Vietnam proposes to end plastic pollution through the applicable plan of action.

DNHN - Vietnam proposes to reduce and eliminate plastic pollution through the roadmap; taking into account the country's conditions and circumstances; and emphasising the importance of mandatory obligations to avoid imposing excessive burdens

According to Mr Le Ngoc Tuan - Director of the Department of International Cooperation (Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment), plastic pollution has become one of the most serious environmental issues on a global scale; if there are no timely prevention solutions, this will have future repercussions for humanity.

In response to this urgent request, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has proposed that countries negotiate a Global Agreement on Plastic Pollution to end plastic pollution, safeguard human health, and safeguard human health. Protect human health and the environment from the harmful effects of plastics throughout their entire life cycle; reduce the production, use, and disposal of plastics.

After two negotiation sessions in Uruguay in 2022 and France in 2023, the process of technical negotiation to construct the Agreement is now entering a crucial phase, namely the construction of the text of the Agreement for negotiation at the Session. The third session will be held in Nairobi, Kenya in November 2023, followed by subsequent sessions until its adoption in late 2024.

The representative of the Department of International Cooperation shared the results of the second negotiation session, stating that the countries were divided into two groups to discuss the primary contents to be considered and included in the first draught of the document. In which the majority of opinions agreed to end plastic pollution and protect human health and the environment from the harmful effects of plastic throughout its entire life cycle.

Countries can be obligated to perform 12 groups of obligations, including: (1) Gradually eliminating or reducing supply and demand for virgin plastic polymers (plastic raw materials derived from petroleum); (2) Prohibiting, phasing out, or reducing the use of harmful or avoidable/replaceable plastic products; (3) Prohibiting, phasing out, or reducing the production, consumption, and use of chemicals and polymers of concern; (4) Minimising microplastics; and (5) Minimising micro (5) Strengthening waste management; (6) Promoting cyclic design; (7) Encouraging and increasing the reduction, reuse, and repair of plastic products and packaging; (8) Promoting the use of safe, sustainable solutions and adequate support; (9) Eliminating the release and emission of plastic into the water, soil, and air environment. (10) Resolve the existing plastic pollution problem; (11) Create favourable conditions, equity, and social welfare in the field of waste management, including the transformation of informal waste collection and treatment areas; (12) Protect human health from the adverse effects of plastic pollution.

Vietnam's position in this second round of negotiations is to reduce and eliminate plastic pollution by the roadmap and the country's circumstances. Vietnam emphasises the significance of obligatory obligations to avoid imposing excessive burdens and responsibilities on developing nations. Vietnam proposed at the Joint Statement of the Asia Pacific Group (APG) that there is currently no 2040 deadline to end plastic pollution and must develop a baseline status report and propose a roadmap for progress. to end plastic pollution.

Vietnam supports the whole life cycle approach to plastics based on cooperation and the sharing of benefits and obligations among member states; proposes financial, technical, and technological support; strengthens capacity building in tandem with public education; and changes people's habits and behaviours. In addition, the development of an overall negotiation plan based on consultation with stakeholders, particularly consultation and accompaniment of the private sector from the very beginning, when the first draught of the document is about to be released. spread the word.

Mr. Hoang Thanh Vinh - UNDP representative, in his recommendations for Vietnam towards the Global Agreement on Plastic Pollution, clearly analysed the urgent issues related to plastic pollution in ASEAN member countries, namely: high plastic waste generation; inadequate waste management infrastructure; lack of awareness and lack of educational programmes; existence of an informal sector in plastic waste management; and the transboundary nature of plastic pollution.

Based on this circumstance, Mr Vinh proposed that Vietnam pay attention to two issues when participating in negotiations: the need to recognise and support the informal sector, and the need to call on developed nations to assist other nations. undergoing development.

In light of the impact that Vietnam's entry into the Global Agreement on Plastic Pollution will have on the country, Mr. Vinh stated that the policy framework for environment and waste management is comprehensive, but may require further improvement on a technical level with plastics standards and regulations. The circular economy is currently gaining momentum, but additional planning and direction are required. Completing and successfully implementing sustainable production and consumption policies.

Ms Mette Mglestue, the Deputy Ambassador of Norway to Vietnam, recommended that Vietnam join the High Ambition Coalition to End Plastic Pollution (HAC) while assisting Vietnam in its fight against plastic waste. The coalition, composed of 56 members from all regions, aims to eliminate plastic pollution by 2040.

Nghe Nhan (Synthesis)