewable Bio-energy.
In conclusion, this congress showcased the diversity of composting and Bio-energy innovations, and the collective efforts of stakeholders across various sectors. The congress provided valuable insights into how community-based approaches and strong governance can lead to meaningful progress in organic waste management and climate action. The participation of Nipe Fagio, highlights Tanzania’s commitment to being part of this global movement for change.
