Australia has underscored its commitment to collaborating with Pacific island countries to establish a legally binding and effective global treaty to eliminate plastic pollution by the year 2040. This commitment was reaffirmed during the recent Pacific Regional Preparatory Meeting held in Apia, Samoa, in advance of the upcoming second part of the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5.2), which aims to draft an international agreement addressing plastic pollution, including its impact on marine environments.
During the discussions, representatives from Australia and New Zealand joined Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) to review the treaty text and formulate regional strategies aligned with the UNEA Resolution 5/14. This resolution emphasizes the necessity of an instrument that addresses plastic pollution through its entire lifecycle. Cameron Hutchison, who heads Australia’s Waste and Resource Recovery Policy Branch, reiterated Australia’s sustained support during negotiations, highlighting the significant stakes for Pacific island nations that are disproportionately affected by plastic pollution.
Hutchison stated, “Australia is committed to ending plastic pollution to safeguard human health and the environment.” He pointed to national efforts that include enhancing recycling infrastructure, phasing out single-use plastics, and reforming packaging regulations as part of Australia’s broader international strategy to combat plastic pollution.
Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt, also emphasized the urgency for a unified global response in the treaty negotiations at the recent United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice. He invited all participating negotiators to convene in Geneva in August for a productive dialogue culminating in a comprehensive treaty covering all aspects of plastic use.
Australia’s partnerships with Pacific island delegates have been ongoing since the start of negotiations in 2023. This week’s preparatory meeting and the upcoming INC-5.2 session in Geneva demonstrate Australia’s continued engagement and investment in addressing regional environmental challenges.
The collaborative efforts extend to the Pacific Ocean Litter Project (POLP), funded by Australian aid, designed to assist Pacific island nations in managing single-use plastics. This project supports initiatives such as monitoring coastal areas, enforcing plastic bans, and promoting sustainable alternatives while aiming to engage local businesses and communities to foster greater environmental stewardship.
Anthony Talouli, Director of Waste Management and Pollution Control at the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme, commended Australia’s role as a significant partner in tackling these pressing challenges. He stated, “We are small in size, but we bring a big voice, one grounded in the lived realities of ocean-based communities facing the brunt of plastic pollution.”
In conclusion, the ongoing discussions and collaborative measures reflect a hopeful trajectory toward meaningful solutions in addressing the global plastic pollution crisis, with a focus on supporting vulnerable nations and fostering a healthier, sustainable environment for future generations.
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