Kathmandu Hosts Workshop Emphasizing Stronger Action on Plastic Pollution Ahead of UN Treaty Talks

A multi-stakeholder workshop held in Kathmandu concluded on Sunday with a strong call for Nepal to raise critical issues concerning plastic pollution in the upcoming United Nations Plastic Treaty negotiations (INC5.2).

The workshop brought together environmental experts, government representatives, and civil society stakeholders to discuss Nepal’s position and priorities ahead of the international treaty aimed at eliminating global plastic pollution.

The Center for Public Health and Environmental Development's (CEPHED) Executive Director and Environmental Scientist, Ram Charitra Sah, read aloud a technical document highlighting the main issues. He emphasized the necessity of Nepal's strategic and successful participation in the treaty process and urged government officials to voice concerns that are unique to Nepal's situation.
The workshop explored the founding principles and technicalities of the UN Plastic Treaty, including the elimination of plastic pollution, prohibition of harmful polymers and chemicals, and promotion of sustainable alternatives. It also broached improvements in productivity, design, and the implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), where manufacturers are held accountable for the plastic product lifecycle.

Further concerns were the control of plastic waste production, emissions, and discharge into the environment, proper waste management systems, disclosure of chemical use, and regulations on plastic trade.

The need for economic, technical, and financial sustainability and assistance, in addition to technology transfer, was also identified as a main feature to help developing countries meet provisions of the treaty.

The workshop further stressed the development and implementation of action plans at the national level, setting up mechanisms for reporting and monitoring, and compliance with the treaties.

Since the next round of negotiations for the treaty is imminent, participants also concurred that Nepal needed to be active in shaping the agreement according to the country's needs and challenges to meet the plastic pollution issue.