THIN PLASTICS - Nations convene to forge legally binding instrument on plastic pollution
The imperative for multilateral cooperation in combating plastic pollution is gaining global recognition due to its profound threats to human health and the environment
OTTAWA, Canada (Planet Defence) - The fourth meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) aimed at formulating an international legally binding instrument to address plastic pollution, particularly in marine environments (Plastic Pollution INC-4), is currently underway at the Shaw Centre in Ottawa, Canada, running from April 23rd to April 29th, 2024.
This gathering follows a resolution adopted during the resumed fifth session of the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-5.2), mandating the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Executive Director to convene an INC for the development of such an instrument.
Presiding over the 4th session is Mr. Steven Guilbeault, Canada’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, with Ambassador Luis Vayas Valdivieso serving as the chair.
In his opening address, the chair of the INC emphasized the importance of conducting negotiations with accountability and integrity, rooted in scientific evidence regarding the urgent need to combat plastic pollution. Valdivieso urged parties to approach the task optimistically, recognizing both the necessity and feasibility of achieving this new treaty.
INC-4 represents a crucial opportunity for state parties to make progress in negotiations and deliver a treaty.
Malawi, having implemented national measures to address plastic pollution, including the banning of thin plastics, is actively participating in the negotiations. The goal is to develop an ambitious treaty with global regulations aimed at ending plastic pollution by 2025, encompassing the entire lifecycle of plastics.
During the opening ceremony of INC-4, Peter Magombo, Principal Environmental Officer at Malawi's Environmental Affairs Department and an experienced plastics negotiator, delivered an opening statement on behalf of the High Ambition Coalition to End Plastic Pollution.
Magombo emphasized the necessity for the new treaty to incorporate a robust financing mechanism for implementing specific binding measures, alongside non-financial means such as technology transfer, technical assistance, and capacity building.
The global meeting in Canada coincides with developments in Malawi, where the Judiciary, led by the Chief Justice Rizine Mzikamanda, told parties of the missing of a case file concerning longstanding issue related to plastic ban regulations instituted by the Environmental Affairs Department in line with the Environment Management Act.
Concerns have been raised by environmental analysts regarding the status of the case, considering its prolonged unresolved nature.
Looking ahead, Malawi is committed to supporting the INC Chair and Secretariat in developing a comprehensive draft of the treaty text before INC-5, scheduled to be held from November 25th to December 1st, 2024.