Mexico Launches Circular Economy Project to Boost Climate Action

The Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) launched the preparatory phase of the IKI project Climate and Biodiversity Action through Circular Economy Solutions (CB-ACES) in Mexico City.

The meeting brought together representatives from SEMARNAT, the Mexican Agency for International Development Cooperation (AMEXCID), the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, and UNIDO to formalize the initiative. The project is part of ongoing international climate cooperation between Mexico and Germany.

CB-ACES is financed by the German Climate Initiative (IKI) of the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUV) and implemented in collaboration with the Mexican-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CAMEXA). The project aims to develop sustainable production solutions that integrate circular economy principles into national climate action and biodiversity policies.

At the inauguration, Germán Ruiz, Director General, SEMARNAT, highlighted strategic projects in Mexico’s federal environmental agenda, as outlined in the 2025–2030 National Development Plan. These include river cleanup and sanitation, ecosystem restoration and conservation, socio-environmental justice, a 35% reduction of greenhouse gases under the country’s NDC, and the Hidalgo Circular Economy Ecological Park.

Mario Mendoza, Director General of Special Project Execution, AMEXCID, emphasized that cooperation with Germany is among Mexico’s most active and internationally leading partnerships, particularly on environmental protection and natural resource projects.

Clarissa Heisig, Counselor for Cooperation and Climate, German Embassy, highlighted the history of Germany-Mexico environmental cooperation and Germany’s experience in establishing legal frameworks for circular economy development. This expertise has strengthened bilateral projects and collaboration.

Johannes Dobinger, Representative, UNIDO in Mexico and Central America, noted the organization’s historic role in promoting inclusive and sustainable industrial development. UNIDO has implemented projects in Mexico on circular economy, industrial decarbonization, chemical management, and quality infrastructure, working with government agencies and international partners.

Jérôme Stucki, Head of Circular Resource Efficiency Unit, UNIDO, presented the CB-ACES project components. He explained that the initiative will support Mexico’s national and international commitments on emission reduction, biodiversity protection, and the consolidation of circular economy policies, programs, and strategies. The private sector will play a key role in transitioning to sustainable production models.

Following the inauguration, a technical workshop was held with representatives from public institutions, companies, and civil society organizations. The workshop marks the start of a planning phase to align project objectives with circular economy needs. The five-year project is scheduled to begin activities in June next year, after completing the preparatory phase.

In the coming months, the project team will carry out sector diagnostics and build strategic partnerships to lay the groundwork for implementation, expected in 2026. Representatives from CAMEXA participated in the event, promoting economic, technological, and environmental cooperation between Mexico and Germany, supporting sustainable business practices and industrial training in both countries.