Zero draft of new treaty to come up for review at INC-3

The second session of Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-2) on plastic pollution and marine environment has concluded with laying out a roadmap for the time in between the meetings leading to INC-3, requiring the preparation of a “zero draft” of the new treaty for review in November.

Environment and Social Development Organisation (ESDO) provided an overview of the meeting’s outcomes at a media briefing held at its office in Dhaka on Thursday.

Secretary General of ESDO Dr Shahriar Hossain said, “The meeting was seen by many as a way to gauge the committee members’ dedication to the process and the treaty that would eventually end plastic pollution. Despite the contentious debates, lengthy pauses, and late hours, the Nairobi spirit is still alive.”

“All the plastics that we have ever touched are most likely still in existence. Even if it’s fragmenting, it still remains land or sea-based. Plastic has been found in the most remote and most accessible areas of the natural world. Furthermore, plastic is created from fossil fuels, and emits greenhouse gases that influence climate change,” he added.

To develop an international legally binding instrument (ILBI) about plastic pollution, including the marine environment, delegates at the second encounter of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-2) gathered at the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) headquarters in Paris, France from May 29 to June 2.

Two contact groups were held throughout the day and night, and they discussed objectives and obligations, measures of implementation (Mol), and other matters. Group-1 put their emphasis on reducing micro-plastics, strengthening waste management, banning use of chemicals and polymers of concern, including use of safe sustainable alternatives and substitutes on 12 potential duties. The committee also decided to follow the oral decision.