NATIONAL CONSULTATION WORKSHOP FOR PLASTIC STRATEGY HELD

The Environmental and Conservation Division (ECD) under the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, Disaster Management and Meteorology (MECDM) and consultant team engaged to work on the National Plastic Strategy for Solomon Islands have successfully held the stakeholder’s consultation workshop recently.

The Consultation workshop is part of the Project on “Capacity development project to catalyze actions and commitments at the national and global level to reduce plastic pollution including in the marine environment” in Solomon Islands (CDA-PP) Project” which is funded by the United States Department of State (USDOS) and implemented by UNEP in African, Caribbean and Pacific Countries including Solomon Islands since July 2023 and will conclude on 31 July 2025.

The workshop aims to provide crucial information, facilitate discussion and receive feedbacks from stakeholders on the key areas for actions to address plastic waste in Solomon Islands taking into consideration the plastic lifecycle.

Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Environment Climate Change Disaster Management & Meteorology (MECDM), Ms. Susan Sulu stated in her remarks that the workshop marks a critical step in Solomon Islands towards a collective effort to address one of the most pressing environmental challenges, plastic pollution.

Plastic has become deeply embedded in people’s everyday lives, offering convenience and utility. However, its persistence in the environment and the serious impacts it has on ecosystems, wildlife, and human health cannot be ignored any longer. Plastic waste has become one of the most significant environmental challenges of our time. Its impacts are felt not only globally but also locally, in our communities, our ecosystems, and especially our oceans.

Solomon Islands, like many other nations, faces the urgent need to find solutions that address this growing issue. This workshop provides a platform to align actions and strategies toward a common goal. It is a collaborative space for all experts, innovators, policymakers, and stakeholders to come together and share ideas, insights, and solutions. Whether it’s through better waste management, the development of new materials, or changes in consumer behaviour, every contribution matters.

Ms. Sulu said the need for a well-thought-out strategy to manage the full life cycle of plastic from production, to use, disposal, and promote sustainable alternatives has never been more urgent.

“We must not only rethink how we use plastics but also how we can create a circular economy that minimizes waste and maximizes resource efficiency”.

She said that the formulation of the National Plastic Strategy will guide the national efforts to manage and reduce plastic waste. It is not just a document—it is a commitment to the future of our environment, our people, and our economy.

“We aim to establish a clear vision, set measurable goals, and outline concrete actions that will help us tackle plastic waste effectively”.

During the workshop the Ministry presented on the project update and framework for the National Plastic strategy was presented. Other presentations from the Ministry of Culture & Tourism and plastic innovative approaches implemented in country was also shared such as from the representative of SINU, Resilience Innovation Social Girls Club, Dreamcast, Design Technology Centre and the Prepaid Bag Pilot Project.

The attendees of the workshop are representatives from the Government Agencies, Private Sectors, NGOs, Community Youth group and the Academic Institution.

(Photo: PS/MECDM Ms. Susan Sulu giving her remarks during the workshop)

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MECDM Press