Asia is, by far, the continent which has registered the steepest growth in population and goods consumption in recent decades. However, similarly to other parts of the world, the ability of the socio-economic system to manage the resulting increase in waste generation has not kept pace. One of the most pressing issues in many Asian countries is the lack of professionals specialized in solid waste management.
To address this challenge, it is essential to develop a dedicated workforce and build sector-specific knowledge. This can only be achieved by offering specialized educational courses at various levels and promoting capacity building, governance models, and training programmes. New academic and TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) educational products—targeted also at informal workers—will focus on sustainable solid waste management, health and environmental risks of improper treatment, and business operations. These tools aim to meet the needs of teachers and trainers, and consequently, those of students and trainees, by educating them on the most critical aspects of waste management.
The project will also offer practical learning experiences through the establishment of Training Hubs during the implementation of the SWAP Project. The overarching objective is to strengthen capacity building at the tertiary level and to support training for the vulnerable group of informal waste practitioners.
Ultimately, the project aims to enhance entrepreneurship and the employability of university graduates from Southeast Asian HEIs in the field of sustainable solid waste management. This will be made possible through close collaboration among stakeholders from the Quadruple-helix: academia, industry, government, and civil society.
Thanks to this holistic and inclusive structure, the SWAP Project will not only provide high-quality educational products, strategies, and tools, but also support the development of relevant policies in the target countries.
Call:
Call for Proposals 2020 – EAC-A02-2019-CBHE – CBHE-JP – Capacity Building in Higher Education
Ruolo del Politecnico:
Partner
Responsabile scientifico del Politecnico:
Prof.ri De Gisi / Notarnicola (DICATECH)
SSD:
ING-IND/22 – Scienza e tecnologia dei materiali
Sito web:
https://www.swap-eplus.org/index.php