Circularity for Water. What does that mean? Join us to explore how circularity can transform water management in South Africa. We'll discuss the challenges of water scarcity, pollution, and uneven access, and how innovative solutions like water reuse, recycling, and efficient management can ensure water security. This important topic will be linked back to industrial symbiosis where water efficiency is at the core, showcasing how circular water management is possible.

With a young population, great entrepreneurial spirit and adaptability, the digital revolution is one of the biggest opportunities to make Africa thrive. This requires a strong push and need for governments to ensure reliable, affordable electricity (power), and reliable and affordable access to internet to create equality and a level-playing field for all. How can digital technologies and innovations transform traditional linear business models and practices into circular economy principles? Connecting all the dots, designing for the future, and providing local jobs.

How can circularity in agriculture transform our food system and environment? This session will delve into sustainable farming practices, agroforestry, carbon credits, and waste reduction. Learn about organic waste flows, alternative proteins, and the role of community in local, sustainable food production. We explore how smart agriculture can enhance food quality and quantity while supporting a healthy ecosystem. Case studies will highlight innovative solutions.

We explore how circular practices can reduce environmental impacts in South Africa's mining sector. We'll discuss materials as a service, extractors as restorers, precision mining, waste recycling, and resource efficiency. Learn about regenerative mining, mine rehabilitation for biodiversity, and benefiting communities. Discover successful case studies and the importance of regulatory frameworks, innovations, and collaboration for a sustainable circular mining economy. The session will also connect to the current energy transition and discuss how resources need to be well managed for the country’s future success.

South Africa’s stunning landscapes, cultural heritage, and diverse wildlife make it a top travel destination, but growing tourism brings sustainability challenges. This session explores sustainable, inclusive, and circular tourism, addressing key questions: Do current standards make a difference? What smart procurement and product choices enhance value? How can we offset carbon emissions transparently? We will discuss the best practices on topics like waste, food, transport, and community impact.

First things first: we can only develop a National Plastic Action Plan to address plastic pollution if we understand the current situation, identify points of intervention across the value chain, determine necessary actions, and put in place the required enablers.
Join us to understand the challenge based on the latest knowledge and provide your input to the project process to ensure an effective Plastic Action Plan for South Africa. The outcome must be co-created by all stakeholders which would guide future policy and industry action.

Interested in this important project in the national plastic landscape? Share your knowledge and experience, and be part of co-creating a collective roadmap towards a National Plastics Action Plan. This session is for you. Here, you'll hear insights from the private sector, government officials, researchers, innovators, recyclers, informal waste reclaimers, and NGOs—all with the same objective but different roles to play.

Funded by UNEP and hosted by WWF South Africa, with speakers from WWF, CSIR, DFFE, and the stakeholders from the plastics life cycle.

Making South Africa's textile sector more circular and inclusive through redesign, repair, and recycling. We'll tackle fast fashion, overproduction, and waste while addressing high unemployment rates among marginalized groups like women and youth. Explore how the circular economy's "Repair, Remake & Resell" approach can create sustainable jobs and empower communities. Discover inspiring case studies and innovative solutions, including using organic waste like banana leaves for sustainable textiles.