Diving deep into Nepal's plastic pollution challenges and solutions!

By CREASION
May 10, 2024

CREASION was part of the roundtable discussion which was organized by the Plastic Free Rivers and Seas for South Asia (PLEASE) Project to foster dialogue on creating plastic-free, sustainable environments in the South Asian region. Stakeholders united under the PLEASE Project to dive deep into Nepal's plastic pollution challenges and solutions. Rokeya Khaton, SACEP's Director General, highlighted the extensive impacts of plastic pollution on the environment, economy, and public health, emphasizing recent international cooperation efforts like INC-4. She reiterated SACEP's broader commitment to environmental conservation beyond plastic pollution, advocating for partnerships and collective action towards a sustainable future. Joseph Ese Akpokodje, Senior Environment Specialist/ Task Team Leader, Please Project of the World Bank emphasized the importance of international negotiations like INC-4 in addressing plastic pollution comprehensively and urged for effective waste management strategies in Nepal. He outlined Nepal's strategy, including the Green Resilient Inclusive Development (GRID) platform, supported by various partners, aiming to foster regional collaboration and develop cohesive policies to tackle plastic pollution. Komal Karki, UNOPS Nepal's Country Manager, reiterated their commitment to addressing environmental issues through partnerships with the Government of Nepal and other stakeholders, particularly through their support for the Please project. UNOPS has actively contributed, including organizing a national solid waste management workshop that informed the drafting of the Solid Waste Management Act. Key insights from the discussion include the urgent need for improved coordination among government departments at both central and local levels, technical support for waste management entities, and policy considerations such as taxing plastic waste and implementing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). Establishing a comprehensive national policy is crucial for private sector engagement, with support from organizations like UNDP and the World Bank. Additionally, stakeholders highlighted the importance of scalable solutions, national standards, and educating the younger generation to foster sustainable waste management practices. The outcomes are expected to inform future interventions, policies, and funding priorities, signaling a step closer to a cleaner, greener Nepal! Stay tuned for more roundtable discussions in the region by the PLEASE project in the coming months as we continue our collective efforts toward a cleaner, greener South Asia! Project Partners: Implemented By: South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme Funded By: World Bank Supported By: UNOPS Sri Lanka

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