The Nairobi Convention for the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) and the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm (BRS) Conventions have joined forces to combat the escalating problem of marine litter, with a specific focus on plastics and associated chemicals in the WIO region. This partnership aims to equip WIO countries with improved capacity to implement the legally binding instrument on plastics when it comes to effect. This crucial meeting hosted by the Seychelles government in December 2023 served as a cornerstone for this collaborative effort.
Representatives from Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Somalia, and South Africa gathered at the Seychelles meeting, reflecting the shared commitment of the Nairobi Convention and BRS Conventions to safeguard human health and the environment from hazardous chemicals and wastes. The meeting addressed the pressing challenge of managing plastic pollution in the WIO region, exacerbated by ocean currents impacting even those nations with robust waste management systems.
The Seychelles workshop aimed to enhance the WIO Regional Action Plan on Marine Litter, addressing gaps in its focus on downstream plastic life cycle aspects and overlooking broader chemical issues. Unique challenges faced by WIO island states due to ocean currents were inadequately considered.
Mr. Rolph Payet, Executive Secretary of the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm conventions, emphasized the collaboration’s importance in tackling plastic pollution in the WIO region. He stressed the need for a unified approach to managing plastics, chemicals, and waste.
Participants explored opportunities for comprehensive plastics management, aligning with global conventions. They reviewed progress, discussed a global instrument on plastics, explored joint activities with the Nairobi Convention and BRS Conventions, and revised the Regional Action Plan on Marine Litter.
Key attendees included Nairobi Convention focal points, representatives from NGOs, academia, the private sector, and regional bodies. Seychelles’ ministers expressed support for global conventions, emphasizing a comprehensive approach to environmental stewardship.
The urgent need for global collaboration in addressing plastic pollution within the blue economy and fisheries context was highlighted. Dr. Jared Bosire presented on the Nairobi Convention’s actions, emphasizing the WIO Regional Action Plan’s role in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 14.1.
Presentations from regional organizations, including Indian Ocean Commission and WIOMSA, highlighted challenges and initiatives for plastic management. Plastics SA emphasized private sector engagement, envisioning a world without plastic pollution by 2040. In general, the discussions held at this meeting underscored the need for flexibility in the regional action plans, collaboration with the private sector, and ensuring the scalability of successful strategies. Breakout sessions addressed policy implementation, private sector partnerships, and research for evidence-based decision-making.
In summary, this collaborative effort represents a significant stride in addressing plastic pollution in the WIO region, serving as a platform for dialogue and strategic planning to foster a united front against plastic pollution in the Western Indian Ocean.
