In response to the pressing challenges posed by plastic waste and marine litter, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) partnered with Circular Cities Asia (CCA) to launch the Circular Connect Competition. This initiative aims to harness the creativity and innovation of youth in the Philippines, particularly in the Western Visayas region, to develop sustainable solutions that address local environmental issues.
The Challenge
Rapid urbanisation and changing consumption patterns have led to a surge in single-use plastic and packaging waste in the Philippines and across ASEAN countries. Coupled with ineffective waste management systems, this situation has contributed significantly to marine littering, posing threats to marine ecosystems, fisheries, and tourism. Recognising the need for a transition towards a circular economy, GIZ sought to engage the youth in finding viable solutions to these complex challenges.
Our Approach
The Circular Connect Competition provided a platform for students from higher education institutions (HEIs) to immerse themselves in local contexts and devise innovative circular economy solutions. Participants were guided by the principles of circular economy and lean innovation, focusing on real-world applications that could effectively reduce plastic waste and promote sustainable practices.
Key activities included:
Engagement Events: A comprehensive engagement event was run by GIZ in Bacolod City and informed academics about the competition and facilitated collaboration between HEIs.
Capacity Building Workshops: Workshops were conducted for educators and students to equip them with tools and resources for their circular innovation journey.
Innovation Boot Camps: Shortlisted teams received support to refine their ideas, develop business models, and prepare for their final pitches.
Key Outcomes
The competition culminated in a National Stakeholder Forum, where the top three teams presented their circular solutions to a diverse audience of stakeholders, including government representatives, businesses, and non-governmental organisations. This forum not only highlighted the students’ innovative ideas but also provided them with opportunities to connect with potential partners for their initiatives.
Top Three Teams and Their Innovations
Sustainify (La Consolacion College Bacolod)Problem Identified: Inadequate plastic waste collection services leading to poor waste management. Circular Idea: An app that encourages responsible waste segregation and disposal, helping residents and LGUs monitor waste collection schedules, buy/sell used materials, access educational resources, and report pollution hotspots.
Eco-Visionaries (Central Philippine University)Problem Identified: Flooding in Iloilo City due to blocked waterways from excessive garbage disposal. Circular Idea: The project 'Clean Flow: One River at a Time' aims to install floating booms in waterways to trap waste before it reaches the sea, facilitating efficient waste collection and promoting multi-sector collaboration for environmental protection. Notably, this innovative idea received further funding to test and implement the project, emphasising the potential for student-led initiatives to make a tangible impact on local environmental challenges.
UPgrade (University of the Philippines Visayas)Problem Identified: Ineffectiveness of the current materials recovery facilities (MRFs) in Miag-ao, leading to improper waste segregation. Circular Idea: An upgraded MRF that connects households, barangays, and junk shops through an integrated waste management system, incentivising residents to segregate waste and ensuring proper recycling and processing.
Student Testimonial
“The Circular Connect Competition has been an incredible experience. Initially, I felt intimidated by the challenge, but as I engaged with my peers and mentors, I grew more confident in our project. Presenting our idea at the National Stakeholder Forum was empowering; it showed me that as students, we can contribute meaningfully to solving environmental issues in our communities. I’m excited to see our idea come to life!”— Student from Eco-Visionaries, Central Philippine University
Conclusion
The Circular Connect Competition exemplifies how engaging youth in circular economy initiatives can yield innovative solutions that address local environmental challenges. By fostering collaboration among universities, businesses, and government entities, we can empower the next generation of leaders to create a sustainable future.
For universities looking to engage their students in circular economy innovation or for potential funders interested in supporting youth development and sustainability initiatives, the success of this competition serves as a compelling case study of what is possible when we invest in the creativity and potential of young minds.
Together, we can inspire meaningful action and create a sustainable future.
If you’re interested in partnering with us or learning more about how to get involved, please reach out!
Read more about the Circular Connect Competition here: https://www.circularcities.asia/_files/ugd/15d5ed_a5ceac52d6324eb9b4789aec14101f5b.pdf
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