Our Work

Circular by Nature is a flagship research project by the Circular Development Initiative. This research compiles and documents empirical practices (case studies) of nature-based solutions (NbS) that support biological circularity (e.g., nutrient cycling, carbon cycling, water cycling, etc.) with Indonesian and global case studies. The research aims to inform urban and regional development policy on the importance of nature-based circularity and how NbS play significant roles in delivering bio-circularity-related ecosystem services.

Circular urban development initiatives began before the onset of COVID-19, with the aim of creating sustainable and resilient urban environments. However, the pandemic has brought new urgency to these efforts, as scholars and development organizations now advocate for an accelerated transition to circular systems as a key strategy for recovery and future-proofing cities. This research seeks to explore the extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic has acted as a catalyst or an impediment to the scaling up of circular development practices. By conducting a comparative study of Jakarta and Amsterdam, the research aims to provide detailed insights into how these cities have navigated the challenges and opportunities presented by the pandemic. The findings will contribute to a deeper understanding of the dynamics involved in transitioning to circular urban systems in the face of global shocks.