Navigating the way forward: Launching a Comprehensive Guide to Policy Roadmaps

During the Accelerator Session “Circular Economy Policies: Connecting Regions, Sharing Solutions" at the World Circular Economy Forum 2025, the Coalition for Circular Economy for Latin America and the Caribbean launched a Guide for the Development of Roadmaps for Circular Economy. This guide is designed to empower countries across the region as they transition from a traditional linear economy to a more sustainable circular model, offering a structured framework to achieve both economic resilience and environmental sustainability.

Jointly with the Latin America and the Caribbean Circular Economy Coalition, a team of consultants funded by the European Union conducted interviews with key regional stakeholders, facilitated workshops and technical peer-to-peer exchanges with coalition members from seven Latin America and the Caribbean countries, including Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic, Peru and Uruguay with additional input from Ecuador. The publication further draws inspiration from Sitra, the Finnish Innovation Fund's guide, while being enriched with regional insights and case studies from eight countries. It is structured into nine pivotal steps, each designed to facilitate a seamless transition towards a circular economy. From the initial preparation and stakeholder mobilisation to the final stages of implementation and evaluation, the guide provides a detailed pathway for policymakers and practitioners alike.

The guide offers a holistic approach to developing circular economy roadmaps. It addresses key areas such as policy formulation, stakeholder engagement, and strategic planning. Tailored specifically for the Latin American and Caribbean context, the guide incorporates regional challenges and opportunities, making it a practical tool for local governments and organisations. By showcasing successful strategies and lessons learnt from countries within the region, it serves as a rich resource for replicating and scaling effective circular economy initiatives.

The publication outlines a clear, nine-step process for creating a roadmap, from preparation and stakeholder mobilization to implementation and monitoring, making it a practical tool for policymakers and practitioners. The guide includes examples and best practices from countries within the region, such as Costa Rica, Chile, Peru, Ecuador and others,  providing real-world applications of the concepts discussed. The guide includes practical recommendations for overcoming barriers and leveraging opportunities in the transition to a circular economy. Key points  distil the complex information into clear, actionable insights, making it easier for readers to grasp the essential elements of developing a circular economy roadmap. The key points ensure that readers focus on the most critical aspects of the process, such as governance, stakeholder engagement, and strategic planning. They encapsulate lessons learned from real-world applications and case studies, offering valuable insights into what has worked in other contexts and why. The publication provides links to the national examples, existing roadmaps and national strategies from the region. It offers additional resources and documents, such as the Sitra guide and reports from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, for further reading and exploration. 

Specifically tailored for Latin America and the Caribbean, the guide addresses the unique challenges and opportunities in the region, offering context-specific insights and strategies. As the world moves towards a more sustainable future, this guide informs anyone committed to accelerate the circular economy transition in the region.