Workshop on Solid Waste Management Plan Development and Enforcement Awareness on Environment (Single-Use Plastic Ban) Regulation 2023 in Buala, Isabel Province
HONIARA, SOLOMON ISLANDS, 20th June 2024 – Today, a Waste Management Workshop focused on the development of a Solid Waste Management Plan and enforcement awareness related to the Environment (Single-Use Plastic Ban) Regulation 2023 took place in in Buala Town. The workshop provides an opportunity for all provincial stakeholders in discussing some of the key issues and solutions to enhance waste management in Buala.
During the workshop session, participants engaged in several presentations and group discussions to kick start the development of the Solid Waste Management Plan for Buala. Officers from the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management & Meteorology and Isabel Provincial Government Environment & Climate Change Division delivered presentations which covered the current state of waste management in Buala, data from a waste survey conducted in 2014, and detailed information about the Environment (Single-Use Plastic Ban) Regulation 2023. Additionally, the standard operating procedures were discussed, aiming to support provincial joint enforcement agencies in effectively enforcing the new regulation within the province.
Today’s workshop serves as a crucial platform for provincial stakeholders to familiarize themselves with the new Environment (Single-Use Plastic Ban) Regulation 2023 and the accompanying Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). The SOP provide essential direction for enforcement agencies tasked with implementing the regulation effectively.
In her closing remarks, Ms. Debra Kereseka, Deputy Director Environment of the Environment and Conservation Division emphasized that waste management and plastic pollution is of utmost importance, second to climate change within the country.
She further stated that today’s discussions have provided us with valuable insights into waste management and we are already in the process of crafting an action plan for implementation. Going forward the Environment and Conservation Division (MECDM) remain committed to close collaboration with the province and relevant organizations. Our aim is to address waste management challenges in our provincial center and extend our efforts to other wards.
The workshop was facilitated by officers from the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management & Meteorology in collaboration with the Isabel Provincial Government. Participants representing various stakeholders in Buala actively engaged in the discussion.
This workshop was made possible through the support from UK Government under the Ocean Country Partnership Programme (OCPP).
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