Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA)

3 de marzo, 2026

Con el objetivo de fortalecer capacidades locales y promover soluciones estructurales frente al aumento sostenido de los residuos sólidos en el país, el Centro Salvadoreño de Tecnología Apropiada (CESTA) desarrolló dos actividades estratégicas: la segunda jornada del Seminario de gestión integral de desechos sólidos dirigida a municipalidades, y el foro público “La invasión plástica en El Salvador: Importación y exportación de desechos plásticos”. Ambos espacios pusieron en el centro la transición hacia modelos basura cero como respuesta técnica, social y ambiental a la crisis de los residuos.

En el marco del proceso formativo impulsado por CESTA, representantes de nueve alcaldías y de organizaciones de sociedad civil participaron en la segunda jornada del Seminario de gestión integral de desechos sólidos.

El objetivo general fue establecer lineamientos que conduzcan a los municipios hacia una gestión sustentable de los desechos sólidos, reduciendo al mínimo la generación de basura y fortalecer la planificación institucional mediante una Hoja de Ruta hacia Municipios Cero Basura.

Durante la sesión se abordaron contenidos técnicos sobre tipos de plásticos, micro y nano plásticos, reciclaje e impactos ambientales y sanitarios, incluyendo los riesgos asociados a la incineración de residuos. La discusión subrayó que estas tecnologías representan falsas soluciones, ya que liberan contaminantes altamente tóxicos como dioxinas y furanos, con impactos directos en la salud y el ambiente.

“Para evitar una crisis de basura de grandes proporciones en un futuro cercano y dar sustentabilidad a la gestión de desechos sólidos, es necesario implementar nuevas acciones creativas que no solo se concentren en la etapa final de la recolección y disposición, sino que abarquen todas las etapas, desde la generación, almacenamiento, recolección, transporte, recuperación y disposición final de desechos y consideren los aspectos económicos, ecológicos, sociales y políticos.”, señaló Laura Mejía, de CESTA.

Por otro lado, el contexto institucional presenta desafíos complejos para que los gobiernos locales implementen acciones relacionadas a los residuos sólidos , por ejemplo, la reducción del Fondo para el Desarrollo Económico y Social (FODES), los procesos de reestructuración de los municipios a distritos y la creación en 2024 de la Autoridad Nacional de Residuos Sólidos (ANDRES) han limitado la autonomía y los recursos financieros de los gobiernos locales.

Frente a este escenario, el proceso de formación representa una contribución valiosa para el fortalecimiento de capacidades de los gobiernos municipales, aportando herramientas e información actualizada y una propuesta para la gestión sustentable de los desechos sólidos. En CESTA, esperan que a futuro cada gobierno municipal cuente con su hoja de ruta clara, realista y aplicable en el corto y mediano plazo, con metas medibles y un compromiso institucional; que cuenten con una visión estratégica con el fin de alcanzar Municipios basura cero.

“Este proceso educativo ha permitido conocer las diversas aristas desde lo ambiental, social, político de la problemática del mal manejo de los desechos sólidos. Esto ha permitido sensibilizar a los /as funcionarios municipales y participantes, para que revisen sus planes operativos e iniciativas para una gestión sustentable de los desechos sólidos y la reducción de la contaminación especialmente de los desechos plásticos.”, afirmó Laura Mejía de CESTA.

Como parte del fortalecimiento de la formación ambiental y política, CESTA realizó además el foro “La invasión plástica en El Salvador”, con la participación de 60 personas entre jóvenes, universidades, recicladores de base, comunidades urbanas, organizaciones sociales y referentes municipales.

El objetivo fue actualizar a la sociedad salvadoreña sobre la magnitud de los desechos plásticos que ingresan al país, así como sobre la creciente generación interna de basura plástica. El espacio incluyó un análisis de la Convención de Basilea y sus enmiendas sobre desechos plásticos peligrosos, examinando el estado de su implementación a nivel nacional.

