Georgian Society of Nature Explorers “Orchis” is delighted to present a “CIRCULAR ECONOMY HANDBOOK FOR UNIVERSITIES”.

The author of the Handbook is Dr. Dariusz Edward Prasek, Doctor in Environmental Engineering, the Member of the United Nations Advisory Board on Circular Economy, International Expert in sustainable finance, environmental, social and governance areas, former Director of Operations at the Environment and Sustainability Department of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

This Handbook is intended for students and teachers of universities and other educational entities to provide initial information on the circular economy, and raise the level of awareness and skills required to incorporate circularity principles in a variety of economic activities they will be engaged in future. Practical examples of successful sectoral and country-wide policy interventions that promote the circular economy and references to the most recent sources of information on the circular economy make it valuable in the education process.

The Handbook provides basic information on the transition from linear to circular models with examples of several sectors. Particular emphasis has been put on skills and conditions required for financing circular economy projects, removing barriers and identifying main areas with high circularity potential.

The Handbook has been prepared as part of the ongoing circular economy programme being implemented by the civil society organization Georgian Society of Nature Explorers “Orchis” supported by the Government of Sweden. This programme is the basis for the Georgia’s accelerated shift to circularity. It is also a vital contribution to fulfil Georgian commitments under the Association Agreement with the European Union.