Georgian Society of Nature Explorers “Orchis”

Dr. Dariusz PRASEK will be the keynote presenter at the second Conference on the Circular Economy- Accelerating the Transition to the Circular Economy, hosted by Georgian Society of Nature Explorers “Orchis” within the framework of Keep Georgia Tidy Project. Conference will be held on 10th of March, 2020.

Dr. Prasek is an independent consultant in environmental, social and governance areas with an experience in around 4000 investment projects across a number of sectors. Till recently he held a position of a Director of Operations at the Environment and Sustainability Department in the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). Dr. Prasek has been the key contributor to the development and implementation of the EBRD’s Green Economy Transition Strategy which includes the implementation of the provisions of Circular Economy in the Bank’s supported projects. Dr. Prasek has published numerous articles in the fields of solid waste management, circular economy, environmental management and environmental aspects of project financing.

EU circular economy policy puts the EU economy on the road to transformation to an economic sys¬tem that uses natural resources in the most effi¬cient way, preserves the value of materials and products by using them circularly, and reduces the negative impact of economic activities on the envi¬ronment and health. Applying circular economy approaches can cut industrial emis¬sions, reduce the production of and exposure to hazardous substances and contribute to climate change mitigation. With its truly symbiotic effects on the economy and the environment, the circular economy is a way of achieving certain UN sustain¬able development goals (SDGs).

The transition to a circular economy is at an early stage even in the most developed countries of the World. It is crucial for transitional economies to take advantage to be at the forefront of development and leapfrog and become regional leaders in the next stage of development which has a potential to significantly accelerate the sustainability agenda.

The training programme under the auspices of the Government of Sweden has been designed to raise awareness about circular economy and provide recommendations to various groups of stakeholder, including policy makers, financial institutions and project promoters how to accelerate the implementation of circular economy principles at various levels of economic activity. Particular emphasis has been put on recommendations to improve the conditions for financing circular economy projects, removing barriers and identi¬fy the main areas where incentives need to be provided. After the first successful conference in December last year, which targeted policy makers, currently a second circular economy conference is being held. The conference is specifically designed for various players at the municipal level. Urban more densely populated areas pose numerous challenges in introducing circular economy principles but at the same time present significant opportunities. These will be presented and discussed at the second conference.

The Conference is arranged in the frames of Keep Georgia Tidy Project by Georgian Society of Nature Explorers Orchis. Keep Georgia Tidy Project is being implemented by the NGO Consortium: Georgian Society of Nature Explorers Orchis, Keep Georgia Tidy and Greens Movement of Georgia/Friends of the Earth Georgia through funding of the Government of Sweden, with support of Georgian Ministries of Environmental Protection & Agriculture, Regional Development & Infrastructure, and Education, Science, Culture & Sport, and in cooperation with the Solid Waste Management Company of Georgia and Environmental information & Education Centre.