United Nations Environment Programme
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No to Plastic
Workshop
Plastic Pollution in West Asia: Challenges and Sustainable Solutions
23 - 24 December 2023
Manama, Bahrain
- Overview
- Press release
- بيان صحافي
Introduction
Plastics are ubiquitous materials used in almost every aspect of modern life. While plastics have brought numerous benefits, their excessive production, use and mismanaged waste have led to serious environmental issues. These problems encompass pollution, the deterioration of ecosystems, and potential health hazards for humans. Disturbingly, plastic waste has infiltrated all corners of our planet, from the deepest oceans to the remotest mountain ranges.
Much like elsewhere around the world, West Asian countries are coping with growing concerns related to plastic pollution. These issues are particularly pronounced in areas where environmental governance is weak, and waste management infrastructure often proves ineffective. While West Asian countries are aware of and are actively responding to these challenges, a far more concerted effort is required to transition toward a circular economy for plastics.
In light of this pressing need, the UNEP West Asia Office has undertaken a comprehensive study that adopts a life cycle perspective to assess the current state of plastic pollution in West Asia. The study aims at assessing the scale and extent of plastic production, consumption and disposal in the region and provide recommendations to policy makers across the region concerning sustainable practices for plastic consumption, production and end-of-life management.
Objective of the Dialogue
The primary goal of the workshop is to convene government officials from across the West Asia region to engage in collaborative discussions regarding the issue of plastic pollution. The objective is to identify potential opportunities that can effectively address these challenges in the region. This dialogue serves as a platform for West Asian countries to exchange perspectives, share their experiences, and draw lessons from plastic waste management and circularity.
The specific objectives are as follows: 1. To present the findings of the comprehensive study on the production, consumption, and end-of-life management of plastics in West Asia conducted by UNEP West Asia Office. 2. To discuss the challenges and drivers contributing to plastic pollution within the West Asia region, taking into account socioeconomic, environmental, and cultural factors. 3. To formulate recommendations aimed at promoting innovative solutions, policies, and strategies for mitigating plastic pollution through a circular economy approach to plastic management.
Participation
The meeting is designed for representatives from environment ministries who are involved in plastic waste management in West Asia.
West Asia Countries Discuss Challenges and Sustainable Solutions to Plastic Pollution in the Region
Beirut, 23 December 2023: Officials from across the West Asia region have gathered in Manama Bahrain to shed light on plastic pollution and identify potential opportunities that can effectively address these challenges in the region.
Organized by the United Nations Environment Programme, Regional Office for West Asia and hosted by the Supreme Council for Environment of Bahrain, the “Plastic Pollution in West Asia Countries: Challenges and Sustainable Solutions,” workshop brought together representatives of West Asian countries along with international experts in the field of plastic pollution.
The workshop serves as a platform for West Asia countries to exchange perspectives, share their experiences, and draw lessons from plastic waste management and circularity. It is expected to formulate recommendations aimed at promoting innovative solutions, policies, and strategies for mitigating plastic pollution through a lifecycle circular economy approach to plastic management.
In her opening speech, Engineer Luma Al Mahrous, Director of the Department for the Control and Environmental Protection, welcomed the participants, and highlighted the constructive and usual cooperation between the Supreme Council for the Environment and the United Nations Environment Program Regional Office for West Asia that resulted into a number of joint activities including this workshop.
She added: “this regional workshop is an opportunity to exchange expertise, experiences and visions regarding the policies and procedures taken or still needed to end plastic pollution. she noted that “the Kingdom of Bahrain is among the first countries in the region that have taken measures to ban single use plastic at the level of national legislation since the year 2019.
In his opening remarks, the Deputy Regional Director of UN Environment Programme for West Asia, Mr. Abdul Majeid Haddad, thanked the Kingdom of Bahrain for their hosting of the workshop and reaffirmed the importance of circularity in offering solutions to waste problems, moving from waste management to resource management. He said: “Plastics value chains represent a unique opportunity to show case circular solutions from production to consumption and avoid costs to present and future generations. The transition to a circular economy for plastics offers a potent and sustainable economic model, decoupling plastic use from finite resource consumption.
In West Asia, as in many parts of the world, plastic waste comprises a substantial portion of the waste stream. An estimated 94% of plastic waste generated remains in the confines of the linear economy, with 40% of it being mismanaged, and 54% finding its way into landfills. Only around 5% is subject to recycling”.
He stressed that embracing strategies that keep plastics in the economy and out of the environment, can unlock economic, social, and climate benefits.
While plastics have brought numerous benefits, their excessive production, use and mismanaged waste have led to serious environmental issues causing pollution, deterioration of ecosystems, and potential health hazards for humans.
Recognizing the need to address plastic pollution, the UN Environment Assembly adopted in 2022, resolution 5/14, to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, which should be ready by 2024.
West Asia countries much like elsewhere around the world, are coping with growing concerns related to plastic pollution. In fact, the rapid economic development and population growth along with the growing tourism industry in many West Asia countries have led to increased urbanization and industrialization, and has resulted in a surge in consumerism and the use of single-use plastics. This has resulted into an increase in the consumption of single-use plastics, ending up in landfills, rivers, and oceans.
While West Asia countries are currently facing challenges in managing plastic waste and pollution, they are also actively taking steps to address the issue. A more concerted effort is required to transition toward a circular economy for plastics, improve waste management infrastructure, promote recycling initiatives, and raise awareness among the population about the environmental and health impacts of plastic waste.
UNEP Regional office for West Asia presented the findings of a study about plastic pollution in the region, its impact and possible sustainable solutions.
