C’bean, Lat-Am cities partner to reduce plastic pollution
Plastic pollution, including marine plastics, represents one of the main environmental challenges for Latin America and the Caribbean. It negatively impacts human health, ecosystems and the regional economy. To address this problem, the GEF Project to Reduce Marine Plastics and Plastic Pollution in Latin America and Caribbean Cities through a Circular Economy Approach (GEF LAC Cities), recently launched the Intercity Network on Plastics Circular Economy in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) in Cartagena, Colombia.“This launch marks a milestone in joint efforts to tackle plastic pollution in Latin America and the Caribbean, driving a common vision and sustainable solutions at the local level for cities in the region,” said Jacqueline Álvarez, chief of UNEP’s chemicals and health branch.
The cities of Barranquilla and Cartagena (Colombia), Kingston and Montego Bay (Jamaica), and Panama City and Colón (Panama) form part of this network that seeks to promote regional cooperation, share experiences and best practices as well as promote circular and sustainable approaches to address plastic pollution, including marine plastics.
Dumek Turbay, Mayor of Cartagena, said: “Being part of the Intercity Network on Plastics Circular Economy is confirmation of our commitment to sustainability, which has been working through the “Cartagena City of Rights” Development Plan. Our planning roadmap includes key initiatives such as strengthening organisations of recyclers and waste pickers implementing sustainable business models, driven by programmes that promote green jobs and the transition to a circular economy.”
“With close collaboration with regional environmental authorities, we anticipate significant environmental actions, such as the protection of water resources, the protection of ecosystems and the promotion of sustainable practices, thus contributing to a more equitable future for all. These actions reinforce Cartagena’s commitment to the circular economy and sustainable development,”he added.
The network plans to progressively expand to additional cities in the LAC over the coming years.
A release from the organisations outlines that the network will be consolidated as a space for cities to collaborate in the implementation of circular economy strategies along the plastic value chain. With the support of the United
Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) Cartagena Convention Secretariat, this platform will also foster partnerships with additional stakeholders, facilitating the implementation of action plans that can be replicated in other cities in the region to reduce plastic pollution.
“When the Cartagena Convention was adopted in 1983 and the Land Based Sources of Marine Protocol in 1999, urgent action was needed to reduce pollution from solid waste, including plastics. The launch of this Cities Network presents a change in approach. We can no longer only focus on improving collection and disposal of waste and plastics to prevent pollution. Circular Economy approaches are now viable and sustainable solutions that offer environmental, social and economic benefits. We look forward to continue building on this network and replicating the lessons learned throughout the Wider Caribbean region,” said Chris Corbin, coordinator, Cartagena Convention Secretariat, Ecosystems Division, UNEP.
“In a few months we expect to have a finalised agreement with global scope that will align policy regarding the production and consumption of plastic products. As this process unfolds, we have a great opportunity to be a leader in this region and in the world in making progress against plastic pollution at the city level,” stated Taylor Clayton, regional project manager, GEF LAC Cities Project.
The launch event brought together key representatives from municipal and national authorities, as well as from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and UNEP. The meeting highlighted the relevance of regional collaboration as a fundamental pillar to implement sustainable solutions and address the environmental challenges posed by plastic pollution. Among the expected results of the network are the promotion of a harmonised regional agenda, the establishment of a coordinated approach to the plastics circular economy at city level, and strengthening capacity at local, national and regional levels on circular solutions.