Waste to Welfare: Village-Level Circular Economy Innovation for Sustainable Environmental Governance

Abstract

This paper investigates the role of participatory communication and empowerment processes in facilitating community-driven circular economy innovation at the village level in Banyuwangi Regency, Indonesia. Utilizing Participatory Communication Theory, Communication for Social Change, and Empowerment and Diffusion of Innovation frameworks, the study analyzes the conversion of waste into economic and ecological value through community-managed waste processing units under village-owned enterprises (BUMDes). Through participatory observation and in-depth interviews conducted in the villages of Kemiren, Bangsring, and Tamansari, the research illustrates that dialogic communication, co-learning, and local leadership have promoted collective ownership and sustained engagement in environmental management. The TPS3R initiatives not only address the technical aspects of waste reduction but also produce organic fertilizer that enhances local food security, thereby demonstrating the practical connection between environmental stewardship and rural livelihood resilience. The findings indicate that success is derived from horizontal communication, trust-building, and adaptive learning among various stakeholders, including villagers, local government, academia, and private partners. These collaborative dynamics exemplify a communication spiral of dialogue, reflection, and collective action, which are characteristic of participatory and empowerment-oriented models. The study concludes that when environmental management is grounded in participatory and dialogic communication, it develops into a sustainable innovation ecosystem capable of effecting both social and ecological transformation. The waste-to-welfare approach thus presents a replicable model for circular economy governance and inclusive agromaritime development at the village scale.