Marie Kwirine – Nipe Fagio Tanzania
On September 23, 2024, a significant webinar championed by GAIA Africa member Nipe Fagio was held to raise awareness about the Global Plastic Treaty among Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and government officials in Tanzania. The event saw the participation of 39 attendees, including national negotiators, making it a notable success.
Objective
The primary goal of the webinar was to educate stakeholders about the upcoming Fifth Session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) on the Global Plastic Treaty. This session is a crucial step in the international effort to combat plastic pollution. By highlighting the importance of the treaty, the webinar aimed to mobilize support and awareness among relevant stakeholders.
Background
Plastic pollution is a global crisis affecting ecosystems, human health, and economies. The international community has been working towards a Global Plastic Treaty to address the production, use, and disposal of plastic products comprehensively. The Fifth Session of the INC represents a pivotal moment in these negotiations, offering a platform for governments and organizations to shape the treaty’s provisions.
Webinar Structure and Highlights
The webinar began with an introduction by Marie Kwirine, who welcomed participants and outlined the event’s objectives. This was followed by a keynote address from Ana Rocha, a prominent expert on plastic pollution. Rocha’s presentation emphasized the urgent need for collective action and the treaty’s role in addressing this global challenge.
Rocha continued with an in-depth discussion on the key provisions of the Global Plastic Treaty. She covered critical issues such as plastic waste management, recycling, single-use plastics, and extended producer responsibility.
A panel discussion featured insights from Silvani E Mng’anya, Principal Program Officer at AGENDA/IPEN Anglophone Regional Coordinator, and Henry Msuya, Senior Standard Officer at TBS and INC TZ Delegate. The panelists shared their perspectives on the treaty, its potential impacts, and the roles of their respective stakeholders in its implementation.
The event concluded with a Q&A session, allowing participants to engage directly with the speakers. The closing remarks by Marie Kwirine summarized the key takeaways and encouraged continued advocacy and engagement in the lead-up to the Fifth Session of the INC.
Target Audience
The webinar targeted government officials involved in environmental policy-making and negotiations, representatives from CSOs working on environmental conservation, and community leaders interested in addressing plastic pollution at the grassroots level.
Expected Outcomes
The webinar successfully increased awareness and understanding of the Global Plastic Treaty among stakeholders. It also fostered enhanced collaboration and coordination in addressing plastic pollution at local, national, and international levels.
Next Steps
Moving forward, the organizers plan to identify and invite speakers and panelists with diverse perspectives and expertise. They will also develop promotional materials and outreach strategies to maximize participation and coordinate logistics for future events.
The webinar on the Global Plastic Treaty was a significant step towards a more sustainable future, demonstrating the power of collective action in tackling one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.
