Discussion on Setting Up a Circular Economy Lab- Guyana
Guyana Charts a Greener Future with Inaugural Circular Economy Innovation Lab Event
The University of Guyana became a hub for innovation and sustainability as it hosted the first-ever Circular Economy Innovation Lab (CEIL) event as part of the PROMAR project. Held at the Hogben Drayton Maths and Science Centre, the event brought together academic staff, environmental professionals, and international experts to lay the groundwork for a transformative circular economy initiative in Guyana.
The CEIL event aimed to foster dialogue, explore global best practices, and co-design a localized framework for a Circular Economy Lab that supports innovation, education, and sustainable waste management. The goal: empower youth and communities, reduce marine litter, and position Guyana as a leader in the regional transition to a circular economy.
The session featured keynote speaker Mr. Amarnath Munnolimath, Head of Programme for Green and Circular Economy at Adelphi, Germany, who presented successful international models of circular economy labs from Germany, India, and Italy. These case studies demonstrated how innovation, entrepreneurship, and education can drive sustainable change while addressing environmental challenges.
Participants formed working groups to conceptualize how a CEIL could function at the University of Guyana. Their proposals included:
Hosting an annual Circular Economy Innovation Lab to spark interdisciplinary collaboration and technology development.
Integrating circular economy principles into academic curricula and research.
Establishing repair cafés and plastic repurposing stations on campus.
Launching a certification course in circular economy for students, government staff, and private sector stakeholders.
Rolling out campus-wide waste segregation and composting initiatives.
Organizing cross-sector workshops and international policy dialogues.
While the university already possesses key resources—such as staff, lab space, composting bins, and academic programs—participants highlighted the need for additional investments in recycling equipment, expert training, branding, and sustainable funding mechanisms.
“This lab has the potential not only to serve Guyana but also to become a replicable model across the Caribbean and Latin America,” Mr. Munnolimath emphasized, pointing to the broader global relevance of the initiative.
Looking ahead, the next steps include developing pilot projects within the CEIL framework, securing national and international partnerships, and planning the first Annual Circular Economy Conference in 2026 to showcase progress and attract further investment.
As Guyana strengthens its environmental leadership through initiatives like the CEIL, the nation is taking bold strides toward a future where economic growth and ecological stewardship go hand in hand.