"Plastic pollution continues to cost countries in the MENA region about 0.8% of GDP, on average, every year. Plastic pollution impacts tourism, fisheries, shipping, and the lives of people across the region. No country working in isolation will be able to effectively address a challenge of this scale alone," the World Bank indicated in an article.
To support efforts to end plastic pollution in the region, the World Bank hosted a virtual regional knowledge exchange in May 2023 to discuss solutions and actions.
The exchange convened more than 100 representatives from Egypt, the West Bank and Gaza, Lebanon, Morocco, and Tunisia to swap lessons learned and good practices in the battle against plastic pollution that can also unleash the full potential of the blue economy. Each above mentioned country's unique plastic pollution challenge was unpacked, with several common themes emerging.
High levels of marine and coastal pollution in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) pose a severe threat to the region's «blue economy,» which is a key lever for economic growth in the region. The MENA region has the highest per capita plastic footprint and an average MENA resident releases more than 6kg of plastic waste into the ocean every year. Today, the Mediterranean Sea is one of the world's plastic pollution hotspots.
The participants in the debate pointed out that a proliferation of single-use plastics combined with poor inland waste collection and management are key drivers of marine and coastal plastic pollution.
Actions should be taken along the entire plastic value chain, from reducing production and usage of plastic to improving its solid waste management and cleaning up existing pollution in the ocean.
Governments are increasingly aware of the need to develop waste management legislation and policies that use circular economy approaches to target plastic pollution.
National diagnostics reports and baseline assessments conducted with the World Bank's assistance are useful tools for shaping national actions.
Collaboration is key to managing the plastics pollution challenge. Several governments shared their experience in partnering with civil society organizations to run public awareness-raising and cleanup campaigns.
The private sector was identified as an important partner in the transition to a circular economy. Entrepreneurs can provide innovative solutions and assist government's efforts.
Source: Agence Tunis Afrique Presse
