BUSAN, 20 September 2022 (TDI): The Assistant Secretary of Foreign Affairs for Maritime and Ocean of the Philippines, Maria Angela A. Ponce attended the 7th International Marine Debris Conference (7IMDC) on Tuesday.
The Philippine Delegation was co-headed by Ambassador Maria Theresa De Vega and included representatives from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and MARINA.
Assistant Secretary for Maritime and Ocean Affairs Ponce said the plan is a blueprint to enhance the Philippines’ efforts on addressing marine litter issues. She welcomed the start of negotiations for an international legally binding instrument to end plastic pollution. pic.twitter.com/rNetqzkOWi
— DFA Philippines (@DFAPHL) September 20, 2022
At the Conference, she highlighted the Philippines’ National Plan of Action for the Prevention, Reduction, and Management of Marine Litter (NPOA-ML).
Remarks by the Assistant Secretary
Speaking at the opening session of the Conference, Assistant Secretary Ponce said the NPOA-ML is a blueprint to enhance the Philippines’ efforts in addressing marine litter issues.
Assistant Secretary Ponce informed that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources developed this through a participatory multi-stakeholder process.
This process started with the understanding that marine litter is a complex and multi-dimensional problem. It also has significant implications for the environment, economy, and human health and safety.
Additionally, the Assistant Secretary emphasized that NPOA-ML is although a young plan but it is a start towards a greater end. She said that the country will try its best to effective implementation of this plan.
Moreover, she informed that the Philippines will enhance its capacity-building and financing, empowerment of stakeholders, and complimentary legislative action for better implementation.
Furthermore, the Assistant Secretary underscored the importance of science and evidence-based baseline data for better reforms to protect maritime life. She highlighted the need
for integrated solutions and cohesive global response to the issue.
Accordingly, the Secretary said that the problem should be addressed by collective action and through partnership.
Consequently, Secretary Ponce welcomed the start of negotiations for an international legally binding instrument to end plastic pollution.
NPOA-ML
NPOA-ML is an initiative by the Philippines to end pollution in the oceans and rivers. It also
highlights the Philippines’ goal of zero waste in the Philippines’ water by 2040.
Under this Plan, the Philippines baselines national marine litter and introduces reforms to
reduce and recycle it. Moreover, it aims to control shipping and fisheries waste and enhance the disposal system of waste.
Under this, the Plan includes a partnership of local stakeholders as well as enforcing safety
policies on all levels.
7IMDC
The 7IMDC is co-hosted by the Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and the
United Nations Environment Programme.
It is held in Busan, the city of South Korea. 7IJMDC commenced on 19 September and will run until 23 September 2022.
During the Conference, stakeholders will discuss the latest science, strengthen collaborations, find solutions, and catalyze action to address the problem of marine litter and plastic pollution.
