Governments have banned single-use plastics to combat pollution in the Asia-Pacific region

The 5th Forum of Ministers and Environment Officers of the Asia Pacific Region convened today at the Shangri-La Hotel in Colombo, where Environment Minister Naseer Ahmed made an important announcement. In order to tackle the increasing plastic pollution, the government has issued a gazette notification banning various types of plastic products with effect from October 1.

Minister Ahmed emphasized the urgency of the move, saying, “Our government has taken a bold step to gazette the ban on various single-use plastics. In the next 2 years, we hope to completely control and reduce the cycle of substances that threaten this planet.

This important decision is in line with the broader objectives of the 5th Asia Pacific Forum of Ministers and Environment Officials, a platform for governments, intergovernmental organizations and stakeholders to discuss and prioritize environmental issues in the Asia Pacific region. Minister Ahmed highlighted that the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region will produce more than half of the world’s plastic by 2021, making it a significant contributor to global plastic pollution.

Also, Minister Ahmed stressed the need for regional consultations in preparation for the third session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) to be held in Nairobi, Kenya in November. The session aims to develop an international legal instrument on plastic pollution, covering its entire life cycle, from production and design to disposal.

„The draft will be negotiated at the third session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee scheduled for November in Nairobi, Kenya,” Minister Ahmed said, referring to the zero draft text of an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the ocean. ENVIRONMENT, INC Published by Chairman.

Minister Ahmed also drew attention to the global impact of plastic pollution on the environment and human health, saying, “Plastic pollutes our planet and chokes our oceans, harming human health. Plastics, including microplastics, are now ubiquitous in our natural environment.

The minister’s announcement echoes the historic resolution adopted last year at the resumed fifth session of the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-5.2), which called for the creation of an international legal instrument to comprehensively deal with plastic pollution, particularly in the marine environment.

In addition to Minister Ahmed, there were speeches by Dechen Tsering, UNEP Regional Director and Representative for the Asia and Pacific Region, and Anil Jasinghe, Secretary of Sri Lanka’s Ministry of Environment, who discussed the forum’s agenda. Formulation of national environmental policies and conservation measures.

The government’s firm stance on limiting single-use plastics represents a significant step towards protecting the environment and advancing the Asia-Pacific region’s role in transitioning to a circular economy for plastic packaging.