12th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum

• 05 Mar 2025

Source: PIB 

Why in News? 

India (Jaipur, Rajasthan) hosted the 12th Regional 3R and Circular Economy Forum in Asia and the Pacific emphasising on sustainable waste management and circular economy. 

• A circular economy focuses on durable, reusable, and recyclable products, ensuring materials are continuously repurposed, remanufactured, or used for various purposes. 

What are the Key Highlights of the 12th Regional Forum Meeting? 

• About: It is a regional platform that promotes 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) principles and circular economy practices across the Asia-Pacific region. 
  • It brings together policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, and partners to advance resource efficiency strategies. 
• Historical Context: It was launched in 2009 to promote 3R principles and resource efficiency.  
  • The Hanoi 3R Declaration (2013-2023) set 33 voluntary goals for a resource-efficient and circular economy. 

 

• Theme: Realizing Circular Societies Towards Achieving SDGs and Carbon Neutrality in Asia-Pacific. 
• Objectives: Discuss and agree a voluntary, non-binding “3R and Circular Economy Declaration (2025-2034)” for a resource-efficient, low-carbon, and resilient Asia-Pacific. 
  • Discuss and pave way towards realization of a Circular Economy Alliance Network (CEAN) towards Zero Waste Cities and Societies. 
  • Discuss circular economy strategies to achieve net-zero targets and SDGs. 
• Key Announcements:  
  • P-3 (Pro Planet People) Approach: India’s PM advocated the P-3 approach for sustainable lifestyles and eco-friendly behavior.  
  • Cities Coalition for Circularity (C-3): The C-3, a global alliance for city collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and private sector partnerships, was launched. 
  • CITIIS 2.0: A key MoU for CITIIS 2.0 (City Investments to Innovate, Integrate and Sustain) was signed that focuses on integrated waste management and climate action.

Click Here to Read: What is a Circular Economy? 

India's Leadership in Circular Economy & 3R Policies 

• Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U): Achieved 108.62% of the household toilet construction target and successfully processed 80.29% of solid waste. 
• GOBAR-Dhan Scheme: 1,008 biogas plants are operational, covering 67.8% of India's districts. 
• E-Waste Management Rules, 2022: For FY 2024-25, 5,82,769 MT of e-waste was collected, with 5,18,240 MT successfully recycled. 
• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for Plastic: India banned single use plastic on 1st July 2022. 

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs) 

Prelims 

Q. In India, ‘extend producer responsibility’ was introduced as an important feature in which of the following? (2019)

(a) The Bio-medical Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 1998 

(b) The Recycled Plastic (Manufacturing and Usage) Rules, 1999 

(c) The e-Waste (Management and Handling) Rules, 2011 

(d) The Food Safety and Standard Regulations, 2011 

Ans: (c)

Q. Due to improper/indiscriminate disposal of old and used computers or their parts, which of the following are released into the environment as e-waste? (2013) 

1. Beryllium 
2. Chromium 
3. Cadmium
4. Heptachlor
5. Mercury 
6. Lead
7. Plutonium

Select the correct answer using the codes given below: 

(a) 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only  

(b) 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 only 

(c) 2, 4, 5 and 7 only 

(d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 

Ans: (b)