The fight against plastic pollution has reached a critical milestone, with theworldcoming together to demand change. So, what does this mean for the future of plasticpollution? In this article, I discuss the urgency for further global discussions toexplorethe potential elements of a legally binding global treaty to address plastic pollution, taking into consideration aspirations and national circumstances for Uganda. It outlinesexisting policy and legislative frameworks on plastics in the Pearl of Africawhilehighlighting the policy gaps that are not effectively addressed at the national level. 

Issues and Concerns 

In the 10 minutes it will take you to read this article, plastic pollution in our oceanwill increase by roughly 200 tonnes. Plastic pollution is not simply a marine andcoastal environmental issue; many land-locked African countries are also affected, withimpactsexperienced particularly in urban and agricultural areas. Plastic pollution continuestoravage our planet, destroying ecosystems and wildlife populations, fuellingclimatechange and infiltrating our bodies through the air we breathe and the food andwater weconsume. 

Addressing these problems requires an international framework becauseplasticpollution does not respect borders. A new legal instrument, covering the entirelifecycleof plastic, is required to tackle this planetary crisis. There is therefore an urgent needfora global governance framework to combat plastic pollution systemically, whilecomplementing existing frameworks. 

What Is Global Plastic Treaty? 

In response to the unsustainable consumption of plastics globally, an International Negotiating Committee (INC) was convened in Uruguay to develop a globally bindinginstrument on plastics. The mandate, adopted in March 2022, aims to createalegallybinding instrument to address plastic pollution across its entire lifecycle, fromproduction to disposal, with the goal of ending plastic pollution by 2040. Thetreaty

aims to reduce plastic waste, enhance recycling, transition to a circular economy, andprotect ecosystems, particularly marine environments. The treaty aims toleverageinternational cooperation to tackle the global plastic pollution, with key areas of focuson: Eliminating single-use plastics, reducing plastic production, encouraging sustainablealternatives, and increasing the responsibility of producers in managing the lifecycleofplastics. 

National Action Plan and Commitments Gaps 

According to the National Strategy For Management of Plastic (2023-2028), therearefive strategic objectives that are aimed at dealing with the plastic pollution legacyandthese are:- To mitigate plastic leakage into the environment; To promote recyclingandreuse of existing plastics in the environment; To reduce plastic generation anduse; Toaccelerate production and uptake of viable alternatives to plastic; Topromotesustainable plastic production and consumer society. 

Various reports have demonstrated that the existing policy and legal frameworksarefragmented and ineffective due to policy and implementation gaps. These gapsinclude: - Some existing policies lack regulations for operationalization; The narrowscopeofbans, restrictions or taxes on certain plastic items, such as carrier bags and other single-use items. Secondly, the lack of accurate and comprehensive date monitoringandmeasurement, including: An agreed upon data reporting method and platformfortracking implementation and progress made towards plastic leakage is lacking. Furthermore, there is limited capacity, resources, and infrastructure for the effectiveimplementation of existing policies, strategies, actions, plans, and initiatives, including: limited circular economy interventions and waste management infrastructure. Also, thelack of inclusivity in policy development, including: The lack of recognitionandintegration of informal waste picker services; and the lack of private sector engagementand consultation in some cases. Lastly, the limited knowledge and understandingof theimpacts of replacing plastic with biodegradable materials and other plastic alternatives; and the lack of understanding of the full life cycle impacts of plastic pollution, includingthe relationship to fossil fuel industry impacts, for stakeholders across the valuechain.

The Journey Ahead 

The plastic pollution problem is escalating rapidly and has now reached crisislevel. Comprehensive monitoring will allow progress toward the global goalstobetransparently reported and measured. Financial and technical assistance will beneededto support both implementation and reporting. Inclusion of groups representingtheinformal waste sector, labor unions, youth and women should also be prioritizedduringstrategy implementations. 

The journey ahead won’t be easy but with collective action and a shared vision, wecancreate a future where plastic pollution is a thing of the past. As Inger Andersenemphasized, it’s time for a “treaty for the ages” that protects the planet and ensuresahealthy sustainable future for all. 

By John Kamulegeya, 

Chairperson - Kawanda Youth Environmental Group

Source : https://x.com/kaamu_literati?s=21