Posted on November, 17 2023

Circular economy as a new paradigm for socio-economic development
 
The linear economy, which is characterised by a ‘take-make-waste’ philosophy, has pushed natural resource use beyond sustainable planetary limits. What we have come to accept as business as usual inevitably leads to conflict because of competition for limited natural resources, the degradation of global ecosystems, and the loss of economic opportunities, which together cause a decline in the well-being of people and nature. 
 
In contrast, the circular economy is a system where materials never become waste and nature is regenerated. It keeps resources circulating within the economy and retrieves value from what would have otherwise been waste. It is characterised by sharing, leasing, reuse, remanufacturing, repairing and recycling. All of these characteristics present new business opportunities, and support jobs and income towards a more sustainable future where people live in harmony with nature. 
 
Circular economy embraces sustainable living within planetary boundaries
 
From a conservation and natural resource use perspective, a circular economy presents many opportunities to support WWF’s mission of building a future where people live in harmony with nature. 
 
A circular economy can enable: 
●      An economy functioning within Planetary Boundaries while contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 
●      A transition to a net zero greenhouse gas emission economy. 
●      A major reduction in the need for extractive new resources. 
●      A healthier environment by eliminating pollution and waste. 
●      A narrative to engage and work with society, politics and industry for a sustainable transformation. 
 
WWF-Viet Nam implements many projects to support the Government and society in the transition to a circular economy. Under the Forest practice, WWF works to transform the forest sector by promoting sustainable forest management and certification of plantations. We advise long-life forest plantations and connect to deforestation-free supply chains. In natural forests, we work with Reduction of Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD+) and forest landscape restoration to restore forest areas that have been deforested and degraded. We aim to increase forest cover to protect ecosystem services - especially watersheds. We are actively developing Nature-based Solutions to address forest adaptation and mitigation to sequester carbon which will be donated to Vietnam's NDCs.
 
In the Food sector, we support companies and smallholders to reduce their ecological footprint through the adoption of environmental-friendly and bio-circular techniques in aquaculture, shrimp, rice and coconut production and their by-products and waste products. We work to enhance the function of wetlands, mangrove, and marine ecosystems by developing and establishing NbS production methods in buffer zones surrounding those ecosystems. 
 
In the Ocean program, WWF promotes plastic circularity through multifaceted interventions, including Extended Producer Responsibility policy development, plastic material re-evaluation, financial incentives schemes via collection, reuse, recycling plastic waste, circular model design and pilot of bio-fertilizer made from organic waste. We work on the plastic pollution challenge by promoting responsible production and sustainable lifestyles.
 
In the Freshwater program, the Greening Vietnam Textile program promotes green investment into water circularity, renewable energy and recycled textile materials at factories. 
 
The Wildlife practice promotes ecotourism in national parks, nature reserves, communities to improve local community livelihood and reduce threats to wildlife, its habitats. We conduct public campaigns against illegal wildlife trade and reduce wildlife consumer demand. 
 
The Climate & Energy program encourages corporates, communities and sub-nations to accelerate energy efficiency and renewable energy plans, providing leadership and active participation in the national commitment to net zero by year 2050.
 
Call for collective action to implement the National Action Plan on Circular Economy
 
The National Action Plan on a Circular Economy is being finalized by MONRE. WWF fully supports the nationwide targets for reduction, recycling, recovery, and reuse set out in the Action Plan. 
 
All stakeholders must shift their thinking to drive innovative solutions that will ensure stewardship of the planet’s resources within a circular system. 
 
WWF encourages all stakeholders to act towards circular economy:

1. Policy makers establish a coherent regulatory framework, which enables the circular economy, in eco-design requirement, product quality and standards, waste management/circularity, strengthening the market for secondary raw materials, enterprise accountability and reporting;  
2. Businesses build up circular business models, support circularity research and technology to make new and existing technologies, infrastructure, and materials available at scale and implement them with partners;
3. Consumers demand and use circular products, shift purchasing habits to consume less, and prioritize long-lasting products, use reuse and repair systems, and advocate for sustainability