South Africa is getting ready for the third Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution, which aims to create an international legally binding agreement to end plastic pollution and marine litter by the end of 2024. Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, Ms. Barbara Creecy, is hosting a stakeholder engagement meeting to solidify South Africa’s negotiation position for the conference. The event represents a crucial milestone in the global effort to combat plastic pollution and will focus on addressing the entire plastic lifecycle.
What is the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution and what is its goal?
The Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution is a committee established by the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) with the goal of developing an international legally binding agreement to eliminate plastic pollution and marine litter by the end of 2024. The committee’s third session, INC3, focuses on addressing the entire plastic lifecycle and creating a range of provisions in the process.
A crucial event in environmental conservation is on the horizon, as the third Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC3) on plastic pollution is slated to take place in Nairobi, Kenya, from 13 – 19 November 2023. South Africa’s Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, Ms. Barbara Creecy, is set to host a stakeholder engagement meeting on 7 November 2023 to solidify South Africa’s negotiation position in preparation for this significant conference.
Background: Formation of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee
The United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) resolution 5/14 directed the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to create an intergovernmental negotiating committee. Established with the goal of completing its work by the end of 2024, the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee’s main responsibility is to develop an international legally binding agreement to eliminate plastic pollution and marine litter. The third session of the committee, INC3, focuses on addressing the entire plastic lifecycle and creating a range of provisions in the process.
South Africa’s Upcoming Stakeholder Engagement Meeting
Minister Creecy’s virtual consultation with a variety of stakeholders seeks to hone South Africa’s position for the INC3 conference in Nairobi. This meeting will enable participants to engage in dialogue, share ideas, and contribute valuable input, ensuring South Africa presents a unified and informed stance at INC3. The virtual meeting is scheduled for 7 November 2023 from 15h00 to 16h30.
Plastic Pollution Crisis: A Worldwide Issue
Plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental concerns globally. As plastic production and consumption continue to increase, the earth’s natural systems are struggling to manage the harmful effects. Marine ecosystems, especially, have suffered significantly due to the buildup of plastic waste and microplastics in the ocean. This pollution not only endangers marine life but also presents risks to human health and the economy.
INC3’s Role in Combatting Plastic Pollution
The INC3 conference offers an opportunity for nations to unite and develop a comprehensive strategy to address the plastic pollution crisis. The emphasis on tackling the entire plastic lifecycle highlights the understanding that meaningful change necessitates a holistic approach. This method will involve examining plastic production, distribution, consumption, disposal, and recycling practices, and pinpointing areas where enhancements can be made.
South Africa’s Dedication to Environmental Conservation
South Africa has demonstrated a long-standing commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development. In recent years, the country has enacted numerous initiatives and policies to fight pollution and protect its rich biodiversity. By actively participating in the INC3 conference, South Africa showcases its devotion to finding solutions to plastic pollution on a worldwide scale.
The Significance of Stakeholder Engagement
Stakeholder engagement is critical in developing effective strategies to tackle environmental problems. By consulting with a diverse array of stakeholders, including businesses, NGOs, academia, and citizens, policymakers can gather valuable insights and viewpoints that inform the decision-making process. This cooperative approach ensures that proposed solutions are comprehensive and address the needs and concerns of various parties.
Anticipated Outcomes of INC3
The forthcoming INC3 conference provides an opportunity for nations to collaborate and establish a shared vision for tackling plastic pollution. It is hoped that this event will pave the way for an international legally binding agreement aimed at ending plastic pollution and marine litter. This agreement would offer the necessary framework to facilitate global cooperation, stimulate innovative solutions, and endorse sustainable practices in managing plastic waste.
The third Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution represents a pivotal milestone in the worldwide effort to combat plastic pollution. As South Africa gears up to participate in this vital event, the upcoming stakeholder engagement meeting will play an essential role in shaping the country’s negotiation stance. Through collaboration and open dialogue, it is hoped that the INC3 conference will result in the development of an effective international strategy that addresses the entire plastic lifecycle and ultimately mitigates the harmful effects of plastic pollution on our planet.
1. What is the goal of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution?
The goal of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution is to develop an international legally binding agreement to eliminate plastic pollution and marine litter by the end of 2024.
2. What is the focus of the third session of the committee, INC3?
The third session of the committee, INC3, focuses on addressing the entire plastic lifecycle and creating a range of provisions in the process.
3. Who is hosting the stakeholder engagement meeting?
The Minister of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment, Ms. Barbara Creecy, is hosting the stakeholder engagement meeting.
4. What is the purpose of the stakeholder engagement meeting?
The purpose of the stakeholder engagement meeting is to solidify South Africa’s negotiation position for the third Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution.
5. Why is plastic pollution a pressing environmental concern globally?
Plastic pollution is a pressing environmental concern globally because as plastic production and consumption continue to increase, the earth’s natural systems are struggling to manage the harmful effects. Marine ecosystems, especially, have suffered significantly due to the buildup of plastic waste and microplastics in the ocean.
6. How will the INC3 conference address the plastic pollution crisis?
The INC3 conference will address the plastic pollution crisis by developing a comprehensive strategy to address the entire plastic lifecycle, including examining plastic production, distribution, consumption, disposal, and recycling practices, and pinpointing areas where enhancements can be made.
7. What is the significance of stakeholder engagement in environmental conservation?
Stakeholder engagement is significant in environmental conservation because it enables policymakers to gather valuable insights and viewpoints from diverse groups that inform the decision-making process and ensure proposed solutions are comprehensive and address the needs and concerns of various parties.
8. What is the anticipated outcome of the INC3 conference?
The anticipated outcome of the INC3 conference is the development of an international legally binding agreement aimed at ending plastic pollution and marine litter, which would offer the necessary framework to facilitate global cooperation, stimulate innovative solutions, and endorse sustainable practices in managing plastic waste.
