Financing initiatives to promote river cleaning and the development of agreements for the modernization of local hydroelectric plants are some of the projects promoted by Norway, Sweden and Finlandas part of the efforts of these Nordic countries to strengthen ties with the Dominican Republic.
The governments of these nations, together with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), serve as co-hosts of the Third International Forum of Circular Economy in the Dominican Republican event organized by the consulting firm Deuman, in which diplomatic representatives offered details of the initiatives promoted and possible collaborations in the future.
“The circular economy It is a very important topic for us; That is why we are supporting different projects around the world and now we are creating alliances with the Dominican Republic“commented Ludvig Daver, deputy chief of mission at the Embassy of Sweden in Havana.
In that sense, he reported that this Thursday the Dominican Hydroelectric Generation Company (Egehid) will sign an agreement with swedfundSwedish development finance agency.
“What they will do is start with a pilot study in order to modernize plants hydroelectric plants in the country,” said Daver, who indicated that work on the study is expected to begin in January 2026.
He recalled that last June the Ministry of Environment signed an agreement with the Swedish Energy Agency to promote projects that reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and promote sustainable development.
Norway and the Ozama
Susanne Karine Gjonnes, counselor at the Embassy of Norway in Havana, concurrent with the Dominican Republic, expressed that his country has worked closely with the Dominican Republic in the coalition to create a global agreement against plastic pollution.
He added that, within the framework of that forum, they learned of a project promoted by the UNDP for the cleaning of the Ozama and Isabela rivers. The diplomat pointed out that Norway offers financial support to the initiative, although he did not specify the amount.
“It is an interesting project because they are working with local communities and with small MSMEs, many of them led by women,” said Gjonnes, who highlighted the importance of finding solutions that work for the communities that reside near these tributaries.
Gjonnes expressed interest in developing other activities to increase dialogue about plastic and circular economy.
Approach of Finland
Henna Maki-Mantila, deputy head of mission at the Embassy of Finland in Bogotá, stated that they are studying the possibility of companies from that country working together with their Dominican counterparts.
“We have a lot of experience in circular economy and there are several Finnish companies that, for example, are dedicated to energy supply and how we can use it more efficiently. Others work with sargassum; We know that it is a very important issue here,” said the Finnish representative.
The organizers of the Third International Circular Economy Forum reported that this Thursday the event “Nordic Afternoon: From Waste to Wealth – Nordic Paths towards a Circular Future” will take place, organized by the Nordic embassies with the support of the UNDP and financing from the Nordic Council of Ministers.
“This parallel session will highlight the innovative experiences and approaches in circular economy of the Nordic countries, recognized for integrating environmental responsibility with social equity and economic development,” the organizers said in a statement.
