A multi-stakeholder and interdisciplinary approach to waste management and circular economy: The case of Flanders and Ghent, Belgium

Abstract

In 2016, the Flemish Government adopted the transversal policy paper “Vision 2050, a long term strategy for Flanders”. It has set the ambition for Flanders for 2050 and has paved the way for a transition to a Circular Economy. It provided new objectives and confirmed the ambition to further reduce the total amount of (residual) waste by closing the loop and reducing the use of primary resources. More than before, prevention and reuse have been an integral part of materials management. The impact of waste behaviour needs to be measured against environmental and social priorities. In this context, the REPAiR project developed a multi-stakeholder and interdisciplinary methodology. Building on this methodology, this paper explores how governance in Flanders and Ghent has been affected by this transition and draws lessons to address these challenges.