Cameroon/First edition of the National Recycling Exhibition in Cameroon, from 17 to 18 March 2023 in Yaoundé at the headquarters of Green Life Act

Recycling Day was first celebrated in the United States in 1994 to promote the consumption of products made from recycled materials. In 2018, the Bureau of International Recycling (BIR) institutionalized this initiative by adopting March 18 as World Recycling Day. From then on, this day is commemorated in several countries with the common goal of promoting recycling.

Although practiced by many people, recycling remains a low-valued sector in Cameroon. The jobs related to recycling are still perceived as "sub-trades". Still confined to the informal sector, recycling is struggling to develop. Several actors in the sector are poorly trained, the equipment used is rudimentary, there is not yet a clearly developed value chain, and the consumer market for products from recycling is marginal. There is also a lack of programs to support recycling initiatives at the local level. Moreover, the sector is not well structured. However, it is full of enormous social, economic and environmental opportunities.

This diagnosis shows the urgency of a multi-stakeholder mobilization to give recycling its letters of nobility. Hence the holding of this first edition of the National Recycling Exhibition (SANAR ) to be held from 17 to 18 March 2023 in Yaoundé (Cameroon) at the headquarters of Green Life Act at the place called "House of plastic bottles".

Under the theme: "Recycling: green job niche and local development opportunities", the SANAR 2023 is organized by the association Green Life Act with the participation of national and international partners (ministries, civil society organizations, international organizations, embassies, media, universities, research centers, national and multinational companies) to raise awareness of the importance of recycling and the responsible use of natural resources.

The aim of this unique event is to promote recycling and to make participants aware of the importance of environmental protection. It will also be an exceptional opportunity to present to the general public the advantages and opportunities but also the different recycling channels and develop value chains, mobilize the recycling actors aroundIt will also be an exceptional opportunity to present the advantages and opportunities of recycling to the general public, to develop value chains, to mobilize recycling actors around an operational network of the circular economy, to advocate with public authorities for the support of recycling initiatives and the impetus of a green purchasing policy, particularly in public procurement.

During these two days, several activities will be proposed: training and coaching workshops on recycling techniques, eco-jogging sessions, games and challenges to teach participants to sort and recycle their waste correctly, but also the signing of partnerships. Awareness-raising stands will also be set up to present local initiatives, highlighting the different recycling methods and their advantages.

This meeting of discovery, awareness, training, experience sharing and networking is open to all, actors of the circular economy, students, local authorities, researchers, corporate citizens, public authorities. We hope that many of you will participate!

Source: www.mediaterre.org/