The Embassy of the Republic of Korea and the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) of Papua New Guinea recently hosted a Climate Action Seminar on November 2 in Port Moresby.
The seminar, themed “Rethinking Plastic: Building Resilient Communities and Ecosystems in PNG,” brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the PNG government, international diplomatic community, private sector, development partners, and technical experts.
Previously, recognizing the severity of plastic pollution as a pressing global issue, 175 countries adopted the resolution “End Plastic Pollution: Towards an International Legally Binding Instrument” at the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-5.2) on March 2, 2022.
This resolution started negotiations for a comprehensive international treaty addressing plastic pollution across its entire lifecycle, from production to disposal.
According to the UN Environment Programme, over 460 million metric tons of plastic are produced every year. As reported in the International Union for Conservation of Nature Issue Brief in May 2024, an estimated 20 million metric tons of plastic litter end up in the environment every year, which is expected to rise by 2040.
For PNG, a nation known for its rich biodiversity and reliance on marine resources, the stakes are particularly high. Despite contributing only 1.3% of global plastic waste, the country faces significant consequences.
An estimated 246 tonnes of mismanaged plastic waste enter its marine environment daily, a figure projected to triple by 2050 if left unchecked, according to South Korean Ambassador to PNG, His Excellency Choi Jongho.
The seminar last month stressed the impact of plastic pollution on PNG’s biodiversity, health, and economy. Discussions focused on strategies to implement the Plastic Pollution Treaty and explored partnerships between the government and stakeholders and to strengthen waste management efforts.
H.E. Jongho highlighted the seminar’s alignment with the Fifth Session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5), from November 25 to December 1, 2024, in Busan, South Korea, which addressed strategies to combat plastic pollution, particularly its impact on marine ecosystems.
Plastic pollution is evident in iconic locations such as Ela Beach in Port Moresby, where waste bottles, bags, and snack wrappers litter the shoreline. This disrupts marine ecosystems, threatens fisheries, endangers tourism, and poses health risks to coastal communities. PNG’s vulnerability to climate-related disasters such as flooding and coastal erosion exacerbates these challenges, the GGGI said.
Despite initiatives like banning single-use plastic and international treaties, PNG’s limitations in infrastructure and resources hinder progress. Jongho emphasized the need for greater collaboration, noting Korea’s achievements in recycling and waste management as a potential model for PNG.
"Korea is eager to share its knowledge and collaborate on initiatives that can help address plastic pollution here.By adopting best practices and leveraging innovative solutions, we can protect the environment for future generations. Let us work hand-in-hand to combat plastic pollution and build a sustainable future for Papua New Guinea and the world," the ambassador said.
The seminar featured a panel discussion with government representatives, private sector leaders, companies and waste management experts. Moderated by Vili Caniogo of GGGI PNG, the key messages from the panel included:
- The importance of effecting change starting at the grassroots level through simple and accessible information. Changing public attitudes and empowering communities and women through community-based programs, waste collection and recycling were highlighted.
- Strengthened accountability for manufacturers, citing necessary legislation and policies to hold manufacturers and producers accountable for the life cycle of their products. Incentives such as tax relief and funding for SMEs and penalties were also cited to encourage responsible waste management.
- Essential examples of collaboration were cited, including Coca-Cola’s partnerships for PET collection and the role of waste management businesses like TWM. Logistical challenges in collection such as high freight costs and limited access to collection points hinder recycling efforts.
- Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), where industries need to take a proactive role in managing their waste rather than waiting for government action.
- Innovation in recycling like converting waste plastics into road materials or other products that could add value and reduce waste.
- Government’s role in prioritizing funding for waste management, enforcing policies, and regulating industries to create a sustainable system.
- Supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with funding and resources to boost local recycling and waste management capabilities.
Dukwoo Jun, GGGI’s Circular Economy Lead, shred innovative solutions such as bioplastics in South Korea, advanced recycling systems in Rwanda, and plastic brick manufacturing in Côte d’Ivoire. He also discussed financial tools like green bonds and plastic credit systems.
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Environment and Conservation at this seminar on plastic pollution, the Acting Managing Director, Climate Change Development Authority (CCDA) Ms. Debra Sungi said: “Papua New Guinea generates 280 tons of plastic waste daily, harming marine ecosystems and rural livelihoods.”
“While partnerships with SPREP and Australia have helped, a comprehensive policy is crucial. This forum is a step forward in uniting stakeholders to craft solutions. CEPA's waste management policy is a start, but broader collaboration is needed.”
