This past September 13-15, the fifth edition of the International Forum on Circular Economy (FIEC) was held in Peru, led by the European Union in conjunction with the Peruvian Ministry of the Environment (MINAM), the Ministry of Production (PRODUCE), the Ministry of Agricultural Development and Irrigation (MIDAGRI), and the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Tourism (MINCETUR).
The event was carried out under the concept of "Building an ecosystem for a circular economy" and included the participation of national and international experts, representatives of different Peruvian ministries, international cooperation, academia, the private sector, and civil society.
One of the main objectives was to launch the Equipo Europa initiative "Circular Transition," aimed at generating incentives for a circular economy and promoting the circular city concept within the country. The group looks to drive innovation and the coordination of different players to construct a shared vision and strengthen a circular ecosystem with reimbursable and non-reimbursable funds estimated at over 1 billion euros.
Each day had a core topic during the forum. The first day focused on "Collaboration Networks" and shared experiences of multidisciplinary coordination and cooperation, such as the Coalition for Circular Economy in Latin America and the Caribbean, Holland Circular Hotspot, Peru Sostenible, and others. "Circular Finances," led by essential players from the finance sector, was the subject durign the second day. Finally, the last day focused on "Circular Territories," surrounding the debate of a circular economy being a lever for developing territories in economic, environmental, and social terms.
It is important to remember that thanks to the collaborative work promoted by the FIEC, the "Road Map to Circular Economy in the Industrial Sector" was approved in 2020, while 2021 saw the initial publication of the "Road Map to Circular Economy in the Agriculture and Irrigation Sector." Meanwhile, work is currently underway to prepare the "Road Map to Circular Economy in the Fishing and Aquaculture Sector."