3.07.A–T05 - Independent Scientists Need to Contribute to Capacity Building in order to have an effective Global Plastics Treaty for Africa

Abstract

The impacts of plastics and plastic waste is a particular challenge in third world countries, particularly in Africa. Although Africa produces only 5% and consumes only 4% of global plastics, the effects of plastics may have much far-reaching consequences across the continent, given the high dependence of numerous African countries on economic activities, such as tourism. The Global Plastics Treaty is intended to be a legally binding instrument to be adopted by all United Nations member states. The Treaty comprises numerous proposed Articles, to which all countries are expected to agree to and comply with.
Once the Plastics Treaty comes into effect, all member states are expected to comply with the resolutions made, including enhancing reliable data to inform science-to-policies. Collection and analysis of data requires highly skilled expertise, which may be lacking in many African countries.
The aim of this network session is to foster engagements between all stakeholders (including scientists, civil society, business sector and policy-makers) at the SETAC World Congress to:
1. Identify the major skills needed to meet the requirements of the Plastics Treaty;
2. Discuss how capacity building related to the Plastics Treaty can be fostered by networking across Africa and internationally;
3. How skills development and capacity building can be incorporated in higher education (focusing on post graduate education) in Africa; and
4. Initiate and form a network of stakeholders across Africa (and internationally) to contribute to addressing the plastics pollution problem in Africa.
 

Author(s)

Presenter: Conrad, Sparks

Authors: 

Conrad Sparks Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) South Africa