The Circular Economy – for Climate and Biodiversity Project (CB-ACES) was launched in Brazil as a strategic initiative to drive the transition toward more sustainable, resilient, and low-carbon production models. Funded by the International Climate Initiative (IKI) and implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, the project positions the circular economy as a central approach to simultaneously address climate challenges and biodiversity loss.
The initiative is implemented in the country in partnership with the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MMA) and the Ministry of Development, Industry, Commerce and Services (MDIC), marking a new phase of international cooperation focused on the practical implementation of circular solutions. The launch event, held in São Paulo, brought together representatives from government, industry, the financial sector, academia, and civil society, consolidating a space for dialogue and coordination during the project’s preparatory phase.
Also active in Mexico and South Africa, CB-ACES adopts an integrated approach, linking climate change mitigation, biodiversity conservation, gender equality, digital transformation, and the strengthening of global value chains aligned with environmental standards. The initiative goes beyond planning, aiming to enable the implementation of public policies, strengthen technical capacities, and promote investment, particularly targeting small and medium-sized enterprises.
Adalberto Maluf, National Secretary at the MMA, highlighted that the project seeks to transform the concept of circular economy into concrete actions that promote productivity, innovation, and decarbonization. Similarly, Julia Cruz, Secretary at the MDIC, emphasized the potential of the circular economy as a strategic driver for the sustainable development of Brazilian industry.
According to UNIDO’s representative in Brazil, Clovis Zapata, the distinguishing feature of CB-ACES lies in its ability to connect strategy and implementation. “The project combines the strengthening of public policies, capacity building, and technical cooperation with companies, as well as mechanisms to stimulate investment,” he stated, underscoring the goal of accelerating circular solutions with tangible economic impact.
Funded by the German government through the IKI, CB-ACES is co-led by the governments of Brazil, Mexico, and South Africa. In Brazil, it also receives technical support from the National Service for Industrial Training (SENAI) and the Adelphi group.
The official launch marks the beginning of a new phase of international cooperation, including the presentation of the project’s objectives, structure, and timeline, as well as participatory discussions aimed at identifying priorities, opportunities, and challenges for implementing the circular economy in Brazil.
