​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Capacity Building Programme for Reducing Recycling-Related Marine Plastic Pollution in ASEAN Cities (the CaRMPAC Project) Launched in Vientiane, Lao PDR

  16 August, 2024

     Vientiane, Lao PDR​

On August 16, 2024, the CaRMPAC Project, aimed at reducing marine plastic pollution in ASEAN cities, was officially launched at the Settha Palace Hotel in Vientiane, Lao PDR. This project, led by the Asian Institute of Technology- Regional Resource Centre for Asia and the Pacific (AIT RRC.AP) and funded by the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia Regional Knowledge Center for Marine Plastic Debris (ERIA RKC-MPD)​, focuses on enhancing the capacities of stakeholders to prevent plastic and pellet leakage into the marine environment.​

​​​​​

The launch event, held under the Auspices of the Department of Environment of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Lao PDR, gathered key ASEAN working group representatives, government officials, and industry experts. Keynote addresses were delivered by Mr. Sounadeth Soukchaleun, Deputy Director General Department of Planning and Finance, MoNRE, Lao PDR, Mr. Reo Kawamura, Director of the ERIA RKC-MPD and Dr. Guilberto Borongan, Director, AIT RRC.AP.

​​​​
​​​​
​​​​
​​

Phase 1 of the CaRMPAC Project, titled “Development and Dissemination of Technical Guidelines for the Prevention of Plastic and Pellets Pollution from Factories and Informal Recycling Facilities in ASEAN,” was successfully implemented between February 2022 and October 2023. The project took place across six cities: Hanoi, Iloilo, Nonthaburi, Manila, Pattaya, and Vientiane. The primary outcome was the development of comprehensive technical guidelines aimed at preventing plastic pollution, specifically targeting factories and informal recycling facilities in the ASEAN region. These guidelines will serve as a crucial resource for reducing plastic leakage into the environment.

​​
​​​​
​​​​
​​​​
​​​​

A panel discussion explored strategies for effective capacity building and stakeholder engagement. The event culminated in the official launch of the CaRMPAC Project, unveiling its work plan and expected outcomes. The launch marks a significant step in ASEAN's efforts to combat marine plastic pollution and protect the region's marine ecosystems. The highlight of the event was the official launch of the CaRMPAC Project, where the project's work plan and expected outputs and the launch of Technical Guidelines and Situational Assessment reports​ were unveiled. The launch sets the stage for a region-wide capacity-building program designed to address the challenges of marine plastic pollution in ASEAN cities.

​​​​​​​​​ ​

The event concluded with closing remarks from Dr. Guilberto Borongan and a networking session, offering participants the opportunity to strengthen partnerships and explore future collaboration in the fight against marine plastic pollution. This launch event represents a critical step forward in ASEAN's commitment to environmental sustainability and the protection of marine ecosystems from the threats posed by plastic pollution.

Access the publications from Phase 1 at our publications.​

​​
​​​​