A Collaborative Approach for Triggering Environmental Awareness: The 3Rs for Sustainable Use of Natural Resources in Ulaanbaatar (3R4UB)

Current environmental challenges invite us to deeply revise policies, governance models,and resource management toolkits towards a circular approach, in order to meet Sustainable DevelopmentGoals (SDGs) requirements. In this framework, circular waste management is one of thepillars of responsible and foresighted planning for territorial sustainability. The "3Rs for a sustainableuse of natural resources in Ulaanbaatar" (3R4UB) project aims at transferring a sustainable approachto urban solid waste management, especially focusing on providing effective opportunities for developingcircular supply chains locally. In this framework, an integrated approach has been developedin order to adapt the communication/exploitation plan of sustainable waste management within aSWITCH-Asia Country (EU Program) by combining engagement tools and participatory processes forthe collaborative design of a waste management masterplan. This paper explores the spatializationof resources/waste flows in the formal and informal settlements, while also considering culturaltraditions, social structures, and community habits, in terms of a purposely designed combination ofspatial planning, governance modeling, and capacity building activities. Starting from a preliminarycommunication plan, this paper sets the frame for discussing the role of community engagementtools and protocols in producing an effective and generalizable collaborative waste managementmasterplan.