Marine debris pollution is a global concern which threatens the health of ocean biodiversity, industries and communities. The goal of this ASEAN Regional Action Plan for Combating Marine Debris in the ASEAN Member States (2021 – 2025) is to enhance coordination at the regional and international levels for achieving sustainable management of coastal and marine environments through responding to marine plastic pollution. The Regional Action Plan (RAP) highlights the current status and challenges faced by ASEAN Member States (AMS), as well as identifies potential solutions along the value chain to overcome unsustainable plastic consumption, waste management and marine debris pollution. It proposes an integrated approach to address marine debris pollution in ASEAN over the the period of 2021-2025 through 14 regional actions at three key stages of the value chain: 1) Reduce Inputs into the System, 2) Enhance Collection and Minimize Leakage, and, 3) Create Value for Waste Reuse. The implementation plan is envisioned to leverage the region’s collective experience by sharing best practices and lessons learned, as well as utilize the economies of scale to be found in areas such as standards, innovation, financing and training. Ultimately, this approach aims to support and encourage AMS to strengthen policies and practices at the national level, while enhancing collaboration and coordination at the regional and international levels in order to achieve sustainable management of coastal and marine environments. The Actions proposed in the Plan include:1. develop regional guidebook on financial mechanisms for investments in plastic waste management; 2. develop guiding principles for phasing out select single-use plastics (sups); 3. develop a regional guidebook on standards for responsible plastic waste trade, sorted plastics waste, and recycled plastics; 4. elaboration of best practice manual for development of minimum standards and technical requirements for plastic packaging and labelling; 5. undertake regional stocktaking of green public procurement; 6. develop best practice manual for reducing, collection and treatment of sea-based litter; 7. develop guidebook for common methodologies for assessment and monitoring of marine litter; 8. strengthen ASEAN regional knowledge network on marine plastics; 9. conduct a regional study on microplastics; 10. coordinate regional training programs on plastics and waste management; 11. develop a behavioral change communication strategy playbook; 12. enhance regional awareness for consumers of labeling of plastics and packaging; 13. establish a regional platform for EPR knowledge and implementation support; 14. establish a regional platform to support innovation and investments in plastics and plastic waste management.
2021-05-01