How the Circular Economy Can Support Perú Recover from COVID-19 and Prosper Be it to mitigate the pandemic’s effects and recover or generate sustainable growth, circular economy has much to offer for the world-renowned touristic destination, Perú. High-relevance sectors such as tourism, fishing, agriculture, manufacturing, and construction could particularly benefit by endorsing circular approaches that make them more resilient. In two virtual events hosted by the EU representation in Perú, the CSCP’s Executive Director, Michael Kuhndt, shared European insights on sustainable consumption and production approaches and how those could support the Peruvian circularity journey. Kuhndt discussed the latest trends and policy in view of major strategic frameworks, such as the EU Green Deal and its Circular Economy Action Plan. He highlighted design as a key element in circular economy, pointing out that “when products are designed to live longer from the onset, recycling becomes genuinely the last step”. Referring to the need for a more comprehensive approach to circularity, Kuhndt shared CSCP examples such as rethinking business models with our Circular Business Model Innovation or engaging with customers as in the Consumer Insight Action Panel (CIAP). Across CIAP’s three sector-based clubs – textiles, electronics, and plastics – understanding and reflecting customer behaviours and needs is showing to have great impact. Kuhndt also made the case for circularity as a process that only works if there’s engagement and enhanced collaboration between all relevant actors. “The internalisation of circularity principles in Perú should not be exclusive for businesses and production, but it should also redefine consumption patterns, promote collaboration among different actors, upscale capacities and empower the civil society to make circularity work for the them. Achieving a successful shift to a circular economy can help Perú to meet the Sustainable Development Goals, the Paris Climate Agreement targets and become more resilient towards global and regional challenges”, stated Kuhndt. A focus was also put on urban areas, which are in a prime position to reap the benefits of the circular economy, thanks to high resources, innovation, and human capital. Adaptation of circular business models, changing consumption behaviours, citizens lifestyles, technology and upscaling skills are fundamental for this transition. Kuhndt referred to the Circular Cities Declaration, a CSCP initiative calling cities to become circularity pioneers and the work carried within the European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform. Other inspirational examples that galvanize the power of urban areas for circularity are found across lighthouse cities in projects such as HOOP and SCALIBUR. The virtual discussion took place against a backdrop of growing momentum, led by the United Nations Regional Coalition on Circular Economy initiative, which will support the mobilisation of resources to integrate circular approaches in the Peruvian economy. The initiative, which has a focus on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), aims to support Latin America and the Caribbean in their COVID-19 recovery. For further information, please contact Luis Esquivel. Photo by Howard Z on Unsplash