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An Overview of the WICER Initiative

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Overview

Circular economy principles offer an opportunity to recognize and capture the full value of water (as a service, an input to processes, a source of energy, a carrier of nutrients and other materials) and to make the water sector more financially and environmentally sustainable, while enhancing resilience to climate change and mitigating emissions.

The objective of the Water in Circular Economy and Resilience (WICER) Initiative is to establish a common understanding of circular economy principles and resilience in the water sector and to support countries to implement those principles. The World Bank’s WICER team has developed the Water in Circular Economy and Resilience (WICER) Framework (see image below) to guide practitioners who are incorporating the principles in policies and strategies, planning, investment prioritization and design and operations. 

WICER GFX

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Objectives

  • Cultivate a shared understanding among stakeholders in the water sector regarding the importance of transitioning from linear to circular economy principles.

  • Support countries in their policy reforms and investment strategies that prioritize circular economy approaches in the delivery of water services and water management. 

Activities

  • Technical Assistance and Capacity Building: Provide tailored technical assistance and capacity-building to support World Bank projects and countries in integrating circular economy principles into their water management strategies and projects.

  • Development of Resources and Tools: Develop and disseminate educational and training resources, guidelines, and decision-support tools to help stakeholders assess, plan, and implement circular economy initiatives in their respective contexts.

  • Knowledge Exchange and Workshops: Organize knowledge-sharing and capacity building events where stakeholders can learn from each other and from successful cases implementing circular economy principles in the water sector. Document relevant case studies showcasing best practices, challenges faced, and lessons learned. 

  • Participation in Water Forums and Events: Actively participate in water forums, conferences, and events to raise awareness, share insights, and foster dialogue on the importance of circular economy principles in water. 

 

Download the WICER Report

  • Water in the Circular Economy Report
    WICER is an initiative by the World Bank’s Global Water Practice to help embrace and implement circular and resilience principles in cities around the world.
    Download the WICER Report
  • A water treatment facility in Manila, Philippines. Photo: Danilo Pinzon / World Bank

    The WICER Assessment Tool

    The WICER quick assessment tool helps assess if a project, system, or city is WICER and presents solutions, guidelines, and resources to become circular and resilience while achieving economic and financial benefits.