ASEAN launches action plan to combat marine debris
The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on May 28 launched the Regional Action Plan for Combating Marine Debris in the ASEAN Member States for the 2021-2025 period, which provides a solution-focused joint strategy to address marine plastic debris across the region.
Jakarta (VNA) – T📖he Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on May 28 launched theRegional Action Plan for Combating Marine Debris in the ASEAN Member States for the 2021-2025 period, which provides a solution-focused joint strategy to addressmarine plastic debris across the region.
Adopted ahead of World Environment Day on June 5 and WorldOceans Day on June 8, the Action Plan represents a milestone for ASEAN,signifying a renewed, bolder collective commitment through regional actions,aligned with national agendas towards tackling a critical environmentalchallenge. Speaking at the event, ASEAN Secretary-General Lim Jock Hoi said the plan is a testament of collectiveand forward-looking response to the challenge with the aim to support regionalpolicies, platforms and align resources to complement existing country actions. The plan includes 14 regional actions across four pillars ofpolicy support and planning; research, innovation and capacity building; publicawareness, education and outreach; and private sector engagement.
Thai Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Varawut Silpa-archa said building on the BangkokDeclaration on Combating Marine Debris in ASEAN Region and the ASEAN Frameworkof Action on Marine Debris, the plan will play an important role in helping thebloc achieve this vision and protect vital marine environments that sustain theregion for generations to come.
The plan supports ASEAN's overall commitment to tackle thechallenge by reducing plastic inputs into the system, enhancing collection and minimisingleakage, as well🥃 as creating value for waste reuse. Actions includeguidelines for countries to phase out single-use plastics, harmonise regionalpolicies on recycling and plastics packaging standards, and strengthen regionalmeasurement and monitoring of marine debris. These coordinated measureswill also enhance regional platforms for innovation, investments, and♓ training.
Victoria Kwakwa, World Bank (WB) Regional Vice President forEast Asia and Pacific,said the WB has supported the ASEAN Secretariat and ASEANmember states in preparing this comprehensive Action Plan as a framework forjoint action and accountability. The WB has alsoundertaken extensive diagnostics, policy support, and investments across theregion, she added./.
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Illustrative image (Photo: AFP) 
