Sustainable value chains: opportunities and challenges of productive integration and decarbonization in Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador
Date
Nov 2023
The present document addresses the need to move towards sustainable value chains in the countries of the Andean Region, focusing on Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. The region faces particular challenges, since a significant proportion of its emissions are linked to export activities, mainly agricultural products and fossil fuels. However, the global trend towards a decarbonized economy presents opportunities in terms of integration with global and regional value chains, with potential benefits in productivity, knowledge transfer, and job creation.
The study identifies links and opportunities with high potential to strengthen regional integration and mitigate carbon emissions. In particular, opportunities in value chains of sectors such as fisheries, textile, plastics, rubber, and automotive are studied. In this regard, five strategic priorities are proposed for regional and international integration and another five to promote decarbonization, ranging from institutional strengthening to financing for the implementation of sustainable projects. Emphasis on capacity development underscores education and vocational training as key pillars for the region. Decarbonization involves not only reducing emissions but also rethinking production and consumption, prioritizing a circular economy model that includes practices such as recycling and reuse.
To consolidate this opportunity, international cooperation is posited as crucial, facilitating access to advanced technologies and best practices. For this reason, bilateral, multilateral, and regional agreements can play a key role in promoting a common agenda. This report provides a roadmap, the execution of which will depend on well-formulated policies and the ability to advance a shared vision to build a more prosperous and sustainable future.
The study identifies links and opportunities with high potential to strengthen regional integration and mitigate carbon emissions. In particular, opportunities in value chains of sectors such as fisheries, textile, plastics, rubber, and automotive are studied. In this regard, five strategic priorities are proposed for regional and international integration and another five to promote decarbonization, ranging from institutional strengthening to financing for the implementation of sustainable projects. Emphasis on capacity development underscores education and vocational training as key pillars for the region. Decarbonization involves not only reducing emissions but also rethinking production and consumption, prioritizing a circular economy model that includes practices such as recycling and reuse.
To consolidate this opportunity, international cooperation is posited as crucial, facilitating access to advanced technologies and best practices. For this reason, bilateral, multilateral, and regional agreements can play a key role in promoting a common agenda. This report provides a roadmap, the execution of which will depend on well-formulated policies and the ability to advance a shared vision to build a more prosperous and sustainable future.
