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.
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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.
- Collaboration and Partnership Building: Forge partnerships with governments, international organizations, academia, and industry stakeholders to leverage expertise, resources, and networks in advancing the objectives of the initiative. Support and coordinate with related World Bank Initiatives. For example, collaborations include the International Water Association (IWA), the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Circle Economy Foundation, the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), among others.
