About
The Intercity Network on Plastics Circular Economy is a regional platform that connects cities across Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) to foster collaborative action against plastic pollution, including marine plastics.
Established under Component 3 of the GEF Circular Cities Beyond Plastics project, the Network promotes cooperation, knowledge exchange, and joint strategies to accelerate the transition toward a circular economy at the city level.
The Network promotes:
- A shared regional vision for addressing plastic pollution through circular approaches
- Common goals and policy alignment among cities
- Collaborative strategies to reduce plastic pollution
By strengthening city-to-city cooperation, the Network empowers local governments to scale up solutions, share best practices, and drive impactful change across the region.
Members
Members:
The Network is composed of representatives from cities in the LAC region appointed by their corresponding municipal authorities. Initial member cities include:
- Barranquilla and Cartagena (Colombia)
- Kingston and Montego Bay (Jamaica)
- Panama City and Colón (Panama)
The Network is expanding and has engaged additional cities from the region, such as:
- Mexico City and Playa del Carmen (Mexico)
- Buenos Aires (Argentina)
- Puerto Varas (Chile)
- Quito (Ecuador)
More cities are expected to join as the initiative continues to grow.
Coordinating Committee:
A Coordinating Committee, composed of representatives from the six project cities, will oversee the Network’s activities during its first two years. The Committee will be renewed annually thereafter.
Chair:
Barranquilla was selected in May 2025 as the first Chair of the Network and will serve a one-year term.
Secretariat:
The operation of the Network is supported by a Secretariat. Throughout the project's duration, the Secretariat will be supported by the UNEP Latin America and the Caribbean Office and the Cartagena Convention Secretariat.
Activity Plan
In response to the priorities identified by member cities, the Activity Plan 2025–2026 outlines a roadmap of actions aimed at strengthening regional cooperation and accelerating the transition toward a circular economy for plastics at the city level across LAC.
The plan focuses on:
- Promoting the exchange of information, experiences, and best practices among local governments.
- Strengthening the development of technical capacities to support more circular models of plastic management.
- Supporting the generation of knowledge in key areas such as regulatory instruments, monitoring, and circular economy approaches.
- Consolidating the Intercity Network on Plastics Circular Economy as an active platform for regional collaboration.
Available here.
How to join?
Cities or municipalities from the LAC region, interested in exchanging information and developing strategies for implementing a circular economy for plastics at the municipal level, as well as programs or initiatives to tackle plastic pollution, including marine plastics, are encouraged to apply.
