Bogor, 6 July 2023: The Joint Briefing: Technology and Innovation Solutions to Address Marine Debris in Southeast Asia heard how the severity of marine plastic pollution in Southeast Asia demands united action and collaboration among relevant stakeholders, including local communities and their invaluable wisdom. It was organised by the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) Secretariat, the International Conservation Caucus Foundation (ICCF), and UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
H E Ar Siti Rozaimeriyanty Dato Haji Abdul Rahman, AIPA Secretary-General, said the region faces a pressing threat, with statistics showing six out of 10 ASEAN Member Countries (AMS) contribute to over 31 million tons of plastic waste annually.
To combat this marine plastic pollution crisis, ASEAN has adopted initiatives such as the ASEAN Framework on Circular Economy, the ASEAN Sustainable Consumption and Production Framework, the ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on Blue Economy, the ASEAN Strategic Plan of Customs Development, and the ASEAN Regional Action Plan for Combatting Marine Debris.
Mr Zul Hilmi Saidin, ASEAN Secretariat Senior Officer of the Environment Division, stressed the necessity of active parliamentary engagement in overseeing and ensuring a better balance between plastic production and environmental conservation. Parliamentary advocacy for funding, resources, and public-private investment is essential to drive these initiatives forward.
‘The parliament[s] should strengthen further research and management of marine plastics, as well as foster new technologies and innovative solutions,’ he said.
Parliaments play a vital role in fostering synergy with the government and representing the aspirations of the people to reduce plastic pollution.
Mr Reo Kawamura, Director of ERIA's Regional Knowledge Centre for Marine Plastic Debris (the Centre), highlighted good practices adopted by nations at the national level. Japan has successfully implemented inter-municipal cooperation for waste management, effectively reducing costs while enhancing capacity. This collaborative approach serves as a promising model to tackle plastic pollution on a broader scale.
Remarkable progress in curbing single-use plastics has also been made by cities in Indonesia. In Bali, Governor Regulation No 97/2018, which came into effect on 1 July 2019, effectively prohibits the use of plastic materials, resulting in a more than 50% reduction in the usage of plastic bags, plastic straws, and Styrofoam. Jakarta took a similar approach with Governor Regulation No 142/2019, which bans the use of disposable bags and mandates the adoption of eco-friendly shopping bags by management at shopping malls and traditional markets.
Hon Putu Supadma Rudana, Vice-Chairperson of Indonesia's Committee for Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation, emphasised the significance of local wisdom in providing communities with viable plastic alternatives, such as bamboo and seaweed, during the panel discussion.
‘Bali embraces the Balinese Philosophy of Tri Hita Karana, which outlines the connections between humans and God, humans among themselves, and humans with nature. This traditional insight has empowered the community to encourage the adoption of local resources as substitutes for plastics,’ he said.
Tackling cross-boundary challenges such as marine debris demands unwavering determination and increased collaboration among AMS. Failing to address this issue could result in the depletion of biodiversity, leading to potential economic repercussions for sectors such as fisheries and tourism.
Communications Expert
Bogor, 6 July 2023: The Joint Briefing: Technology and Innovation Solutions to Address Marine Debris in Southeast Asia heard how the severity of marine plastic pollution in Southeast Asia demands united action and collaboration among relevant stakeholders, including local communities and their invaluable wisdom. It was organised by the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) Secretariat, the International Conservation Caucus Foundation (ICCF), and UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
H E Ar Siti Rozaimeriyanty Dato Haji Abdul Rahman, AIPA Secretary-General, said the region faces a pressing threat, with statistics showing six out of 10 ASEAN Member Countries (AMS) contribute to over 31 million tons of plastic waste annually.
To combat this marine plastic pollution crisis, ASEAN has adopted initiatives such as the ASEAN Framework on Circular Economy, the ASEAN Sustainable Consumption and Production Framework, the ASEAN Leaders’ Declaration on Blue Economy, the ASEAN Strategic Plan of Customs Development, and the ASEAN Regional Action Plan for Combatting Marine Debris.
Mr Zul Hilmi Saidin, ASEAN Secretariat Senior Officer of the Environment Division, stressed the necessity of active parliamentary engagement in overseeing and ensuring a better balance between plastic production and environmental conservation. Parliamentary advocacy for funding, resources, and public-private investment is essential to drive these initiatives forward.
‘The parliament[s] should strengthen further research and management of marine plastics, as well as foster new technologies and innovative solutions,’ he said.
Parliaments play a vital role in fostering synergy with the government and representing the aspirations of the people to reduce plastic pollution.
Mr Reo Kawamura, Director of ERIA's Regional Knowledge Centre for Marine Plastic Debris (the Centre), highlighted good practices adopted by nations at the national level. Japan has successfully implemented inter-municipal cooperation for waste management, effectively reducing costs while enhancing capacity. This collaborative approach serves as a promising model to tackle plastic pollution on a broader scale.
Remarkable progress in curbing single-use plastics has also been made by cities in Indonesia. In Bali, Governor Regulation No 97/2018, which came into effect on 1 July 2019, effectively prohibits the use of plastic materials, resulting in a more than 50% reduction in the usage of plastic bags, plastic straws, and Styrofoam. Jakarta took a similar approach with Governor Regulation No 142/2019, which bans the use of disposable bags and mandates the adoption of eco-friendly shopping bags by management at shopping malls and traditional markets.
Hon Putu Supadma Rudana, Vice-Chairperson of Indonesia's Committee for Inter-Parliamentary Cooperation, emphasised the significance of local wisdom in providing communities with viable plastic alternatives, such as bamboo and seaweed, during the panel discussion.
‘Bali embraces the Balinese Philosophy of Tri Hita Karana, which outlines the connections between humans and God, humans among themselves, and humans with nature. This traditional insight has empowered the community to encourage the adoption of local resources as substitutes for plastics,’ he said.
Tackling cross-boundary challenges such as marine debris demands unwavering determination and increased collaboration among AMS. Failing to address this issue could result in the depletion of biodiversity, leading to potential economic repercussions for sectors such as fisheries and tourism.
Communications Expert
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