Open Forum is an open and collaborative space for the exchange of experiences between the Government of Aragon and local authorities on the circular economy.
Open Forum for Transparency and Active Listening is a collaborative space for the exchange of experiences, communication and dissemination of knowledge and good practices between the Government of Aragon and local authorities on the circular economy, prevention, and management of household waste.
Through the creation of the so-called Forum and the virtual support tools (website,distribution list), it has been generated an informal network between the people responsible for waste management in local entities and the Government of Aragon, which contributes to facilitate the daily work in the exercise of their responsibilities, through the exchange of concerns and solutions among all involved agents.
Local entities, with responsibilities in prevention and management of domestic waste, are in charge of implementing the policies and strategies on circular economy dictated at the European, national and regional levels.
With the aim of addressing actions in terms of prevention, reuse, collection, and recycling of household waste, seeking new solutions and work alternatives in a participatory manner, the Forum provides a meeting space in in order to learn from good practices, discuss experiences and establish common criteria for action.
Meetings are held at least every 6 months, and there´s a mailing list to share information. However, the existance of an open website with relevant information about the Forum and circular economy news, makes it also very useful to the citizens.
Resources needed
The budget for the webpage and the Forum's distribution group was €2,299.00, VAT included (funding by Government of Aragón).
Meetings have an additional cost depending on type and duration
Preparation of meetings and maintenance of the web are assumed by personnel of the Government of Aragón.
Evidence of success
4 Forum meetings have been held with good participation and degree of satisfaction. With an average of 30 participants per meeting and a distribution list of 37 users, the Forum has put in contact those responsible for household waste management.
The information obtained from the Forum is being used to elaborate the new Aragon Integrated Waste Management Plan (2022-2030). Technical reports have also been elaborated and distribuited to the participants (and to the society throught the website).
Difficulties encountered
Covid-19 pandemic led to a transformation of the Forum from a face-to-face to an online format to keep the exchange of data and experiences alive.
It is necessary to have personnel devoted to update the webpage and dynamize the distribution list, so that the project is kept alive between meetings.
Potential for learning or transfer
• Learning takes place through the exchange of concerns and solutions among all the agents involved, using the different tools created within the Forum: face-to-face/online meetings and webpage (regulations, news, documentation, etc.).
• Sharing problems and solutions by local and regional government authorities makes it possible to know the real situation and to act in a coordinated way, taking advantage of individual solutions adopted and the synergies created.
• This format can be easily applied to other areas of work and other territories.
Tags: Circular economy, Waste
