Bangladesh calls for regional concerted action to tackle plastic pollution in the ocean
Bangladesh has called for regional concerted action to tackle plastic pollution in the rivers and oceans of South Asia. Dr. Farhina Ahmed, Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bangladesh, called for action at the high-level panel discussion, “Policy and Regulatory Challenges of Managing Plastic Waste,” part of the “Plastic-Free Rivers and Seas” initiative.
A Vision for South Asia Regional Round Table’ held in Colombo, Sri Lanka on April 13.
Dr. Farhina Ahmed said, ‘South Asia is home to some of the world’s most important river systems. Plastics are being dumped across borders in the water bodies here, threatening ecosystems and livelihoods.
“A coordinated regional strategy is needed to address this problem – involving cooperation, innovation and sustainable financing,” she said.
According to the Secretary of the Environment in Bangladesh, there are three key challenges in tackling plastic pollution: poor waste management practices like open dumping and burning, weak law enforcement, and insufficient regional collaboration for information sharing and monitoring.
She proposed the formulation of a South Asian multi-sectoral plastics action plan. The plan will feature integrated policies for a circular economy, shared standards for reducing plastic production, and alignment with the Global Plastics Agreement.
She called for joint initiatives in waste collection, segregation and processing at the regional level and investment in innovative technologies.
Bangladesh called for the phasing out of risky and harmful plastics and the use of safe and recyclable alternatives.
Dr. Farhina Ahmed proposed a regional plastic tracking system, hotspot clean-up programs and strict enforcement of laws.
She said, “We need to invest in regionally appropriate research. We also need digital monitoring systems based on public participation and artificial intelligence.”
She emphasized on the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) model, so that industries participate financially in waste management.
The Secretary also said, “Our individual efforts are not enough. Now is the time to take collective initiatives. We will take bold decisions, work together for a plastic-free South Asia.”
Dr Farhina Ahmed led a three-member delegation from Bangladesh, which included Shamima Begum, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Environment, Bangladesh, and Rajinara Begum, Director of the Department of Environment (Bangladesh).
Government representatives, policymakers, and environmental experts from various countries in South Asia are participating in this roundtable meeting.
