Fiji has called for “ambitious, effective and equitable” legally binding international measures to address the scourge of plastic pollution.
A delegation from the country participated at the fourth session of the intergovernmental negotiations committee (INC4) in Canada last week.
“Plastic pollution exacerbates the already declining fish stocks from overfishing by creating entire dead zones in our oceans.
“The projection that there will be more plastic than fish in the oceans by 2050 is becoming a reality,” said Ministry of Climate Change and Environment permanent secretary Dr Sivendra Michael.
“Marine plastic pollution is a global, transboundary problem. Plastic litter or microplastics has been detected in all parts of the planet’s marine environment and is not contained by national borders.
“The problem of marine plastic pollution cannot be solved on a national or regional level, or with voluntary measures alone. It requires coordinated action at the global level, with a shared responsibility and a common approach.
“In this regard, Fiji is pushing for the inclusion of stringent measures to reduce primary plastic polymer production, polymers and chemicals of concern, and problematic and avoidable plastic polymers and products.”
