Mexico has taken a structured step toward integrating circular economy principles into its national climate and biodiversity policies with the launch of the preparatory phase of the Climate and Biodiversity Action through Circular Economy Solutions (CB-ACES) project.
Initiated by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources (SEMARNAT) in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), the project is financed by the German Climate Initiative (IKI) under the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMUV).
The inauguration in Mexico City brought together representatives from SEMARNAT, the Mexican Agency for International Development Cooperation (AMEXCID), the German Embassy, and UNIDO. CB-ACES is positioned as part of Mexico’s broader international cooperation with Germany and aims to promote sustainable production solutions by embedding circular economy practices into industrial, climate, and biodiversity strategies.
At the event, SEMARNAT Director General Germán Ruiz emphasized the alignment of CB-ACES with Mexico’s 2025–2030 National Development Plan, which prioritizes river cleanup and sanitation, ecosystem restoration, socio-environmental justice, and a 35% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions in line with Mexico’s nationally determined contribution (NDC). He also highlighted the Hidalgo Circular Economy Ecological Park as a model initiative integrating sustainability into industrial and ecological planning.
AMEXCID’s Mario Mendoza underscored the bilateral environmental cooperation between Mexico and Germany as one of the country’s most active partnerships, while Clarissa Heisig, Counselor for Cooperation and Climate at the German Embassy, highlighted Germany’s experience in establishing legal frameworks and operational strategies for circular economy implementation. UNIDO representatives noted their organization’s historical engagement in promoting inclusive industrial development, decarbonization, chemical management, and quality infrastructure in Mexico.
The CB-ACES project is structured to support Mexico’s climate and biodiversity commitments while facilitating the transition of the private sector toward sustainable production models. UNIDO’s Jérôme Stucki outlined the project components, noting that they include diagnostics, capacity-building, and policy integration to consolidate circular economy strategies nationally. The initiative will also leverage private sector participation to drive practical adoption of sustainable production solutions across industries.
A technical workshop followed the inauguration, involving government officials, business representatives, and civil society organizations. The session marked the beginning of a sectoral diagnostic phase, establishing strategic partnerships and aligning project objectives with practical circular economy needs. The five-year initiative is scheduled to commence full activities in June 2026, with preparatory work focusing on mapping opportunities for sustainable industrial practices and strengthening Mexico-Germany collaboration through CAMEXA.
