Barbara Creecy, Minister for Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, praised the adoption of the resolution to eliminate plastic pollution through an international legally binding instrument.
Creecy declared on Thursday that “this represents an important landmark” and a significant decision to protect the environment, particularly the oceans, which are crucial for food security and addressing climate change. He also stated that the decision was important in promoting sustainable development and poverty elimination.
The resolution was unanimously adopted by the 5th Session of United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA 5.2) by all member countries with standing ovations and acclamation.
Member states have agreed that further international action is urgently needed to develop an international legally binding instrument against plastic pollution, which includes marine environments.
A new intergovernmental negotiating panel (INC), will be formed. It will begin its work in the second half 2022 and aim to complete by the end 2024.
The instrument could be both binding and voluntary and would take into account the principles of Rio Declaration on Environment and Development as well as national circumstances and abilities. The Minister stated that finance, technology, and capacity are crucial to the implementation of the plan in developing countries.
UNEA also adopted this landmark resolution. It established a science panel to contribute to sound management of chemicals, to prevent pollution, as well as to strengthen support for the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management.
Creecy stated that South Africa will be actively involved in future multilateral negotiations regarding plastics pollution. This is to ensure that we not only have an ambitious and robust instrument, but that the needs and circumstances of developing countries, in particular Africa, are considered.”
(With inputs from South African Government Press release)
