The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) is one
with the Philippines and other United Nations (UN) countries in a push for a
new global treaty on plastic pollution, which will be discussed at this year’s
UN Environment Assembly or UNEA 5.2.
The Philippines is a co-sponsor of the Peru
and Rwanda Resolution which proposes that UNEA establishes an Intergovernmental
Negotiating Committee (INC) with a mandate to prepare a new legally binding
global agreement that would form part of international law.
At UNEA 5.2, happening this February 28 to
March 4, 2022 to also coincide with the 10th anniversary of its creation and
the 50th anniversary of the UN Environment Programme, UN Member States are
expected to adopt a decision to start negotiations on a new treaty on plastic
pollution. More than three-fourths of the UN membership publicly support the
development of a new global agreement along with more than 2.1 million
individuals, 25 financial institutions, and more than 60 companies globally.
WWF takes a stand that the creation of a
new treaty on plastic pollution will be beneficial not only to the environment
but also to the businesses involved in the cycle, by mainly standardizing
compliance. The organization has long been conducting research and forwarding
policies that could curb plastic pollution worldwide.
In the Philippines, WWF recently conducted
its solid waste management baseline study in Philippine ports. They are also
pushing for the implementation of the Extended Producers Responsibility Scheme
to make an impact on the worsening plastic problem in the country.
WWF is also working closely with the
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and climate and
environmental consultancy group Parabukas to discuss the needs and wants of the
Philippines for a global treaty.
The groups agreed to support the enhancement
of various local cities’ zero waste programs, which when implemented on a
national level can be improved by a global treaty. Availability and investment
into reusable alternative and reuse systems must also be taken into
consideration.
“We would like to work with the global
community on how to address the plastic problem as we know that plastic
pollution is a transboundary and cross-sectoral problem that cannot be solved
through national or regional initiatives alone. We hope that UNEA 5.2 and its
member states join us and support the start of negotiations towards a global
legally binding agreement on plastic pollution and come up with a lifecycle
approach on plastics,” shared Mr. Albert Magalang, Chief of Climate Change
Division from the Department of Natural Resources (DENR).
Additionally, WWF-Philippines’ National
Youth Council is also encouraging the public, especially the youth, to
participate in the country’s various efforts to move towards a sustainable
green earth, free from plastic pollution, and more importantly, to support the
new proposed treaty it co-sponsored for nature.
“We believe that it is not too late to take
action and save our environment. Through this global treaty, we look forward to
a united and swift action so that our future generations may live in a better
and greener environment,” said Mr. Mirus Ponon, member of WWF-Philippines’
National Youth Council.
WWF Philippines Executive Director, Ms. Katherine
Custodio remains optimistic that everyone’s efforts on pushing for the treaty
will come to fruition, “It’s high time we demand a treaty for an issue that
continues to be a growing problem for the world: plastic pollution. WWF,
together with our partners, are united to bring to light a new global treaty to
address this and improve our solutions for nature.”
To know more about WWF-Philippines and its
initiatives, please visit https://wwf.org.ph/
About
WWF
WWF is one of the world’s largest and most
respected independent conservation organizations, with over 5 million
supporters and a global network active in nearly 100 countries. WWF’s mission
is to stop the degradation of the Earth’s natural environment and to build a
future in which humans live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world’s
biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is
sustainable, and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption.
WWF-Philippines has been working as a
national organization of the WWF network since 1997 and implements various
conservation projects to help protect some of the most biologically-significant
ecosystems in Asia. WWF-Philippines works to improve Filipino lives by crafting
solutions to climate change, providing sustainable livelihood programs, and
conserving the country’s richest marine and land habitats.
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