THE CONTRIBUTION OF CIVIL SOCIETY IN CIRCULAR ECONOMY TO THE SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN MALI CASE OF SELECTED CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATION IN PLASTIC WASTE MANAGEMENT IN BAMAKO

Abstract

This thesis investigated the crucial role of Civil Society organizations in the implementation of Circular Economy policies to enhance environmental management. Focusing on a specific community within Bamako, the study aims to improve sustainable plastic waste management across three circumscriptions in the Bamako District. The objectives encompass assessing Circular Economy policy's impact on efficiency, identifying barriers to plastic waste management, and formulating strategies to empower Civil Society (including Youth, Women associations, and CBOs) for comprehensive national environmental planning and advocacy, particularly within the private sector and at the local community level. A mixed research approach combining qualitative and quantitative methods was employed, with a sample size of 95 respondents were drawn from 1328 officials and Civil Society organization representatives. Data collection involved interviews, questionnaires, and data from second hand. The findings underscored the significant contributions of Civil Society to intervene on plastic waste management through Circular Economy initiatives among state (policy framework) and private sector (job opportunities) . However, challenges hindering the full realization of circular economy principles, including reuse, recycling, and waste reduction, were identified. To address these challenges, the study proposes a range of recommendations. These include harnessing technology and innovative consumption solutions, increasing resource allocation to local government and Civil Society, and capacity-building within the private sector. Additionally, the study highlights the importance of training, community mobilization, and outreach, fostering partnerships, establishing accountability mechanisms, encouraging community participation, developing a comprehensive waste reduction strategy, and improving financial management within community organizations.