THE Asian Development Bank (ADB) and China Everbright Environment Group (CEEGL) on Monday formed a strategic partnership to cooperate on efforts to promote the circular economy and protect ocean health in Asia.

Under the agreement, ADB and CEEGL will jointly promote the development of enhanced solid waste management systems in Asia to encourage Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) in waste collection, transportation, and recycling, and to reduce land-based sources of marine debris and related impacts to marine life, coastal livelihoods, and human health.

"The ocean ecosystem faces severe threats from pollution and climate change, demanding urgent and sustainable solutions," said ADB Private Sector Operations Department Deputy DG Mr Christopher Thieme. "By leveraging ADB and CEEGL’s complementary expertise and resources, our partnership will spur advocacy for the circular economy and healthy oceans and disseminate crucial knowledge needed to develop blue economies."

CEEGL said they will take the reduction of pollution and carbon intensity in the ocean as a starting point to better support China’s pledge to achieve carbon emissions peak and carbon neutrality.

The cooperation will focus on raising awareness on the critical role of solid waste management and will document a case study of marine debris reduction through relevant projects.

CEEGL is the first one-stop integrated environmental solution provider in China with a business presence in more than 200 locations domestically and internationally.