The United Nations member states have appointed Julio Cordano as the new chair of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) focused on tackling plastic pollution. Cordano will officially begin his tenure on February 7, succeeding Luis Vayas Valdivieso from Ecuador.
One of Cordano’s first actions will be to revive negotiations for the plastic treaty, which have been stagnant since last year. This development is seen as a crucial step in the global effort to address the escalating challenge of plastic waste.
Nicholas Mallos, the vice president of Ocean Conservancy’s Ending Ocean Plastics program, expressed optimism regarding Cordano’s election. He emphasized the importance of rejuvenating the international plastic treaty negotiations to establish a robust framework that addresses all aspects of plastic pollution, from its origins tied to fossil fuels to its end forms like marine debris.
Mallos highlighted key elements that a strong treaty should encompass, including significant reductions in the production of plastics, particularly single-use varieties, efforts to deal with abandoned or lost fishing gear—which endangers marine wildlife—and a comprehensive funding mechanism that would support nations most severely affected by plastic pollution.
As the global community turns its attention to environmental sustainability, the leadership of Cordano brings hope for renewed commitment and action against plastic pollution, fostering collaborative international efforts to protect the planet.
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