Deadline: 31-May-2026
The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is seeking expressions of interest for a cooperation agreement to support the design and pre-investment study of an integrated solid waste management system for El Potrerillo Market in San Juan de Pasto, Colombia. The initiative provides funding of USD 50,000 and focuses on improving waste management systems, especially organic waste treatment and circular economy approaches.
Program Overview
This initiative forms part of the broader Pasto Emergency Action for Resilient Settlements project and seeks to strengthen sustainable waste management practices within one of San Juan de Pasto’s important commercial areas.
The programme focuses on creating an integrated and scalable waste management system that improves waste separation, collection, treatment, recovery, and reuse processes. Particular emphasis is placed on organic waste management and the development of sustainable urban solutions that can improve environmental outcomes and support circular economy practices.
The selected implementing partner will be responsible for developing technical studies, designing operational systems, and preparing an investment-ready package for future implementation and expansion.
Focus Areas and Program Objectives
The programme supports multiple priorities related to integrated waste management and urban sustainability.
Key objectives include:
• Strengthening source separation of waste
• Designing efficient waste collection systems
• Improving transportation systems for waste handling
• Developing organic waste treatment and valorization technologies
• Conducting technical diagnostics and waste characterization
• Assessing waste flows and management systems
• Supporting social and behavioral assessments
• Conducting environmental assessments
• Performing operational and financial analyses
• Strengthening stakeholder engagement
• Developing governance and financing structures
• Creating scalable implementation approaches
Expected Outcomes
Projects developed under this initiative are expected to create measurable improvements.
Expected outcomes include:
• Improved waste management practices
• Stronger organic waste recovery systems
• Increased circular economy solutions
• Better operational efficiency
• Enhanced stakeholder coordination
• Improved environmental sustainability
• Stronger governance mechanisms
• Scalable urban waste management models
Priority Activities
The selected implementing partner will carry out several project activities.
Technical Assessment and Diagnostics
Activities include:
• Existing waste system assessment
• Waste characterization studies
• Waste flow analysis
• Identification of operational gaps
• Institutional assessment
Integrated Waste System Design
Activities include:
• Source separation system development
• Collection system design
• Transportation planning
• Treatment and recovery solutions
• Waste valorization approaches
Market and Financial Studies
Activities include:
• Market analysis for by-products
• Financial feasibility assessments
• Identification of recovery opportunities
• Sustainability assessments
Governance and Institutional Planning
Activities include:
• Governance model development
• Institutional role definitions
• Financing structure design
• Long-term sustainability planning
Implementation Documentation
Activities include:
• Technical designs
• Operational frameworks
• Environmental safeguard measures
• Financial models
• Implementation roadmaps
• Scaling strategies
Key Concepts Explained
Source separation refers to sorting waste materials at the point where they are generated to improve recycling and treatment processes.
Waste valorization refers to converting waste materials into products with economic or practical value.
Circular economy approaches focus on reducing waste and maximizing resource recovery and reuse.
Waste characterization involves analysing the composition and type of waste generated in a specific location.
Pre-investment studies are assessments and planning activities conducted before implementation to determine project feasibility and readiness.
Stakeholder Engagement Requirements
The programme requires engagement with a wide range of stakeholders.
Stakeholders include:
• Local authorities
• Service providers
• Market vendors
• Waste picker organizations
• Community groups
• Other relevant actors
Funding Information
Funding support is available through a cooperation agreement.
Funding details include:
• Grant amount: USD 50,000
• Funding type: Cooperation agreement
• Purpose: Design and pre-investment study activities
Who is Eligible?
Applicants must demonstrate legal and organizational capacity to implement the project.
Eligibility requirements include:
• Legally registered organizations
• Organizations with demonstrated implementation capacity
• Financially stable institutions
• Organizations with governance and accountability systems
• Applicants with a dedicated project bank account
Required documentation includes:
• Registration certificates
• Organizational profiles
• Audited financial statements
• Governance declarations
• Supporting organizational documentation
Why This Opportunity Matters
Urban markets often generate significant quantities of waste, particularly organic waste, which can create environmental and operational challenges if not managed effectively. Strengthening integrated waste systems can improve environmental sustainability while creating scalable solutions for broader urban use.
Potential benefits include:
• Improved environmental conditions
• Better resource recovery systems
• Reduced waste impacts
• Stronger urban resilience
• Increased circular economy practices
• Long-term sustainability improvements
What Applicants Need to Do
Organizations planning to apply should prepare strong technical and institutional documentation.
Recommended actions include:
- Review project requirements carefully.
- Gather required organizational documentation.
- Demonstrate technical and operational expertise.
- Show experience in waste management activities.
- Develop approaches for stakeholder engagement.
- Demonstrate financial and governance capacity.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid common proposal weaknesses.
Common mistakes include:
• Weak technical approaches
• Limited stakeholder engagement strategies
• Incomplete financial information
• Missing governance documentation
• Weak implementation planning
• Limited sustainability considerations
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of this opportunity?
The initiative supports the design and pre-investment study of an integrated waste management system for El Potrerillo Market.
How much funding is available?
The grant size for this opportunity is USD 50,000.
Who can apply?
Legally registered organizations with demonstrated technical and financial capacity can apply.
What waste type receives particular attention?
The project places significant emphasis on organic waste management and valorization.
Does the project require stakeholder participation?
Yes. Strong stakeholder engagement with local actors and community groups is required.
What outputs are expected from the selected partner?
The selected organization must produce technical studies, system designs, governance models, financial structures, and investment-ready documentation.
What documents are required?
Applicants must submit registration certificates, organizational profiles, audited financial statements, governance declarations, and related supporting documents.
Conclusion
UN-Habitat’s initiative for El Potrerillo Market seeks to strengthen sustainable and integrated waste management through innovative and scalable solutions. By improving waste separation, treatment, recovery systems, and stakeholder coordination, the project aims to create a long-term model for urban waste management that can be replicated in similar contexts.
For more information, visit UN Habitat.