Building a Platform of Support for Cities and Local Governments on Climate Change and Energy in Asia
See more on: https://www.iuc-asia.eu/about-international-urban-cooperation/
AMONG many urgent issues that cities need to seek solutions for, the environment demands special focus considering its transboundary nature. Climate change and energy have been pinpointed as issues where cities have a huge stake and responsibility to contribute. In this light, UCLG ASPAC, together with the European Union, invites local governments within Asia-Pacific region to develop solutions for the climate change-related challenges they are facing, through the International Urban Cooperation (IUC) Asia SupportDesk. Formalized in late 2017, IUC Asia SupportDesk is a platform to support cities and local governments in Asia in anticipating climate change impacts. The SupportDesk Secretariat is composed of a Financing Specialist and Technical Expert. Dedicated to assist local governments, particularly on climate change related issues, the IUC Asia SupportDesk Team provides solutions on consultancy basis to support sustainable effort of local governments in anticipating impacts of climate change.
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: helpdesk@iuc-asia.eu : +62-813-1128-7863 : IUC ASIA HELPDESK : www.iuc-asia.ey/helpdesk/
See what other local government has done for their environment.
Residents exchanging recyclable waste for garbage bags or grocery.
New Taipei City has been growing fast in terms of population size. This has made its local authority concerned with the issue of sustainable waste management. To lower the amount of the waste, a policy called “Pay As You Throw Policy” was first implemented in the end of 2010. It positively impacted on the decreased amount of waste; which dropped by 50 percent. However, it was found that 22 percent of the waste was recyclable and reusable. Therefore, another innovative policy was applied in August 2011, called the “Recycling Rewards Service System.” The policy encouraged village chiefs to establish recycling stations in the neighborhoods. Residents, when handing in recyclables, can get garbage
bags for free or other green appliances. Besides, the income from selling the recyclables is also used to support public use such as infrastructure enhancement and the social welfare support for the villagers with disadvantaged background. The Recycling Rewards Service System has yielded positive impact. According to statistics in 2016, more than 52 percent or 117,846 tons of recyclables were collected, and the fund for the public use touched US$11.09 million dollars. Resulting from this, 3.98 million of trash bags or US$583,000 dollars of green products were exchanged. Furthermore, more than 790,000 of volunteer workers were involved in the service. Another point that makes this service unique is that the system has involved local government unit and locals as well: Department of Environmental Protection (providing transportation to and from recycling stations and handling matters relating to the sales of recyclables) collaborating with recycling enterprises (purchasing the recycle resources); setting good example of public and private partnership. In addition, the project has created 25,000 jobs benefiting disadvantaged groups. The Recycling Rewards Service System implemented in New Taipei City is successful. The increase in residents’ willingness to classify the waste, and the cohesion of the villages are notably high. In particular, the goal of social equality is also covered due to more care to the disadvantaged citizens.