Ivan Jay Asturias:
Building Trust and Strengthening Community Connections for Circular Economy Success

As part of our "Voices of Circular Economy" series, Eco Kolek is excited to introduce Ivan Jay Asturias, our dedicated Community Liaison Staff. Ivan plays a key role in fostering strong connections between Eco Kolek and the communities we serve. His passion for community engagement and effective communication is at the heart of Eco Kolek’s mission to implement sustainable waste management practices and build trust in the regions we work with.

"Maintaining a constant and helpful presence in the community is key to building the trust we need for successful waste recovery operations," Ivan shares. "I provide the necessary support to our local leaders and residents to ensure that our liaison efforts lead to seamless collaboration."

Bridging Gaps and Building Trust

Ivan’s role is essential to the success of Eco Kolek’s community-based initiatives. As the main point of contact between Eco Kolek, local leaders, and Eco Warriors, Ivan ensures that our waste recovery programs align with the needs of the community. By staying actively involved and visible, he helps foster a sense of trust and partnership, which is crucial for long-term sustainability. Ivan’s ability to communicate clearly and build rapport strengthens our foundation for collaboration, ensuring that Eco Kolek’s efforts are both effective and embraced by the communities we serve.

Supporting the Eco Warriors

A major aspect of Ivan’s work is supporting the Eco Warriors, the heart of Eco Kolek’s field operations. He ensures they have the resources and support they need to carry out waste management activities effectively. But Ivan’s role goes beyond logistics — it’s about being a constant presence and a reliable resource for local leaders and residents. He provides guidance and ensures that waste management initiatives are tailored to the specific needs of each community. Ivan’s hands-on approach empowers the Eco Warriors to succeed in their roles and contribute meaningfully to Eco Kolek’s mission.

Fostering Social Behavioral Change (SBC)

Ivan also plays a crucial role in the Social Behavioral Change (SBC) team, where he helps foster community awareness and engagement on sustainable waste practices. He works to promote open communication and education, encouraging residents to adopt environmentally friendly habits. His efforts are critical to ensuring that the behavioral changes necessary for a circular economy are understood and actively supported by the community. By promoting sustainability at the grassroots level, Ivan helps drive positive environmental change that can be sustained long after Eco Kolek’s projects are complete.

Building Sustainable Relationships

At Eco Kolek, we understand that the journey toward a sustainable circular economy is about more than just implementing programs — it’s about creating lasting relationships with the communities we serve. Ivan’s deep commitment to community empowerment and collaboration ensures that our waste management systems are not only implemented but embraced by local residents. By providing the support needed to make these systems work, Ivan plays an integral role in helping Eco Kolek create cleaner, more sustainable environments.

Looking to the Future

With Ivan’s leadership in community liaison and his ongoing dedication, Eco Kolek is confident that our efforts will continue to strengthen and expand, fostering stronger relationships with the communities we serve. His contributions to building trust and ensuring effective communication will have a lasting impact on our mission, as we continue to promote environmental sustainability and the circular economy.