ISLAMABAD: Poor management of plastic waste is worsening environmental degradation and posing serious economic and health challenges for the country, warns Romina Khurshid Alam, Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Climate Change and Environmental Coordination.
Addressing a high-level roundtable discussion on plastic waste management organized by the Ministry of Climate Change & Environmental Coordination, Ms Alam underscored the profound impacts of plastic waste on ecosystems and public health, saying that unchecked plastic pollution hampers sustainable development goals.
Highlighting government initiatives, she informed participants about the regulatory framework established to manage the trans-boundary movement of plastic waste in accordance with the Basel Convention, an international agreement that sets standards for hazardous waste and municipal incinerator ash, ensuring prior notice and confirmation from receiving countries before export.
Terming efficient plastic waste management crucial for safeguarding human health and the environment, she said the implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), aligned with national laws and international agreements, involves federal and provincial governments along with stakeholders.
Ms Alam also listed the ministry’s efforts in banning single-use plastics, polythene bags, and technologies generating microplastics, such as D2W, saying these measures are pivotal in addressing plastic pollution effectively.
Acknowledging the ubiquitous nature of plastic in daily life, she stressed the importance of impactful solid waste management and raising awareness among stakeholders.
She called for educating citizens about the environmental and health impacts of plastic waste, promoting practices like reduction, reuse, recycling, and recovery of plastic products.
Ms Alam urged collaborative efforts to tackle the challenges posed by plastic waste and move towards a sustainable future.