Global Plastic Treaty: Will AOSIS Lead the Charge for Action?

The Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) emphasizes that global initiatives to combat plastic pollution must encompass not only preventive measures but also binding actions to address the pre-existing waste. As discussions advance towards a global plastics treaty, AOSIS has noted “encouraging signs of convergence” during recent meetings of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee in Nairobi, though they assert that further action is essential.

For Small Island Developing States (SIDS), the crisis of plastic pollution is an immediate threat, manifesting daily through choking coastlines, damaging ecosystems, and jeopardizing food security and blue economies. AOSIS stresses that these consequences are significant and irreversible without urgent interventions.

The organization advocates for treaty obligations to include the remediation of existing plastic pollution, especially in areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ). They propose the establishment of a remediation mechanism along with a dedicated fund to finance cleanup operations. The Maldives has voiced support for AOSIS’s call for coordinated efforts between states, IGOs, and the private sector, emphasizing the need for equitable access to resources and technology for effective waste removal.

AOSIS continues to push for essential treaty elements, including clear mandates for all parties to manage existing plastic waste, a structured remediation framework, and a coordinating platform to enable collaboration across different sectors. The need for a Remediation Fund to attract both public and private investments has also been highlighted.

As these discussions unfold, it is crucial to recognize that local actions must complement global strategies. The importance of community engagement and responsibility towards waste management is echoed by various stakeholders, showing that both grassroots initiatives and high-level negotiations are vital components in tackling plastic pollution.

With the next negotiations set for Geneva in August, AOSIS plans to convene a virtual meeting to rally support for their proposals. Their warning is clear: without the cleanup of current oceanic plastic pollution, future marine protected areas will be rendered ineffective. The path forward may be challenging, but the collective drive towards meaningful action offers hope for a cleaner, healthier environment.