GMS endorses plastic pollution initiative

by Ben Sokhean
September 16, 2024

Eang Sophalleth (L), Minister of Environment, speaks at the 6th GMS Environment Ministers’ Meeting, (EMM-6) at Sofitel hotel in Phnom Penh on September 13, 2024 . Chor Sokunthea photo

The Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) countries have unanimously endorsed the Phnom Penh Joint Statement on the Prevention of Plastic Pollution.

The four-day 6th GMS Environment Ministers’ Meeting (EMM-6) hosted by Cambodia concluded on Friday, with the endorsement of “Phnom Penh Joint Statement on the Prevention of Plastic Pollution” proposed by Cambodia; the GMS 2030 Strategic Framework for Accelerating Climate Action and Environmental Sustainability, and the Joint Ministerial Statement, marks a significant milestone in the collective journey toward a clean, green, and sustainable future.

The new GMS 2030 Strategic Framework for Accelerating Climate Action and Environmental Sustainability focuses on four key priority areas: enhancing the resilience of communities and ecosystems to climate change and disasters, promoting a fair and inclusive low-carbon transition, fostering a circular green economy with stronger pollution control measures, and utilising nature-based solutions to support biodiversity, ecosystem restoration, and improved livelihoods.

Ministers of Environment from the GMS countries and their representatives – Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam – gathered to address the growing crisis of plastic pollution affecting communities, economies, and ecosystems.

The meeting focused on evaluating the impact of plastic pollution and reaffirming their collective commitment to environmental protection, sustainable development, and safeguarding natural resources for future generations across the region.

Recognising the critical role of the GMS in economic, social, and environmental contexts, the ministers acknowledged the severe effects of plastic pollution on biodiversity, climate, public health, and livelihoods. They pledged to tackle this issue through coordinated actions, highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach to managing plastic pollution.

The ministers also recognised the limitations of current global efforts and vowed to build upon existing national and regional initiatives, such as Cambodia’s “Today I Do Not Use Plastic Bags” campaign and similar programmes across the GMS, all rooted in the principles of circular economy and sustainability.

Finally, they underscored the importance of sharing best practices and expertise among GMS nations, emphasising that open collaboration is key to finding and implementing effective solutions to the region’s environmental challenges.

The joint statement from the six GMS countries highlights their collective commitment to addressing plastic pollution through various initiatives. These include enhancing policies for sustainable plastics management, improving infrastructure for plastic waste disposal, and encouraging regional collaboration.

The countries also aim to foster research and innovation in developing alternatives to plastics, share experiences in monitoring pollution, and adopt community-based approaches to empower local populations. Additionally, they emphasise the importance of cooperation with global initiatives, raising public awareness, and integrating sustainability into educational programmes to build a long-term culture of environmental responsibility.

“We call upon all stakeholders to join us in this vital endeavour and we are committed to enhancing cooperation in promoting the adoption of the global treaty on plastic pollution. This statement serves as our joint commitment to address the plastic pollution comprehensively and collaboratively for clean, green, and environmental sustainability,” said the joint statement.

Phouvong Luangxaysana, Deputy Minister of Natural Resources of Laos, said during the plenary session that these initiatives have yielded substantial results aimed at promoting sustainable development and tackling climate change challenges in the region, saying the it has been noted that the GMS is currently encountering plastic pollution that raises environmental concerns.

“Plastic pollution in the GMS is exacerbated by inadequate waste management systems, leading to significant amounts of plastic waste entering rivers and eventually the ocean. This not only affects marine life but also impacts human health and local economies. Collaborative regional strategies and policies are crucial to effectively address this issue and protect the environment for future generations,” he said.

During the wrap-up of EMM-6 following the plenary session, chaired by Cambodia’s Minister of Environment Eang Sophalleth and co-chaired by ADB Vice President (Sectors and Themes) and Head of ADB Delegation Fatima Yasmin, all GMS have expressed their strong endorsement for the joint statement.

Thalearngsak Petchsuwan, Deputy Permanent Secretary at Thailand’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE), expressed Thailand’s full support for the joint statement in principle.

He explained that due to the formal status of the statement, it requires approval from a government committee meeting scheduled a month in advance. He clarified, “Because we have already shared everything with the participants. For the joint statement, we also support it. We need some time to send it back to our committee meeting.”

Speaking during the interview after the meeting, Sophalleth explained that the joint statement is aimed to reduce pollution caused by plastic on the Mekong River.

“There are millions of people living along the Mekong River. There are millions of people depend on the natural resources, especially fish, from the Mekong River,” he said. “When the Mekong is polluted, we are consuming contaminated fish, and then it will affect people’s lives. People’s lives are very fundamental, very critical, especially people’s health. If our health is being impacted, then we will not have enough capability to protect the environment.”

He noted that Cambodia takes people’s well-being as the fundamental factor to move forward fighting against climate change. Without human capital, there is no fighting against climate change.

“So this initiative is not just the initiative that we propose without considering, without testing. We have considered, we have tested, and in Cambodia we have achieved it. In Cambodia, we have a strategy which is clean, green, and sustainable,” he added.

During the opening ceremony on Friday, Yasmin said ADB recognised the critical need for urgent and concerted action.

“Our commitment to supporting the GMS countries on their journey towards sustainable development is unwavering. The task before us is clear: we must integrate climate resilience and environmental sustainability into every facet of our development plans, policies, and investments.

“We recognise that the last four years have been exceptionally challenging in the GMS countries and in the rest of Asia on account of the coronavirus pandemic, which has disrupted global supply chains, triggered an economic downturn, and contributed to rising inflation. Subsequent geopolitical tensions further exacerbated a period of uncertainty,” she said.