El foro puso en evidencia que El Salvador continúa recibiendo importantes volúmenes de desechos plásticos desde Estados Unidos, lo que incrementa la vulnerabilidad territorial y ambiental. Las y los participantes coincidieron en la necesidad de fortalecer la coordinación regional y la capacidad de respuesta informada para enfrentar esta problemática.

“Es muy importante hablar sobre importación y exportación de desechos plásticos porque seguimos siendo uno de los países que más recibe basura de Estados Unidos y la población tiene que estar informada para demandar nuestros derechos a no aumentar la vulnerabilidad del territorio. Podemos a nivel regional, encontrar estrategias comunes para enfrentar estas problemáticas.”, comentó Linda Rubio de CESTA.

Entre las principales conclusiones se destacó la urgencia de profundizar la formación político-ambiental, mantener el análisis crítico sobre las dinámicas de importación y exportación de residuos, y articular estrategias comunes que prioricen la justicia ambiental y la reducción en la fuente.

Más allá de los contenidos técnicos, ambos espacios dejaron una reflexión transversal, la gestión de residuos sólidos no puede abordarse únicamente desde la infraestructura, sino que debe hacerse desde un enfoque integral que considere dimensiones económicas, ecológicas, sociales y políticas. La transición hacia basura cero requiere voluntad institucional, participación comunitaria y decisiones basadas en evidencia.

Con estos procesos, CESTA refuerza su apuesta por soluciones locales, socialmente justas, ambientalmente responsables y sin falsas soluciones como la incineración de residuos.

Sobre CESTA

• Frente a las crisis socioambientales planetarias que tienen sus causas inmediatas en el modelo de desarrollo inadecuado y en la estructura de poder que sustenta ese modelo; CESTA contribuye a impulsar esos cambios estructurales que permitan construir sociedades más sustentables con justicia social, ambiental y de género.
• Sitio web: cesta-foe.org.sv/
• Redes sociales: Instagram / Facebook / X

The post CESTA forma a municipalidades salvadoreñas para avanzar hacia hojas de ruta basura cero y abre el debate sobre la invasión plástica en el país first appeared on GAIA.

By Mariel Vilella, February 13, 2026

GAIA (Global Alliance for Incineration Alternatives) today welcomed the COP31 Presidency’s decision to make zero waste and waste methane reduction a top climate priority. The announcement underscores the urgent need to tackle methane—a super-pollutant over 80 times more potent than CO₂ over 20 years—and accelerate near-term climate action under the Paris Agreement, while ensuring a just transition for frontline communities.

“Zero waste is a practical, fast, and equitable climate solution”

Waste methane is one of the fastest and most cost-effective emissions sources to address. Proven solutions—like composting, recycling, waste separation, and biological treatment—can reduce methane emissions by up to 95% and cut total waste-sector emissions by more than 1.4 billion tonnes, while delivering cleaner air, jobs, healthier communities, and stronger local economies. Crucially, these solutions must be implemented in ways that ensure a just transition for waste workers and marginalized communities.

Türkiye has a unique opportunity to lead
Türkiye can elevate zero waste as a core climate solution, mobilizing finance toward local implementation, demonstrating scalable models, and integrating equity and community-led approaches. This sets a powerful precedent for global ambition, practical delivery, and a just transition.

Local communities are already showing what works
Across Latin America, Africa, and Asia, local governments and community organizations are demonstrating that zero waste systems can deliver rapid, equitable climate action. Key examples include:

• Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: 4,500 households in Bonyokwa ward divert 100% of organic waste, cutting 16.4 tonnes of methane annually. World Bank funding supports scaling, led by local GAIA member, Nipe Fagio.
• Brazil: 20+ waste picker organisations in São Paulo and Brasília implement organic waste recycling under the National Strategy for Municipal Biowaste, supported by over US$ 70M.
• Philippines: The Zero Waste Cities Network includes 37 cities committed to reducing 70% of methane from waste by 2030. The Philippine National Waste Workers Alliance (PNWWA) unites 1,000+ workers advocating for safe working conditions.
• Durban, South Africa: Food waste from Warwick markets is composted for the Durban Botanic Garden, reducing landfill costs (~US$ 93/tonne) and creating jobs. The project is expanding to three markets and eventually all nine city markets.
  Accra, Ghana: Green Youth Africa Organization (GAYO) integrates 600 informal waste workers into municipal systems, reducing burning and improving livelihoods.
• Europe: Nearly 500 municipalities are committed to zero waste through the Zero Waste Cities Certification. Highlights include Milan collecting 95 kg of organics per person annually, Salacea (Romania) increasing separate collection from 1% to 61% in three months, and Partizanske (Slovakia) reducing residual waste by 57 kg per person within a year.
  

Financing zero waste solutions is key to a just transition
To scale these proven approaches, GAIA calls on governments, multilateral climate funds, and private investors to:

• Shift finance away from high-emitting, harmful waste disposal practices, such as waste-to-energy incineration, toward community-led zero waste initiatives.
• Support frontline waste workers and local organizations to ensure equitable and effective implementation.
• Provide inclusive access to finance for marginalized communities, ensuring a just transition and that no one is left behind.
  

Zero waste is not only a climate solution—it is a justice-centered development opportunity. The time to act is now. COP31 must ensure finance and support to reach those already delivering results on the ground, so local successes can scale to global impact, while advancing a just transition for all communities involved.

For more information, and case studies of community-led zero waste solutions, visit: GAIA Zero Waste Business Models

The post GAIA Welcomes COP31 Zero Waste Priority, Calls for Climate Finance to Scale Community Solutions and Support a Just Transition first appeared on GAIA.

PRESS STATEMENT
Feb 13, 2026

GAIA welcomes the COP31 Presidency’s decision to prioritize zero waste and waste methane reduction—a critical and timely step toward accelerating climate action and advancing a just transition for frontline communities.

Mariel Vilella, Director of GAIA’s Global Climate Program, said:

“Recognizing zero waste as a top climate priority is both urgent and overdue. Waste methane is a super-pollutant driving near-term warming, yet zero waste solutions—like composting, recycling, and organic waste treatment—can reduce methane emissions by up to 95% and cut total waste-sector emissions by more than 1.4 billion tonnes. These solutions deliver cleaner air, jobs, healthier communities, and stronger local economies, while ensuring a just transition for waste workers and marginalized communities.

“Türkiye has a unique opportunity to lead by elevating zero waste as a core climate solution, mobilizing finance toward implementation, and demonstrating scalable, equity-driven models. Across the globe, communities are already showing what works—from Dar es Salaam diverting 100% of organic waste from 4,500 households, to Brazil’s 20+ waste picker organisations supported with USD 70M, and 37 Philippine cities committed to cutting 70% of methane emissions from waste by 2030.

“Climate finance must shift from harmful disposal practices, like waste-to-energy incineration, to community-led zero waste initiatives that deliver results on the ground. Zero waste is not only a climate solution—it is a justice-centred development opportunity. The time to act is now.”

Additional information about zero waste in practice across the world

Across Latin America, Africa, and Asia, local governments and community organizations are demonstrating that zero waste systems can deliver rapid, equitable climate solutions. The cases of Buenos Aires (Argentina), Quezon City (Philippines), and Accra (Ghana) illustrate how decentralized, community-based organic waste management creates green jobs, reduces methane emissions, and strengthens local governance. These examples show that solutions already exist, but scaling them requires supportive policies, networks, and financial backing. (GAIA Zero Waste Business Models)

Additional transformative examples worldwide include:

• Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: The Bonyokwa ward zero waste model collects 1.74 tonnes daily from 4,500 households, achieving 95% source segregation and 100% organic waste diversion, cutting 16.4 tonnes of methane annually.
• Brazil: Over 20 waste picker organisations, including in São Paulo and Brasília, are implementing organic waste recycling systems under the National Strategy for Municipal Biowaste, supported with over USD 70M in funding.
• Philippines: The Zero Waste Cities Network now includes 37 cities committed to cutting 70% of methane emissions from waste by 2030. The Philippine National Waste Workers Alliance (PNWWA) unites 1,000+ workers advocating for labour rights and safe working conditions.
• Durban, South Africa: Food waste from the Warwick markets is composted for the Durban Botanic Garden, reducing landfill costs (~USD 93/ton) and creating jobs. The project is scaling to three markets and eventually all nine city markets.
• Accra, Ghana: Green Youth Africa Organization (GAYO) integrates 600 informal waste workers into municipal waste systems, reducing burning and improving livelihoods.
• Europe: Nearly 500 municipalities are committed to zero waste under the Zero Waste Cities Certification. Highlights include Milan collecting 95 kg of organics per person annually, Salacea (Romania) increasing separate collection from 1% to 61% in three months, and Partizanske (Slovakia) reducing residual waste by 57 kg per person within a year.

MEDIA CONTACT:  

Sonia Astudillo, Global Climate Communications Officer | +639175968286 | sonia@no-burn.org

GAIA is a network of grassroots groups as well as national and regional alliances representing more than 1000 organizations from over 100 countries. With our work we aim to catalyze a global shift towards environmental justice by strengthening grassroots social movements that advance solutions to waste and pollution. We envision a just, Zero Waste world built on respect for ecological limits and community rights, where people are free from the burden of toxic pollution, and resources are sustainably conserved, not burned or dumped. www.no-burn.org

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GAIA condemns the Environmental Protection Agency‘s (EPA) official revocation of its 2009 Endangerment Finding (“Finding”) under Section 202(a) of the Clean Air Act. The Finding was based on decades of overwhelming scientific evidence and legal precedent that greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) endanger public health and welfare. The administration argued that the Clean Air Act does not give it legal authority to regulate GHG, thereby destroying the legal foundation upon which vital climate protections were based.

By decoupling greenhouse gas emissions from the documented harm they do to human and environmental health, the administration is flinging open the door for massive deregulation at the federal level. Their initial stated intent for revoking the Finding is to gut motor vehicle emissions regulations. But it won’t stop there.

On Wednesday, the day before officially revoking the Finding, the administration continued to prop up the coal industry in an Executive Order requiring the Pentagon to source energy from coal-fired power plants, following up on their June 2025  proposed “Repeal of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards for Fossil Fuel-Fired Electric Generating Units.”

For GAIA and our members working at the intersection of waste and environmental justice, this revocation will limit the tools we have to hold polluters accountable and to protect our communities, and especially Black, Brown, and Indigenous communities where polluting infrastructure is most often sited. 

The waste sector is one of the biggest emitters of methane, a greenhouse gas with 82.5 times the warming potential of CO₂ over a 20-year period.  Ending the Finding will take away the authority of the EPA to regulate methane and co-pollutants from landfills, incinerators, and other waste facilities. Additionally, this will stall progress toward true zero waste systems, such as organics diversion, composting, and nontoxic reuse, that cut methane at the source while advancing climate, health, and equity goals. 

Plastics production and disposal are exponentially expanding  GHG emitters. If plastics were a country, it would be the world’s fifth-largest GHG emitter.  Without EPA authority to regulate GHG emissions, the plastics and petrochemical industry will be free to expand all of the processes–including pyrolysis and gasification–that release extensive GHG emissions, in addition to using toxic chemicals.

This decision is so egregious that numerous organizations have promised to sue the administration, which GAIA fully supports. 

The post EPA revokes its Endangerment Finding, dismantling the legal basis for U.S. climate pollution limits first appeared on GAIA.

