Nairobi 26/09/2024/ Kenya has officially joined the High Ambition Coalition aimed at eliminating plastics pollution, which now comprises 67 nations dedicated to establishing a robust international legally binding instrument based on a comprehensive and circular approach that mandates urgent actions and effective measures throughout the entire lifecycle of plastics.
The decision represents a significant development at a crucial juncture in the negotiations for a plastics treaty. There is an urgent need for a strong and unified commitment to conclude discussions for a comprehensive and effective treaty during the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) scheduled to take place in Busan in November 2024.
In light of what is at stake , Gerance Mutwol, Plastic campaigner at Greenpeace Africa, stated:
“As Kenya demonstrates commitment and political goodwill towards a robust treaty, we urge the Kenyan government to endorse and sign the Bridge to Busan Declaration. Kenya should champion a treaty that prioritizes reducing plastic production by at least 75% by 2040, based on the 2019 baseline, in order to maintain global temperatures below 1.5° C and safeguard our health, rights, communities, and the planet.”
“ Kenya must endeavor to eradicate plastic pollution throughout its entire lifecycle to protect both the environment and human health, while also eliminating single-use plastics, beginning with problematic items such as sachets. Furthermore, there is a pressing need to transition towards a just and inclusive low-carbon, zero-waste, toxic-free, reuse-oriented economy,” Gerance added.
Kenya, alongside nations like Rwanda, has been in the forefront towards a continent free from single-use plastics. Governments across Africa and globally must recognize that the Global Plastics Treaty presents a unique opportunity to address this mounting global crisis.
For interview inquiries, kindly contact
Luchelle Feukeng, Communication and Storytelling Manager, Greenpeace Africa
+237 656 46 35 45
Gerance Mutwol, Plastic Campaigner
+254 708 028 390