Introduction
Plastic pollution is one of the major environmental challenges of our time. Every year, at least 14 million tons of plastic end up in the oceans, accounting for 80% of all marine debris found in surface waters and deep-sea sediments. In Kenya, the situation is particularly dire, with plastics responsible for 20% of the 22,000 tons of waste generated daily in the country.
Recently, during the 11th Our Ocean Conference held in the coastal city of Mombasa, the Kenyan government, together with the World Economic Forum (WEF) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Kenya, formally launched the Kenya National Plastic Action Partnership (NPAP Kenya). This initiative aims to accelerate the country's transition to a circular plastics economy.
The State of Plastic Pollution in Kenya
In Kenya, only 27% of plastic waste is collected, of which 8% is recycled and the remaining 19% is disposed of in unsanitary landfills or dumpsites. The plastic waste not properly collected and managed often ends up in rivers and the ocean, disrupting ecosystems, endangering wildlife, and impacting tourism and fisheries.
In 2017, Kenya introduced a ban on the use, manufacture, and importation of single-use plastic bags. In 2020, the ban was extended to single-use plastics in protected areas. NPAP Kenya will help accelerate the country's transition to a circular plastics economy, according to Clemence Schmid, Director of the Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP) at the World Economic Forum (WEF).
Interview with Clemence Schmid
Clemence Schmid, Director of GPAP, highlighted the importance of a just transition to a circular plastics economy. 'The only possible transition is a just transition', she stated. 'This means that we must consider the needs and rights of all stakeholders, including local communities, workers, and the environment'.
Conclusion
The transition to a circular plastics economy is a complex challenge that requires the collaboration of all sectors of society. NPAP Kenya is an example of how governments, international organizations, and civil society can work together to address plastic pollution and promote sustainable development.
Source / Reference: Mongabay