SST launches guidebook in order to tackle plastics waste problem in Africa. Image: Greenpeace
(The Post News)- The Sustainable Sea Trust (SST) introduced a guidebook which aims at addressing the rising plastic waste crisis in Africa. The digital guide being titled Plastic-Free Seas: An Action-Focused Guide for Plastic Management in Africa, was designed to support the nations, cities, and small island states in Africa to craft actionable strategies to reduce plastic waste, achieve sustainable development goals, and meet UN Global Plastics Treaty commitments.
Based on the findings of CEO of SST, Janine Osborne, plastic consumption per capita in Africa is less in comparison to other regions, but is the second most polluted continent. Osborne says a rapidly increasing population, poor product design, and limited recycling infrastructure have led to a plastic waste crisis across Africa, she adds that addressing the growing matter while unlocking the socio-economic benefits of sustainable waster management requires an urgent systems-wide response.
The Global Plastics Treaty has presented an opportunity to curb plastic waste, but the obligations could be a challenge for developing countries in Africa. It is required of states to draft detailed plans, set targets and monitor progress. The SST has responded by outlining the necessary actions across the plastic value chain while highlighting how important education, behavioral change, and fiscal incentives are.
The guidebook has also recognized the different challenges which are faced by different African countries. Osbourne has taken note that investing in recycling plants may not be feasible for smaller nations, making regional collaborations essential in tackling waste.
The guidebook being developed as part of SST’s 2022 international conference is a key output from the event where delegates from 23 countries worked together to draft the first version. Leonie Joubert, Science writer who authored the guidebook had described the urgent need for a systematic response to the crisis. Joubert emphasized the role of collective movements, citing the influence organizations like SST can have in shaping policy.
The guide is available for download on the SST website and will serve as a practical tool for nations in Africa to meet global obligations while taking on a regional problem which is affecting millions of people.
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