PARA SU PUBLICACIÓN INMEDIATA: 7 de febrero de 2026

Ginebra, Suiza – El 7 de febrero, los Estados Parte se reunieron en Ginebra, Suiza, en el marco del INC-5.3 para elegir a una nueva Presidencia de las negociaciones del Tratado de plásticos.

El anterior Presidente, el embajador Luis Vayas Valdivieso de Ecuador, anunció formalmente su renuncia a finales del año pasado, generando un vacío de liderazgo en un momento decisivo del proceso. Durante su gestión, las negociaciones fueron objeto de reiteradas críticas por la falta de transparencia, lo que socavó aún más la frágil confianza de los países y de los observadores en el proceso. De manera sistemática, la Presidencia se alineó con el mínimo común denominador, pese al aumento de la ambición por parte de la mayoría de los Estados.

Ahora que el embajador Julio Cordano, Chile, asume la conducción del proceso, la membresía de GAIA le insta a trazar un rumbo distinto al de su antecesor y a restablecer la confianza mediante la recuperación de la transparencia, el ejercicio de una conducción neutral, la habilitación de una toma de decisiones eficaz y la garantía de un acceso y una representación adecuados de la sociedad civil en las negociaciones. Pero lo más importante, deberá sostener la ambición asumida por los Estados Parte desde el inicio del proceso: entregar al mundo un tratado que aborde el ciclo de vida completo de los plásticos, desde la extracción hasta la disposición final,  priorizando la ciencia independiente, los derechos humanos y el liderazgo del Sur Global por sobre los intereses corporativos y de los petroestados.

Larisa de Orbe, Acción Ecológica México:

“El Sur Global ha sido históricamente una de las regiones más afectadas por el ciclo de vida de los plásticos, y por eso ha liderado las metas más ambiciosas. La nueva Presidencia debe reconocer este liderazgo y garantizar que su voz sea escuchada.”

Cecilia Bianco, Taller Ecologista:

“La Presidencia debe asegurar el cumplimiento de la Resolución 5/14 sobre el ciclo de vida de los plásticos, desde la extracción de materias primas hasta la disposición final. Es esencial reducir la producción de plásticos mediante metas globales vinculantes.”

Jam Lorenzo, BAN Toxics:

“La elección de una nueva Presidencia es un paso importante, pero un tratado que aborde todo el ciclo de vida de los plásticos solo será posible si los Estados dejan de proteger a los grandes contaminadores. Proteger la salud humana y el ambiente debe ser el objetivo central.”

Shahriar Hossain, Bangladesh:

“En esta etapa de las negociaciones, lo que falta no es evidencia, sino ambición. La ciencia es clara y los impactos son innegables. Se necesita voluntad política colectiva para lograr un tratado vinculante y creíble que actúe en el origen del problema.”

Robert Kitumaini Chikwanine, SOPRODE RDC:

“La sociedad civil aporta las voces de las comunidades afectadas, conocimiento independiente y la vigilancia necesaria para un tratado creíble. La Presidencia debe garantizar nuestro acceso y asegurar un proceso transparente e inclusivo.”

Kwame Ofori, Ako Foundation:“Para millones de personas que sufren a diario el impacto de la contaminación plástica, este liderazgo es lo que determinará si la ciencia, la justicia y los medios de subsistencia se garantizan o se retrasan”.

Frankie Orona, Society of Native Nations:

“Los Pueblos Indígenas y las comunidades en primera línea viven a diario los impactos de la contaminación plástica. Su participación es esencial para que sus derechos, saberes y realidades no queden relegados frente a los intereses de los contaminadores.”

