Transforming Eco-Cities to Environmental Hubs through Holistic Waste Management

Jeju, Republic of Korea, 6-9 July 2015 (Mon-Thu)

Background
An "Eco-city" is defined as an ecologically healthy human settlement modeled on the self-sustaining resilient structure and function of natural ecosystems and living
organisms. Cities that have the following general characteristics are considered as eco-cities: (a) protection and growth of green space; (b) public transportation
systems that reduce pollution and waste of energy; (c) efficient solid waste management system; and (d) policies that promote environmental conservation,
involvement of people in ecological preservation. However, an eco-city paradigm and city-based initiatives tend to follow uni-dimensional, bi-dimensional or
tri-dimensional approaches for sustainable development in that they focus on some limited environmental, economic and/or social component. Consequently, they
result in a partial approach to the nature of sustainable development.

On the other hand, an "Environmental Hub" is defined as a globally distinguished city realizing sustainable development through the harmonization among social,
economic and environmental components in an integrated framework placing environment as the top value. Therefore, the environmental hubs are the regions which
have the multi-dimensional approach to environmental protection and conservation. The essence of environmental hubs are the regions that are shining examples of
how the society as a whole including environment can thrive in terms of the triple bottom line of sustainability (nature, people and economy) within a sound, effective
and efficient policy framework for environmental protection.

For cities to become environmental hubs, under the environment sector, cities need to promote realizing resource circulation-based society through waste management in that reducing waste generation, establishing the system of waste resource circulation and energizing waste are the main strategic projects. This is why it is crucial to note that the biggest opportunity in dealing with waste is found in holistic approaches that take both consumption and production into account and apply a life-cycle
perspective. Managing waste from all sources (municipal or industrial) and in all forms (gas, liquid or solid) starts with preventing waste from being generated in the
first place. Moreover, where waste cannot be prevented completely, opportunities arise from treating it as a resource, by converting it to other uses or recycling it. A
preventive and holistic approach to waste management can help rapidly industrializing and urbanizing countries in the Asia-Pacific region in particular.

This training will provide participants in the Asia-Pacific region with a comprehensive overview of a holistic approach to integrated waste management and of strategies for cities to become environmental hubs.

Event type
Workshop

Date
6~9 July 2015

Venue
UNITAR Jeju International Training Center (JITC), Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, Republic of Korea

Organizers
● UNITAR
● UNITAR CIFAL Jeju/JITC
● UNEP International Environmental Technology Centre

Sponsor
Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning (KOREA-UNDP Cooperation Fund)

Targeted audience
Central and local government officials and other related personnel in the field of waste management with experience
in waste management policy development and implementation in the Asia-Pacific region

Website
http://www.cifaljeju.org
http://www.wlcf.kr/eng

Content
The training will include the following:

● topic 1: holistic waste management overview
● topic 2: national and city level waste management
● topic 3: green growth policies
● topic 4: template and guidelines for holistic waste management
● topic 5: eco-cities and environmental hubs
● topic 6: how to develop waste management strategy
● topic 7: action plan to implement waste management strategy

Learning objectives
By the end of the training, participants will be able to:

● adopt a life-cycle approach and policies for resource efficiency and environmentally sound waste management
● use approaches that recognize the 3Rs, increasing energy from waste and treating waste as a resource
● discuss the role of holistic waste management in transforming eco-cities to environmental hubs
● address the problems associated with unsound waste management
● identify the benefits and drawbacks associated with a range of waste management strategies
● apply basic principles to determine the most suitable waste management strategy in a given situation
● share best practices of their own countries or communities.

Methodology
The training will be comprised of:

● lectures by experts
● self-assessment exercise and group work
● case study presentation
● UNITAR developed "CityShare methodology"
● study visit.

UNITAR-developed "CityShare methodology" will be used during the workshop.

The "CityShare methodology"aims at optimizing peer learning between local officials and other local stakeholders playing crucial roles in ensuring sustainable
municipal development. The methodology consists of various processes of self-assessment, distillation, and transfer of challenges, lessons learned, and good practices
between local stakeholders and resource persons. It is also composed of several tools to provide a common framework for the evaluation of experiences made by the
participating cities and offer a common language for the exchange and assimilation of experiences, as well as a roadmap for action and progress.

Requirements
Selected participants are required to:

● submit necessary documents on time, i.e., application forms etc.
● complete and submit pre-training readings and assignments, i.e. case studies etc.
● actively participate in the training program
● be fluent in written and spoken English

Course certificates
UNITAR and UNITAR CIFAL Jeju/JITC will jointly issue a certificate to participants upon completion of the full program.

How to apply
Send the following documents to cifaljeju.env@gmail.com by 29 May 2015 (Fri):

● application form (download from http://www.cifaljeju.org)
● curriculum vitae (CV)
● case study description
● letter of nomination
● letter of commitment.
※ Late application will not be accepted.


Note
● Application without required documents will not be considered.
● Participation is subject to approval of the application by UNITAR CIFAL Jeju/JITC.
● Selected participants will be notified individually.

Website
http://www.cifaljeju.org
http://www.wlcf.kr/eng

Assistance with travel cost
● UNITAR CIFAL Jeju/JITC provides a LIMITED financial assistance with the airfare to Jeju-do, Republic of Korea.
● Local expenses (transportation, accommodation and meals) during the workshop will be covered.
● All other expenses are the responsibility of the participants.