Guidance on identifying and developing Circular Economy NDC Activities

The primary objective of this project is to develop a guidance document aimed at assisting countries in enhancing the integration of CE principles and activities within their NDCs to combat climate change effectively and adapt to its impacts. The project is motivated by the fact that many NDCs currently have limited CE components, mainly focusing on waste management, despite the broader potential of CE in mitigating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and improving climate adaptation. Therefore, the guidance seeks to provide countries, especially NDC focal points and climate policy representatives, with essential tools and methodologies that they can use to update their NDCs in 2025. These tools will enable them to identify, designate, and develop CE activities and strategies within their NDCs, ultimately advancing the circular transformation while at the same time increasing NDC ambitions.

Additionally, the guidance will provide a practical way forward for the inclusion of CE aspects in NDCs, provide a comprehensive overview of the CE concept, and address potential challenges while suggesting enabling conditions for successful implementation. Ultimately, it aims to equip countries with the knowledge and resources needed to align CE practices with climate action and reach their NDC targets more effectively.