The IZWCC happening in Africa is a testimony of the trust and support that the zero waste movement deposits in the work being done in the region and the hard work that African groups have dedicated to zero waste – Ana Le Rocha.
In the vibrant city of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, from July 2-4, 2024, the International Zero Waste Cities Conference (IZWCC) brought together leaders from government, zero waste practitioners, financial institutions, and philanthropic organizations. Co-hosted by GAIA and Nipe Fagio, the conference aimed to share best practices and celebrate successes in the zero waste movement within an interactive environment, inspiring participants to replicate successful models and amplify the impact of zero waste implementation globally. The event featured two days of engaging sessions and a site visit to a zero waste neighborhood in Dar es Salaam.
Themed Local Solutions to Global Problems, the conference opened with powerful keynote addresses. Kemilembe Mutasa from the Vice President’s Office in Tanzania, Ana Rocha from Nipe Fagio, and Niven Reddy from GAIA Africa, welcomed attendees and highlighted the evolution and significance of the global zero waste movement. Froilan Grate from GAIA Asia Pacific provided an insightful overview of zero waste implementations across different regions, showcasing tailored approaches for diverse contexts.
The sessions that followed were equally inspiring. One standout session, titled ‘Zero Waste Around the World’, moderated by Esra Tat, Executive Director of Zero Waste Europe, featured diverse zero waste advocates from around the globe. Rap Villavicencio from Mother Earth Foundation in the Philippines, Shishikaye Wilyhard from Nipe Fagio in Tanzania, Jack McQuibban from Zero Waste Europe, Magdalena Donoso from GAIA Latin America and the Caribbean, and Jack Macy from SF Environment in San Francisco each shared their unique experiences and strategies. Joining virtually, Francesc Giró i Fontanals from Catalonia Waste Agency added further depth to the discussion. Together, they provided a comprehensive view of zero waste implementation across various contexts and regions.
Another memorable session focused on structuring zero waste systems, moderated by Jacob Attakpah from GAYO in Ghana. This session titled ‘How to Structure a Zero Waste System’ delved into the fundamentals of building a zero waste system. Esteemed speakers, including Merci Ferrer from War on Waste Break Free From Plastic Negros Oriental in the Philippines, Farima Tidjani from Adansonia Green in Senegal, Eskedar Ergete from EcoJustice Ethiopia, and Piotr Barczak from the Polish Zero Waste Association and African CE Network Foundation, provided invaluable insights into managing waste streams through a zero waste approach. Their diverse perspectives highlighted effective strategies and best practices for achieving zero waste goals across different regions.
The discussion on ‘Breaking Free From Plastic,’ moderated by Pinky Chandran from Break Free From Plastic, was particularly impactful. The panel explored the environmental, health, and social impacts of plastics, sharing success stories from various regions. Notable speakers included Frankie Orona from the Society of Native Nations, Nirere Sadrach from End Plastic Pollution in Uganda, Juliette Franquet from Zero Waste France, Nirmala Shekar from Hasiru Dala in India, and Mugisha Kyamani, Tanzania’s Focal Point in the Plastics Treaty. Their insights and experiences underscored the global challenges and innovative solutions in the fight against plastic pollution.
A highlight of the conference was the final session on Day 1, which focused on successful policies for zero waste implementation. Moderated by Dorothy Otieno from CEJAD, Kenya, this discussion titled ‘Successful Policies for Zero Waste Implementation’ centred on creating enabling conditions for zero waste success. The session featured distinguished speakers such as Humphrey Kanyeni, Tanzania PORALG – Ministry of Local Governments, Donovan Storey from the Climate and Clean Air Coalition, Hon. Benedict Jasper Lagman, Vice Mayor of San Fernando City, Pampanga, and Asiphile Khanyile from groundWork in South Africa. Their insights and experiences provided valuable perspectives on policy frameworks and practical strategies to advance the zero waste agenda globally.
On the second day, the sessions delved into various aspects of zero waste and its intersection with climate change, finance, and food waste management. The Keynote Address, titled ‘Opportunities for Zero Waste as a Climate Change Solution,’ was moderated by Ing. Godfred Fiifi Boadi from the Ministry of Sanitation and Water Resources in Ghana. Esteemed presenters Dr. Aderiana Mbandi (joining virtually) from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and Dr. Neil Tangri from the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) explored the vital role of zero waste practices in combating climate change. The session highlighted innovative strategies and policies that could reduce waste generation, promote resource recovery, and foster sustainable communities. Later in the day, the panel discussion ‘Addressing Climate Change in the Waste Sector with Environmental and Social Justice,’ moderated by Marisa Gonzales Nordstrom from UMI Fund, brought together experts including Mariel Vilella from GAIA, UK, Hon. Mei Ling Quezon from Siquijor Province, Philippines, Soledad Mella from ANARCH / Red Lacre, Chile, Marvin Hayes from Baltimore Compost Collective, United States, and Dr. Leslie Adogame from SRADEV, Nigeria. This session emphasized the crucial link between waste management and climate action, highlighting the need for social justice in environmental policies and showcasing how a zero waste approach could significantly contribute to climate resilience.
