Humanity faces one of its greatest and most serious threats, the “CRISIS PLANETARY ENVIRONMENT", placing special emphasis on the “POLLUTION CRISIS”. According to the United Nations (UN), all over the planet about 11,200 million tons of solid waste are collected each year; an estimated amount of more than 6.4 million tons ends up in the sea. In addition to this fact, an unquantified amount of that is discharged into bodies of continental waters, canyons, countryside, and other sites.

Uncontrolled accumulation has devastating consequences for the ecosystems. Soil, water, and air pollution causes the degradation of natural habitats, affecting biodiversity and placing the sustainability of ecosystems at risk. The environmental challenge is increasing considerably due to the presence of waste plastics, toxic chemicals, and other non-biodegradable materials that persist for decades, generating a negative environmental legacy for future generations.

Inadequate management has become a global challenge that affects not only the environment, but also human health, economy, and quality of life of communities. Currently, the increase in solid waste disposals has reached alarming proportions, generating negative impacts that demand immediate and effective care. In this context, the rationale for addressing the problem of solid waste is underpinned by several fundamental dimensions.

Inefficient solid waste management poses a direct risk to human health. The proliferation of open landfills and the lack of adequate systems of waste disposals promote the spread of vector-borne disease and contamination of the water supply. In addition, waste incineration releases toxic substances into the air, contributing to breathing problems and other health conditions.

The environmental and health consequences also affect economy, as well as the clean-up of polluted areas, the treatment of diseases and the loss of agricultural and fishery productivity are significant costs that fall on communities and local governments. On the other hand, the adoption of sustainable practices in waste management can lead to economic opportunities, such as job creation in the recycling sector and cost reduction associated with waste disposal.

Addressing the problem of solid waste is an expression of social responsibility, both individually and collectively. In addition, the awareness of the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling has become essential in responsible and compromised communities with the preservation of the environment. The promotion of sustainable waste management practices promotes an environmentally conscious culture that can help present and future generations.

Therefore, it is a priority to work intensively and rapidly in and from different perspectives on the proper management of solid waste. In this context, Universidad Autónoma de Chiapas, through the Collegiate Group of Research "Desarrollo Socio-Ecológico para Mesoamerica (GDSEM)", of Escuela de Sistemas Alimentarios and the Felix Latzo Foundation, both work in collaboration so that interested people who protect the environment converge in this world congress dated August 28th, 29th and 30th, 2024. It will open the possibility to address the need to contribute to the solution to this global crisis.