Experts Convene for Action-Oriented Discussions on Marine Plastic Debris Management
5-6 March, 2024
Bangkok, Thailand
Experts and stakeholders gathered for the 5th ERIA’s Experts Working Group on Marine Plastic Debris Meeting on March 5-6, 2024, in Bangkok, Thailand. The meeting was hosted by the Regional Knowledge Centre for Marine Plastic Debris (RKC-MPD) of the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) in partnership with the Institute for Global Environment Strategies (IGES). The meeting saw robust discussions aimed at tackling the pressing issue of marine plastic pollution.
A significant portion of the discussions revolved around the outcomes of the 3rd Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC3) and its implications for ASEAN member states. Participants reflected on the involvement of key organizations like ERIA and IGES, setting the stage for the next steps towards INC4. The collective expertise and insights of the Expert Working Group (EWG) were leveraged to ensure that regional perspectives and recommendations are effectively represented and aligned with global treaty objectives.
Group discussions played a central role in formulating actionable strategies. One notable focus was on enhancing ASEAN+3's approach to the Global Plastics Treaty. Participants delved into various aspects of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) frameworks, exploring frameworks, innovations, and regional insights. Dr. Guilberto Borongan's presentation on technical guidelines for plastics and resin pellets leakage prevention garnered particular attention, emphasizing practical solutions for managing plastic waste effectively. Mr. Bishal Bhari also served as rapporteur on one of the group discussion sessions which focused on integrating just transition principles into EPR frameworks, fostering private sector-community collaboration.
The meeting underscored the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration in addressing marine plastic pollution. Panel discussions and presentations highlighted successful examples of collaboration between the private sector, NGOs, academia, and governments. The integration of just transition principles into EPR frameworks was a key theme, ensuring equitable outcomes for all stakeholders, especially vulnerable groups, and communities.
The 5th ERIA’s Experts Working Group on Marine Plastic Debris Meeting served as a platform for knowledge sharing, capacity building, and the development of actionable policy recommendations. Moving forward, stakeholders remain committed to collective action in the fight against marine plastic pollution. The meeting reiterated the importance of these discussions and outlined next steps for advancing the agenda.
