About

CES Concept

Circulating and Ecological Sphere (CES) is an integrated policy approach to stimulate a self-reliant, decentralized and sustainable society, by capitalizing on the unique characteristics of urban-rural linkages within a defined regional space, to simultaneously achieve decarbonization, optimal resource circulation, harmony with nature, economic revitalization and community well-being.

The Regional-CES provides a new framework/paradigm in sustainable development that aims to maximize the vitality of all regions through sustainable, equitable and efficient use of resources of mountainous, agricultural and fishing villages as well as cities in an integrated manner.

IGES Approach

Recognizing the importance of integrated and collective planning actions in order to manage the nexus of environmental and social issues, IGES has been working together with its partners at the forefront, providing integrated solutions for sustainable development challenges.

Through advancing the Circulating and Ecological Sphere Approach, IGES has been working to stimulate self-reliant and decentralized societies where different resources are circulated within each region, and where there is symbiosis and exchange with neighbouring regions according to their unique characteristics, making use of the wide range of resources found in mountainous, agricultural and fishing villages as well as in cities.

Message from IGES President: The CES approach is a transformative pathway to foster urban-rural partnerships by utilizing local natural capital to revitalize economies, create jobs, and drive SDG localization, decarbonization, and net-zero goals. Due to its seamless alignment with the 2030 Agenda and other global frameworks, I strongly believe that it offers integrated solutions for sustainable development.

Message from the IGES Executive Director: Considering the new and emerging challenges in advancing sustainable development, it is time to rethink our urban-rural planning strategies and prioritize their resilience in line with global frameworks like the 2030 Agenda. The CES approach stands out as an integrated policy approach, promoting rural revitalization through the sustainable use of natural capital, human potential, and technological innovation. By adopting CES, we can "bounce forward" toward transformative resilience and advance sustainable development.

CES-Asia Consortium - A Regional partnership

IGES, START International, Inc. together with several leading academic and research institutes in South and Southeast Asia, signed an agreement (on 14 October 2021) to establish a consortium for advancing the Circulating and Ecological Sphere (CES) concept, with the aim of building resilience in city regions across South and Southeast Asia. Over the years, the CES-Asia consortium has been jointly working towards advancing research and capacity building that strengthens understanding and promotes utilization of the CES concept, in order to address sustainability challenges in South and Southeast Asia. The below map illustrates the geographic footprint of the CES-Asia Consortium.

CES-Asia Consortium Members