Contacto de prensa:

Camila Aguilera | camila@no-burn.org | +56 9 8913 6198

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GAIA es una alianza mundial de más de 1000 grupos de base, organizaciones no gubernamentales y personas de más de 90 países. Con nuestro trabajo, buscamos impulsar un cambio global hacia la justicia ambiental mediante el fortalecimiento de los movimientos sociales de base que promueven soluciones a los residuos y la contaminación. Imaginamos un mundo justo y sin basura cero, basado en el respeto por los límites ecológicos y los derechos de las comunidades, donde las personas estén libres de la carga de la contaminación tóxica y los recursos se conserven de manera sostenible, sin quemarse ni tirarse a la basura.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 7, 2026

Geneva, Switzerland– Member States convened in Geneva, Switzerland, on the 7th of February for INC-5.3 to elect a new Chair of the plastics treaty negotiations. Today they formally elected Julio Cordano, diplomat and Director of Environment, Climate Change, and Oceans at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Chile.

The previous Chair, Ambassador Luis Vayas Valdivieso of Ecuador, formally announced his resignation as Chair late last year, creating a leadership vacuum during a pivotal moment in the treaty process. Under his watch, the negotiations were frequently criticized for a lack of transparency, breaking down the already fragile trust countries and Observers had in the process. The Chair consistently catered to the lowest common denominator, despite growing ambition amongst a majority of countries. 

As Mr. Cordano takes the helm of the treaty process, GAIA members are urging him to chart a different course from his predecessor and restore trust by reestablishing transparency, promoting neutrality, enabling effective decision-making, and ensuring that civil society has appropriate access and representation in the talks. Most critically, he must uphold the ambition Member States committed to at the outset of this process: to deliver the world a treaty that addresses the full life cycle of plastics, from extraction to disposal, prioritising independent science, human rights, and Global South leadership over corporate and petro-state interests. 

Jam Lorenzo, BAN Toxics, Philippines: “The election of the new Chair is an important step towards progress, but a treaty that addresses the full lifecycle of plastics can only be achieved if Member States cease to protect the interests of plastic polluters. The impacts of plastic throughout its lifecycle are undeniable, and Member States need to be united in the central goal of protecting human health and the environment if we want an effective global plastics treaty.” 

Shahriar Hossain,  ESDO, Bangladesh: “At this stage in the negotiations, ambition, not evidence, is the missing ingredient. The science is settled, impacts are undeniable, and the moment now calls for collective political will. A credible, legally binding treaty must address plastic pollution at its source while safeguarding equity and human health.”

Robert Kitumaini Chikwanine, SOPRODE DRC:  “Civil society brings the voices of affected communities, independent expertise, and the vigilance necessary for a credible treaty. The Chair must guarantee our access and ensure a transparent and inclusive process.”

Kwame Ofori, Ako Foundation, Ghana: “To millions of people who experience the impact of plastic pollution on a daily basis, this leadership is what will decide whether science, justice, and livelihoods are secured or delayed.”

Larisa de Orbe, Acción Ecológica México: “The Global South has historically been one of the regions most affected by the plastic life cycle, which is why it has taken the lead in setting the most ambitious targets. The new Presidency must recognise the region’s leadership and ensure that its voice is heard.” 

Cecilia Bianco, Taller Ecologista, Argentina: “The Chair must ensure compliance with Resolution 5/14 on the life cycle of plastics, from raw material extraction to final disposal. It is essential that the treaty address the reduction of plastic production with binding global targets.”

Frankie Orona, Society of Native Nations: “Indigenous Peoples and frontline communities are living with the impacts of plastic pollution every day. Indigenous Peoples participation is essential to ensure lived realities, the rights and knowledge of Indigenous Peoples are not sidelined in favor of polluter interests. 

Press contact:

Claire Arkin | claire@no-burn.org | +1 973 444 4869

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GAIA is a worldwide alliance of more than 1,000 grassroots groups, non-governmental organizations, and individuals in over 90 countries. With our work, we aim to catalyze a global shift towards environmental justice by strengthening grassroots social movements that advance solutions to waste and pollution. We envision a just, zero waste world built on respect for ecological limits and community rights, where people are free from the burden of toxic pollution, and resources are sustainably conserved, not burned or dumped. 

The post Countries Adopt New Chair of Plastics Treaty Negotiations  first appeared on GAIA.