Press Release
For immediate release

Chartered Institution of Wastes Management and WasteAid launch strategic partnership in The Gambia

• CIWM and WasteAid have partnered to promote waste management best practice in The Gambia.
• The project builds on WasteAid’s recycling projects and will help stakeholders develop a shared vision for sustainable resource management and a circular economy.
• Pilot waste-to-wealth projects will support local innovation and green livelihood opportunities.

The Chartered Institution of Wastes Management (CIWM) has entered into an 18-month funded partnership with WasteAid, the international non-governmental organisation that shares waste management and recycling skills in lower- and middle-income countries, to support the development of waste management in the Greater Banjul Area (GBA) of The Gambia. 

The GBA is home to 26% of The Gambian population, and a lack of comprehensive waste management systems is leading to significant health risks, marine plastic pollution and climate change emissions. The project will see WasteAid engage with a wide range of stakeholders to progress the delivery of sustainable waste management capacity, develop skills among the professional community and support the transition to a circular economy through education, training and investment.

Ceris Turner-Bailes, WasteAid CEO said: “We are sincerely grateful to CIWM for supporting WasteAid’s work in The Gambia. This project complements our previous recycling projects by helping develop a shared vision for sustainable resource management and a circular economy on a regional and national level. CIWM’s involvement means we can also leverage knowledge sharing and mentoring opportunities to drive best practice and promote professional standards in waste management.”

This partnership is the first of its kind for CIWM and will help deliver its strategic goals to advance waste and resource management capability and the transition to circular economies across the globe, and to respond to country-specific needs and ensure CIWM’s support for professionals is targeted and relevant.

Sarah Poulter, CIWM CEO said: “Sustainable waste management is a global social responsibility and a core element of the CIWM’s ambition to move to a world beyond waste. The decision to support WasteAid’s work in The Gambia is underpinned by the country’s genuine desire to better manage the waste it produces and develop a more circular economy. We’re excited about the positive impact this partnership will have on people’s lives and are committed to helping educate and inspire the local professional community. In doing so there is the opportunity to dramatically improve resource efficiency and create an environment where circular strategies can flourish.”  

WasteAid has been working in The Gambia since 2015, and has built a strong network of government, private sector and community-based organisations with an interest in sustainable waste management. This project will see the formation of a circular economy network, the delivery of training and events, and a mentoring programme between CIWM members in the UK and Gambian members. WasteAid will also run a challenge for grassroots circular economy innovations, and develop a sustainable waste and recycling system that includes livelihood opportunities for 30 vulnerable people.

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Notes to editors:

About WasteAid

• WasteAid is a leading international development organisation on a mission to tackle the global waste crisis. 2 billion people do not have their waste collected and 3 billion lack a decent disposal site, leading to the spread of disease and polluting the air, land, rivers and oceans. 
• WasteAid works with communities in low-income countries to address the root causes of poor health, climate change and marine plastic pollution.
• WasteAid shares waste management knowledge and skills with governments and communities in low-income countries; trains people to become self-employed recycling entrepreneurs; and influences decision-makers and the donor community to increase investment in waste management. www.wasteaid.org 

About CIWM

• CIWM is the leading membership organisation for professionals in the sustainability, resources and waste management sector, representing and supporting over 5,500 individuals across the UK and overseas. Established in 1898, CIWM is a non-profit making organisation, dedicated to the promotion of professional competence amongst waste managers. CIWM seeks to raise standards for those working in and with the sector by producing best practice guidance, developing educational and training initiatives, and providing information on key waste-related issues. More information can be found at www.ciwm.co.uk. 
  

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