INC-5 Policy Brief

Addressing the disproportionate effects of plastic pollution in Island Territories: Insights from the Pacific Islands for an ambitious, legally binding Global Plastics Treaty

The time to act is now

This policy brief aims to highlight the adverse and disproportionate impacts that Pacific island territories face from plastic pollution.

Building on the Rapa Nui Declaration, signed in April 2024, and follow-up actions agreed at INC-4, this document provides guidance and practical recommendations for negotiators of the Global Plastics Treaty to incorporate measures that bolster the international response to plastic pollution in island territories, which affects both the health and livelihoods of Indigenous people and coastal communities, and the unique biodiversity of the Pacific region. Our contribution seeks to achieve a robust outcome from INC-5 negotiations in Busan that equips us with the necessary legal, institutional, and economic tools to address this growing global problem.

This policy brief was developed by the Pacific islands working groups led by the Rapa Nui Island Municipality and the Directorate of the Galapagos National Park, following the Rapa Nui Declaration, with the support of the Pacific Plastics: Science to Solutions network (co-led by Galapagos Conservation Trust and the University of Exeter) and committed organisations and individuals from or supporting Pacific islands.

English

Addressing the disproportionate effects of plastic pollution in Island Territories: Insights from the Pacific Islands for an ambitious, legally binding Global Plastics Treaty

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Español

Abordando los efectos desproporcionados de la contaminación por plástico en territorios insulares: Perspectivas desde Islas del Pacífico para un tratado ambicioso y jurídicamente vinculante

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Français

Traiter les effets disproportionnés de la pollution plastique dans les territoires insulaires: Perspectives des îles du Pacifique pour un traité mondial ambitieux et juridiquement contraignant

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We invite readers to support these recommendations for islands to be considered in achieving a historic, equitable and ambitious Global Plastics Treaty. We also welcome suggestions for case studies relevant to this policy brief.

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