The urgent global issue of plastic pollution took center stage at a side event organized as a PLEASE Project initiative during COP28 in Dubai. The event aimed to foster a comprehensive approach to managing plastic pollution on both land and in the ocean. Speakers highlighted the gravity of the issue and stressed the need for collaborative efforts that cover the entire life cycle of plastic, from production to disposal.
The event successfully brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from SACEP member states, to share experiences and strategies. Ms. Rokeya Khaton, Director General of SACEP, delivered opening remarks, setting the tone for a collaborative and action-oriented discussion. The diverse panel, featuring experts from Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and the World Bank, provided a rich array of perspectives and insights.
Mr. Rinchen Penjor, Senior Environment Officer from Bhutan, shared the country’s commitment to environmental conservation. Bhutan, with a constitutionally mandated 60% forest cover, has enacted the Waste Prevention and Management Act to prevent and manage waste effectively. In Bhutan, waste management strategies focus on shifting from a linear to a circular economy. The speaker highlights the completion of a 10-year long-term plan, with a key performance indicator centered on building circular economic enterprises. The goal is to reduce waste generation, prevent waste, and minimize landfill contributions, subsequently decreasing greenhouse gas emissions. Despite being a small country with a population of 700,000, Bhutan generates 172 metric tons of waste per day, translating to a per capita generation of just 23 kg. The emphasis on waste prevention aligns with global efforts to mitigate waste management challenges.
Highlighting Nepal’s Challenges and Initiatives, Mr. Deepak Kumar Kharal, Secretary of the Ministry of Forests and Environment in Nepal, outlined the challenges faced in plastic waste management. He emphasized the lack of public awareness, limited incentives for industries, and coordination issues between government levels. In 2020, Nepal introduced several environmental standards, including those for brick Industries, plastics, and solid waste, totaling around 34 standards. The National Environment Policy, guided by principles such as “polluter pays” and environmental justice, serves as a key document. The policy emphasizes recycling, reducing waste, and introducing environmental audits. Measures have been taken to control plastic pollution, including the recent ban on plastic flowers and related products in urban areas. However, challenges in implementation persist, requiring a balance between policy strength and local considerations. Ongoing efforts include school education, campaigns, and stricter measures implemented by certain municipalities.
Mr. Palinda Perera, Specialist – Corporate Responsibility, Rockland Distilleries (Pvt) Ltd, Sri Lanka, elaborated on the environmental impacts of plastic pollution, including its contribution to climate change. He explained that plastic pollution is discussed in the context of climate action, as 6% of global carbon emissions result from plastic generation. He mentioned the harmful effects of plastic on animals, sharing concerns about ingested plastics leading to complications. He specifically mentioned the importance of corporate responsibility and called for collaboration among countries to share best practices. Mr. Perera underscored the need to communicate the broader impacts of plastic on biodiversity and production emissions. The interviewer appreciates his insights, especially regarding private sector engagement with youth and communities for environmental conservation.
Miss Angelie Devaraja discussed the PLEASE Project and its focus on competitive Regional Block Grants (RBGs), Innovation Grants, public-private sector engagement, and community involvement to address plastic pollution. She detailed the initiative’s focus on addressing plastic pollution in the region’s rivers and seas and emphasized the project’s role in climate change mitigation. provides an overview of the PLEASE project, co-funded by the World Bank and PAR with a value of $50 million. The project has three components. The first component focuses on supporting competitive block grants for innovative waste management programs in each country, with a maximum of $1.5 million per grant and a total of $3 million for each country. The second component emphasizes leveraging public and private sector engagement and solutions. She highlighted the collaboration between the private and government sectors as essential for effective waste management. She emphasized that while the project’s financial impact may not be large, it serves as a crucial first step in a longer journey.
In essence, the panel discussion unveiled the unique approaches and challenges faced by South Asian countries in managing plastic pollution. Bhutan’s focus on waste prevention and a circular economy, Nepal’s emphasis on public awareness and waste-to-energy projects, and Sri Lanka’s engagement with women for beach cleaning and corporate responsibility initiatives provided valuable insights.
Despite commendable efforts, challenges persist. These include the need for effective implementation and enforcement, as well as addressing the transboundary nature of plastic pollution. Yet, the side event organized by SACEP showcased the commitment of South Asian countries to address these complex issues of plastic pollution. The insights shared, initiatives discussed, and challenges highlighted underscore the need for a united, regional approach. Moving forward, the collaboration between governments, private sectors, and communities will play a pivotal role in achieving sustainable solutions and overcoming the transboundary challenges posed by plastic pollution. The event at COP 28 served as a beacon of hope, signaling that by working together, nations can turn the tide against plastic pollution and pave the way for a cleaner, healthier planet.
