Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) that concluded February 17 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, have endorsed plans to have a legally binding instrument.
During the 14th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP14), parties were encouraged to fully support the negotiations for a legally binding treaty to end plastic pollution.
“Parties are encouraged to fully support the negotiations for a legally binding treaty to end plastic pollution currently ongoing in response to UNEP/EA.5/Res.14 End plastic pollution: Towards an international legally binding instrument, with the ambition to complete them by the end of 2024, by raising issues associated with plastic pollution of importance to migratory species and identify locally appropriate solutions, striving to ensure that communities actively participate, taking into account relevant provisions of CMS Resolution 12.20 Management of Marine Debris and the recommendations of the report, Impacts of Plastic Pollution on Freshwater Aquatic, Terrestrial and Avian Migratory Species in the Asia and Pacific Region.”
Parties were further urged to disseminate the findings of the report, 'Impacts of Plastic Pollution on Freshwater Aquatic, Terrestrial, and Avian Migratory Species in the Asia and Pacific Region', within their governments and among other stakeholders, and take steps to address the conclusions.
The COP14 also urged parties to engage with the Global Ghost Gear Initiative, in line with the recommendation contained in Resolution 12.20, implement strategies to increase gear traceability through the implementation of fishing gear marking schemes in line with the FAO voluntary guidelines, and participate in the ongoing FAO global assessment of abandoned, lost, or otherwise discarded fishing gear.
Parties were further encouraged to fund research by academia, research organisations, and other relevant stakeholders on the impact of plastic pollution, including plastics of all sizes and materials, on marine, freshwater, and terrestrial CMS-listed species with a view to providing clear recommendations.
They should also develop, in collaboration with relevant agencies, a harmonised standard and guidance relating to the circular design of fishing gear in order to prepare for their re-use, repair or recycling, and share best practices, including in relation to the collection of abandoned, lost, or otherwise discarded fishing gear.
In a historic milestone at UNEA-5 in 2022 in Nairobi, UN member states endorsed a resolution to end plastic pollution by forging an internationally legally binding agreement by 2024.
As of last year, 175 countries had adopted the resolution, End plastic pollution: Towards an international legally binding instrument that addresses the full lifecycle of plastic, including its production, design, and disposal.
The instrument will be based on a comprehensive approach that addresses the full life cycle of plastic.
In 2017, Kenya’s Ministry of Environment banned the use of plastic carrier bags through a gazette notice dated February 27.
The ban came into effect in August of that year.
Today, being found in possession of plastics attracts a fine of between Sh2 million and Sh4 million, or a jail term of between one and two years, or both.
Before 2017, about 100 million plastic bags were used in Kenyan supermarkets every year, with severe consequences to the environment.
But despite the ban, plastics are still in the market.
Nema says banned plastics get into the country through porous borders as some countries are yet to ban them.
It is suspected that the plastics come from Tanzania, Somalia and Uganda.
The authority has faced challenges in Garissa, Mandera, Moyale, Busia, Taita Taveta, Namanga and other border posts.
Nema has been calling for uniformity in the ban.
On June 5, 2019, Kenya also banned single-use plastics on beaches, national parks, forests and conservation areas.
The ban prohibits visitors from carrying single-use plastic water bottles, disposable cups, plates, cutlery and straws into national parks, forests, beaches and conservation areas.