Latin America and the Caribbean

Panama

Integrated Policy

Food Systems Transformation

Sustainable Transformation of Municipal Markets in Panama: Circular Economy and Zero Waste

Total funding allocated

Integrated Policy

US $ 379000

Co-funding by UN agencies

Integrated Policy

US $ 129000

Brief Description

The joint programme titled 'Sustainable Transformation of Municipal Markets in Panama: Circular Economy and Zero Waste' aims to revolutionize waste management and promote circular economy practices in Panama City’s municipal markets, targeting a significant reduction in waste and enhancing sustainable development through community engagement and innovative governance.

The program focuses on transforming municipal markets in Panama through circular economy practices and zero waste initiatives. It implements advanced organic waste management systems and food rescue programs, targeting a 10% reduction in landfill waste and producing 150 kilos of compost monthly. Capacity-building for policymakers and market stakeholders enhances governance and fosters partnerships, aiming for a 25% participation rate in recycling and composting among vendors and citizens. The initiative engages over 142,000 people, driving local innovation and environmental culture, ultimately advancing multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and enhancing climate resilience.

Expected key results

Enhanced governance and policy innovation for circular economy transformations in municipal markets:

By establishing a municipal governance committee, conducting collective intelligence and (actionable) regulatory sandbox workshops, the program will strengthen institutional governance and policy innovation that will enable the capacity to test new policies towards a circular economy, ensuring the efficiency of resources, food loss and waste reduction, private sector partnerships and long-term sustainability of public markets.

Reduction in food loss and organic waste and Increased compost production:

The program aims to achieve a circular economy approach enabled through social cohesion, putting people at the center in the reduction of food loss and waste still apt for human consumption, as well as of organic waste sent to landfills through compost and already existing solutions in local ecosystems, including private sector, entrepreneurs, NGOs, and civil society organizations (CSOs). This will enhance waste management efficiency, reduce landfill use, and support sustainable waste practices, contributing to a cleaner environment and aligning with SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

Increased Community Participation in Sustainable Practices:

The program will add value to the public space of the Network of Municipal Markets, as city epicenters that value and nurture the people that visit the market. This will seek to increase the number of market vendors and citizens participating in circularity initiatives such as recycling and composting reaching a target of 25% participation. Additionally, educational workshops will raise awareness of circular economy principles among surveyed participants. This result will drive behavioral changes towards sustainability, supporting SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).