Civil Society Groups Urge Gov’t to Keep High Ambition in Plastics Treaty Talks

November 14; Manila, Philippines— A coalition of the nation’s largest environmental networks and organizations today urged the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to remain committed to its ambitious stance in the upcoming plastic treaty talks in Busan, Korea.

In a letter addressed to DENR Secretary Toni Yulo-Loyzaga, the groups expressed support for the Philippines’ position on developing a strong and effective treaty that includes reduction in primary plastic polymer production, elimination of chemicals of concern in plastics, binding global requirements on product design, and accessible financing for implementation. 

However, in the same letter, the groups also warned of potential attempts by polluters and powerful interests to weaken the government’s position. “While we support the Philippine delegation in championing an ambitious treaty, we are also prepared to expose and oppose any reversal or weakening of positions that would infringe on  the rights of Filipinos to health and to a balanced and healthful ecology,“ the groups cautioned.

“We hope the  Philippine government will not succumb to these pressures or backslide from  its previously stated positions. We will support our country’s delegation but will also not hesitate to expose backsliding in the service of polluters,” said Von Hernandez of Break Free From Plastic.

In earlier rounds of negotiations, the Philippines has been touted as one of the progressive advocates for a strong, high ambition, science-based plastics treaty. The Philippine delegation has been one of the most vocal supporters of a treaty that includes global reduction of primary plastic polymers and in addressing pollution across the full life cycle of plastics. This also aligns with the findings of a survey conducted by Greenpeace and Censuswide earlier this year, which found that 94% of Filipinos support an ambitious global plastics treaty that would mandate cuts in global plastic production. 

Nine (9)  out of ten (10) Filipinos also support  bans on single use plastics  according to the same poll.  90% of greenhouse gas emissions from plastics are released during  production processes including the extraction of fossil fuels used in making plastics and the widespread use of single use plastics (SUPs). Taken together,  the unabated global production and use of plastics present financial risks to governments, threaten human health, degrade ecosystems, and aggravate the climate crisis. 

This national position has been supported by the environmental groups who also wanted the government to intensify support for prioritizing upstream measures such as reuse-and-refill models and safer product design, while opposing greenwashing technologies and systems. The groups also asked the Philippine delegation to support just transition to ensure that waste workers, women and youth, indigenous peoples, workers, and other vulnerable sectors do not bear the burden of a transition away from plastics. 

“The final round of the Global Plastics Treaty negotiations is a critical juncture for the Philippines and nations on the frontlines of plastic pollution,” said Marian Ledesma, Zero Waste Campaigner of Greenpeace Philippines. “A strong treaty is not just a necessity; it’s a lifeline to protect the people and the planet. A weak treaty—without measures to reduce plastic production and phase out harmful plastics and chemicals of concern — leaves Filipinos facing greater harm. People need a treaty that drives ambition, robust policies and concrete actions across the plastic lifecycle, as this is our once-in-a-generation chance to finally end plastic pollution on a global scale.”

Jam Lorenzo, Research and Policy Development Head of group BAN Toxics also calls on the Philippine government to continue its stand as a progressive voice in the negotiations for the Global Plastics Treaty. “In previous INC meetings, the Philippines has advocated for the protection of human health and the environment. With the fifth INC meeting happening in a few weeks, it is important that the country remains firm with its positions on supporting production reduction, just transition, and the adoption of global transparency requirements — critical components to ensure that the GPT becomes effective.”

“It is high time for the Government to address the country’s looming plastic pollution that adversely affects our people’s health and the environment,” said Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator, EcoWaste Coalition. “We need a stronger country position that will prioritize health, justice, and sustainability over the business as usual norms. Prevent plastic pollution at source, impose a cap on plastic production, ban single-use plastics, and invest in reuse and refill solutions.”

The negotiations for a plastics treaty has reached a crucial point where countries race against time with the deadline looming. From November 25 to December 1, 2024, the Philippines, along with other U.N. member-states will gather in Busan, South Korea for the fifth — and supposedly last — round of meetings of the International Negotiating Committee (INC-5) for a global plastics treaty. 

The Philippine delegation to INC-5, headed by the DENR, includes representatives from various government agencies and experts from civil society.

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Note to the editor:   

The letter to the DENR may be accessed through this link

This press release has also been published on VRITIMES