By patricia.ngevao@awokonewspaper.sl
Freetown, SIERRA LEONE – A collaborative effort spearheaded by the Environment Protection Agency (EPA), the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), and Grid Arendal Norway saw the initiation of a two-day Stakeholders Dialogue on the Revised Zero Draft of the United Nations Plastic Pollution Treaty at the Atlantic Lumley Hotel in Freetown.
This workshop convened stakeholders from diverse sectors of the plastic value chain to deliberate on the components of the revised draft treaty. Discussions aimed not only to address the urgent issue of plastic pollution in the country but also to pinpoint key concerns shaping the national stance ahead of African Group consultations and the Fourth session of the INC.
Abu-Bakar Massaquoi, Executive Chairman of the EPA, emphasized the critical necessity of addressing the environmental crisis posed by plastic pollution. Recognizing its significant threat to ecosystems, Massaquoi underscored the EPA’s dedication to furnishing evidence-based guidance for policy decisions, extending gratitude to Grid Arendal, IUCN, and NORAD for their support.
Emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts in the ongoing negotiations for the plastic treaty, he envisioned its potential to revolutionize dynamics in plastic waste management.
Paul A. Lamin, Director of the Natural Resources Governance Directorate, provided an overview of the workshop within the AFRIPAC framework (Effective Capacity-Building for Global Plastic in Africa), aiming to enhance technical and legal capacities in Sierra Leone.
Lamin stated, “As plastic pollution increasingly threatens ecosystems worldwide, the dialogue highlights the critical need for concerted global efforts to address this pressing environmental challenge, fostering hopes for meaningful progress towards a more sustainable future.” PSN/18/3/2024
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