Let's work together to stop plastic pollution into the Indian Ocean
business
By
Luther Bois Anukur
| Aug 27, 2023
Some of the most recognisable beaches can be found in the Western Indian Ocean (WIO). But this attractive haven, which welcomes millions of tourists each year, has another side.
We are often exposed to upsetting photos and films that show the devastation that plastic pollution has caused to marine life and coastal livelihoods, and the Western Indian Ocean region is not immune to this catastrophe.
The Western Indian Ocean plastic pollution catastrophe necessitates swift and coordinated action. We need to make policy frameworks stronger. Governments should take the lead by enacting laws that limit the importation and manufacture of non-recyclable plastics.
What can each of us do inside the confines of our own homes and spheres of influence?
READ MORE
Saudis to fund cooking gas plan in exchange for Kenya carbon credits
Manufacturers shun State's pet sectors as projects rise
Three-year plan to phase out grass-thatched houses in Kisii
Flash-to-flash-to-anything: Huawei banks on smart data storage application to grow business
Widen tax base for added revenue, accountants tell state
Why youth aren't cashing in on farming
Kenyan students scoop top three prizes at Huawei's ICT competition awards
Governors welcome Sh400 billion allocation to counties
Fate of muguka, miraa farmers hangs on President's directive
We can:
Promote, educate, and raise awareness. Through campaigns for public education and awareness, we can promote proper waste sorting and disposal methods among individuals, communities, and corporations and discourage littering and open burning of plastics.
Adopt a circular economy mindset. Minimising trash production at the source, increasing reuse, and supporting extended producer responsibility (EPR) programmes that hold manufacturers and brand owners accountable for the waste generated by their products.
Encourage recyclability and product reinvention. The value of post-consumer plastics can be raised by redesigning items for recyclability and end-of-life circularity, and mixed-material designs can be removed.
Improve waste management and collection. Urban areas can better manage residential garbage and prevent plastic pollution by giving local capacity-building and infrastructural upgrades top priority.
IUCN is actively participating in the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) on Plastic Pollution, where it is urging parties to reach a consensus on quantifiable, environmentally sound goals for eradicating all plastic pollution by 2030 and single-use plastic pollution by 2025.
Let's all cooperate to safeguard biodiversity, safeguard our oceans, and ensure a sustainable future for future generations.
Luther Bois Anukur is the Regional Director of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Office
- Saudis to fund cooking gas plan in exchange for Kenya carbon credits
- Fate of muguka, miraa farmers hangs on President's directive
- Reprieve for traders as court lifts ban on muguka in Mombasa, Kilifi
- How the Finance Act 2023 hit Kenyans
- Court of Appeal affirms orders for Heineken to pay firm Sh1.7bn