Following this, Tebogo Maleka from the Global Methane Hub moderated ‘Driving Finance to Mainstream Zero Waste as a Climate Solution’, a key discussion. Panellists Berliana Yusuf from Climate Policy Initiative, Indonesia, John Morton from the World Bank, Ira Purnomo from Climate Policy Initiative, and Tamlynn Fleetwood from Urban Futures Centre, Durban University of Technology, South Africa, explored innovative financial strategies to support zero waste initiatives, highlighting the importance of investment in sustainable practices.
The third panel of Day 2, ‘Best Practices in Food Waste Prevention and Management’, moderated by Vanja Cicmil from Zero Waste Montenegro, featured insights from Momar Baby of Zero Waste Senegal and Macarena Guajardo from Fundación Basura / GAIA, Chile. This session showcased successful approaches to reducing food waste and managing organic waste.
Lastly, Kait Siegel, Director of Waste Methane at the Clean Air Task Force, moderated the session on ‘Choosing the Most Suitable Organic Waste Management System’. Speakers Andrew Wallace from Chanzi, Tanzania, Alicia Franco from Ecuador Zero Waste Alliance, Kigen Compton from The Recycler/Biobuu, Tanzania, and Shibu Nair from GAIA discussed various organic waste management systems, emphasizing the importance of selecting context-appropriate solutions for effective waste management.
A touching moment was the session “Zero Waste beyond Waste”, which closed the conference. Sonia Mendoza from Mother Earth Foundation in the Philippines and John Nyesenge from Wakusanya Taka Bonyokwa in Tanzania shared the significant ways in which zero waste implementation impacted their lives and allowed them to increase their impact and social role in their communities.
The conference celebrated several significant commitments, including the Zanzibar Zero Waste Archipelago, the inclusion of community-based zero waste into the Dar Es Salaam Solid Waste Management Program, and the incorporation of Zero Wasteinto municipal solid waste plans in Arusha. The official launch of the Tanzanian Waste Pickers Association (TAWAPA)marked the multi-year work on Waste Picker organizing and recognition in Tanzania.
The event also featured engaging exhibitions and demonstrations. A site visit to Bonyokwa, a zero waste neighborhood in Dar es Salaam, provided hands-on experience with practical zero waste solutions at the community level. It allowed participants so engage with Wakusanya Taka Bonyoka, a zero waste cooperative responsible for waste collection in the neighborhood, see a decentralized material recovery facility (MRF) where composting, black soldier flies (BSF), organic agriculature and recyclables are managed, and participate in waste collection at the community. Attendees also enjoyed screenings of documentaries such as “Zero Waste Model” by Nipe Fagio, “Beyond the Waste: Unveiling Addis Ababa’s Unsung Heroes” by Eco-Justice Ethiopia, and “People at the Heart of Change” by groundWork and partners.
The transition of the IZWCC from Asia Pacific to Africa embodied the spirit of global collaboration, marking a significant milestone in the zero waste movement. Reflecting on the journey towards zero waste in Africa, Ana Rocha and Niven Reddy shared their sentiment:
Ana Rocha: GAIA’s Global Plastics Policy Director and Executive Director for Nipe Fagio.
The IZWCC happening in Africa is a testimony of the trust and support that the zero waste movement deposits in the work being done in the region and the hard work that African groups have dedicated to zero waste. Africa faces significant challenges with waste management trying to solve a problem that it did not create: the careless production systems that prioritize profit for a few over the social and environmental justice that we all deserve. Zero Waste implementation started in Tanzania from a small seed of hope and it is incredible to see a beautiful forest growing from that initial dream. Zero waste allows people to contribute to their communities and engage in creating a healthy environment for their families. It also allows amazing individuals to regaing their community roles and recognition. From a personal perspective, hosting the IZWCC in Tanzania was a life accomplishment. Holding a space in which people that I deeply admire could share their expertise, discuss the challenges that they face, commit to advancing our common agenda and celebrate the accomplishments of the movement was beyond special. Zero waste is a collective vision that can only be achieved through deep collaboration. The energy and passion in the room throughout the conference gives me no questions that we are on the right path.
Niven Reddy: GAIA & BFFP Africa Regional Director
The IZWCC being held in Africa is something I still cannot believe happened but am really proud of. The zero waste movement in Africa has grown tremendously over the last few years and personally I feel honoured to have been part of this growth. Having this in Dar es Salaam in 2024 feels quite fulfilling considering in 2018, the project to implement zero waste was words on paper and an idea that Ana had been focused on achieving – the commitment of the Nipe Fagio team and in particular the role that Ana has played in demonstrating zero waste in Tanzania is so inspiring and one which has enabled our region to not only demonstrate that zero waste in Africa is possible, but that we can take in learnings and experiences from other regions and use that as the basis to champion what’s relevant for us while rejecting false solutions being imposed on our region.
It is important to mention that the IZWCC was not an end on its on but the means to advance zero waste implementation. The fruitful engagements ignited by the conference are now to be continued. Zero waste is a journey and we are proud to pave one piece of the road so that more groups can walk it in Africa and beyond.
ENDS
