Joint Press Release: Department of Environmental Affairs of the Republic of South Africa and European Union delegation to the Republic of South Africa
Circular Economy: Creating sustainable jobs and growth while protecting the environment
Dr Edna Molewa, Minister of Environmental Affairs of the Republic of South Africa and Mr Daniel Calleja, Director General of the European Union's Directorate-General for Environment, led an intense day-long seminar on the opportunities created by the circular economy model through a number of first rate testimonials and technical interventions.
The high level SA-EU Circular Economy Seminar, took place in the margins of WEF Africa in Durban. It brought together a number of high profile delegates and successful companies worldwide as well as start-ups, experts and policy makers.
The Circular Economy is an economic model that minimises resource input and waste generation. The value of the resources used in products is retained by returning them into the product cycle at the end of their use. By doing so, Circular Economy imitates nature where nothing is wasted.
Covering matters as varied as product design, waste management, symbiotic technologies and remanufacturing, the circular economy model creates enormous opportunities for sustainable and inclusive growth as well as new jobs.
Minister Molewa underlined the importance of the circular economy model for transitioning to a low-carbon, climate resilient economy. The Minister further emphasised implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development with its 17 Sustainable Development Goals as well as the implementation of the Paris Agreement on Climate Change.
DG Calleja pointed out how the EU is pursuing the transition to a circular economy as a top priority: "We are undertaking in-depth reforms to enable Europe's economy to transition towards ambitious sustainability objectives while strengthening the competitiveness of our companies and maintaining a healthy environment for our citizens".
He also emphasised the need to forge alliances between like-minded partners, such as the European Union and South Africa, not only at Government level but also through innovative business and research partnerships.
The Seminar follows the signing on 23 September 2016 of the new Terms of Reference for the Forum on Environment, Climate Change, Sustainable Development and Water between the European Commission and both the Department of Environmental Affairs and the Department of Water and Sanitation of the Republic of South Africa.
The Forum met in Pretoria on the 3 May 2017 where the circular economy was also discussed amongst other issues of mutual interest.
For more information:
Albi Modise (Department of Environmental Affairs)
Cell: 083 490 2871
Frank Oberholzer (EU Delegation)
Cell: 083 637 8106
