USAID launches program to combat ocean plastic pollution in Peru

Cross-posted from US Embassy in Peru

Pisco, November 18, 2021 – Today, national, regional, and local authorities, as well as members of the private sector participated in the launch of the United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) Clean Cities, Blue Ocean (CCBO) program in Pisco, Peru.

Clean Cities, Blue Ocean aims to improve the management of solid waste in the cities of Paita, Máncora and Pisco, located in the departments of Piura and Ica, to avoid further ocean plastic pollution and marine biodiversity. The program will work with local governments and organizations, such as fishermen’s associations, to strengthen local capacity to manage coastal and marine waste. Using a circular economy approach, the program seeks to develop economically viable solutions that will reduce plastic pollution and its impacts on human health and the environment.

The ceremony was attended by the Minister of the Environment, Rubén Ramírez, and Deputy Director of USAID/Peru’s Office of Environment and Sustainable Development, Kerry Reeves. In his remarks, Minister Ramírez highlighted the partnership’s importance to conserve the marine biodiversity found in Peru’s waters, which is a source food and livelihoods for many Peruvians. Deputy Director Reeves reaffirmed the commitment of the U.S. Government, through USAID, to continue supporting Peru’s ongoing efforts to strengthen waste management across the country and reduce ocean plastic pollution, one of the most pressing issues of our time.

At the event, local mayors, Juan Mendoza of Pisco, José Ramírez of Máncora, and Enrique Silva of Paita, signed Cooperation Agreements with Clean Cities, Blue Ocean that formalize the program’s support. The municipal authorities thanked USAID for its support and welcomed remarks from high-level national organizations.

Cayetana Aljovín, President of the National Fisheries Society (SNP), highlighted the urgency of promoting a circular economy approach in fishing activities. Likewise, Sandra Alencastre, Director and Member of the Circular Economy Committee of the National Society of Industries, highlighted the importance of strengthening Peru’s recyclable waste value chain so that national industry can increase production of goods and services manufactured through strengthened local circular economies.

In Peru, CCBO will design and implement holistic strategies that address every step in the waste value chain, from minimization to final disposal, prioritizing the most inclusive, economically viable and environmentally sustainable solutions. To achieve this, the program will offer local, national, and international technical expertise, along with a local grants program to test, scale, and share locally-led, proven, and innovative solutions. Activities will include promoting social and behavior change for more sustainable solid waste management programs. Environmental education and communication strategies will be developed and implemented in participation with local communities in each engagement site.

The program will also form public-private alliances to promote increased reuse and recycling of marine and municipal waste, using a circular economy approach that empowers and brings women waste workers to the fore. As part of this, CCBO will build the capacity of local recyclers associations and build the capacity of local systems already in place, such as composting plants, collection centers, and support commercialization of inorganic waste such as plastic, glass, paper, cardboard, and tetrabrik. A north-south recycling corridor will also be promoted to strengthen recycling markets and increase access to large buyers in Lima and Callao.

ABOUT CLEAN CITIES, BLUE OCEAN USAID’s Clean Cities, Blue Ocean (CCBO) program was launched in August 2019 as the Agency’s flagship program to respond to the global crisis of ocean plastics pollution. The five-year, $48 million program works globally to target plastic pollution at its source across seven countries and in more than 25 cities in Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean. In Peru, CCBO is partnering with key institutions to promote the 3Rs (reduce, reuse, recycle) and enhance solid waste management systems. For more information, please visit www.urban-links.org/ccbo or contact Carla Cisneros at Carla.Cisneros@cleancitiesblueocean.org.