Today, on World Environment Day, we join the global community in rallying behind the urgent call to "Beat Plastic Pollution." This theme strikes a deep chord in Papua New Guinea (PNG), a nation blessed with unparalleled natural beauty, rich biodiversity, and a deep cultural connection to the land and sea. Yet, recent findings reveal a staggering crisis: 285,100 tonnes of plastic waste generated annually, with less than 25% disposed properly and 161,400 tonnes leaking into our environment. This relentless tide of plastic waste chokes PNG’s rivers, litters coastlines, harms marine life, and threatens the health and livelihoods of the population. Without action, projections indicate 2.3 million tonnes – the weight of 12,500 jumbo jets – could flood PNG’s ecosystems by 2035.

Plastic pollution is not just an eyesore; it's a profound environmental, economic, and social threat. Millions of tons of plastic enter our oceans every year, breaking down into microplastics that infiltrate the food chain and ultimately, our own bodies. Single-use plastics alone account for over 68% of the waste leaking into PNG’s ocean. Here in PNG, where communities rely heavily on marine resources and pristine environments are vital for tourism and cultural identity, the stakes are incredibly high.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) recognizes this global challenge and is committed to tackling it head-on. Globally, UNDP is at the forefront of supporting countries in transitioning to circular economies, where plastic is kept in use for as long as possible, waste is minimized, and natural systems are regenerated, while replacing plastic-use with sustainable materials and nature-based solutions. We work with governments, businesses, and communities to develop innovative solutions, strengthen policies, promote sustainable consumption, and improve waste management infrastructure.

In Papua New Guinea, UNDP is proud to partner with the Government, provincial and local authorities, civil society organizations, private sector leaders, and local communities to address environmental challenges, including the drivers of plastic pollution:

1. Supporting Sustainable Waste Management: We are collaborating with partners to pilot and scale community-based waste collection and recycling initiatives, particularly in urban centres and vulnerable coastal areas. With support from the Global Environment Facility, we are launching a new project, which will include dedicated activities to prevent marine plastic pollution by working with communities on waste management systems and monitoring of marine litter in protected areas.
2. Strengthening Policy and Governance: UNDP is supporting the development of a robust National Action Plan to End Plastic Pollution, which will strengthen environmental governance frameworks and policies aimed at reducing plastic production and consumption, promoting alternatives, and improving waste management systems.
3. Integrating Environmental Action: Our core work on biodiversity conservation (including support for PNG’s protected areas) and restoration of degraded land inherently involves tackling pollution. Healthy ecosystems are more resilient, and reducing plastic pollution is critical to protecting PNG's unique species and habitats. Initiatives like our Biodiversity & Climate Fund directly support community actions to address pollution and conservation.