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GAMBIA_UNEA

Proggetto MUN 2024

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16 views3 pages

GAMBIA_UNEA

Proggetto MUN 2024

Uploaded by

paolo.gobber
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Delegation from Republic of The Gambia and Gambia

Position paper for Commission on marine plastic litter and microplastics


(UNEA)

The topic for the Commission on marine plastic litter and microplastics. The Republic
of The Gambia and Gambia is wanting to discuss solutions to minimize the impact of
plastic.

I - General view of the problem and introduction (setting the context)


Pollution caused by plastics and their derivatives (micro- and nano-plastics) is a key
issue to discuss in order to find a solution and stop the growth of pollution.
From some research done by UNEP, from 1950 to 2017, plastic production
quadrupled, making it very difficult to replace, given its many versatile properties.
When some of the plastic is not thrown away or disposed of properly, it represents a
serious problem because in many cases it ends up in rivers, which in turn transport it
to the sea, creating an unlivable environment for marine species.
Moreover, as expressed by UNEP in 2021, microplastics and the chemicals they
contain cause harm to living organisms and to ourselves who in turn eat organisms
that have ingested microplastics.
Life in the oceans and their conservation is also a crucial issue for the 2030 Agenda,
particularly in Goal 14, “Life Below Water”: “The world's oceans-their temperature,
chemical composition, currents and life-influence the global systems that make Earth
a livable place for humanity.”
The oceans are vital to all of us, for development, for climate, and even for the
economy. In fact, the estimated market value of marine and coastal resources and
industries is $3 trillion a year, or about 5 percent of global GDP, and more than 3
billion people depend on marine and coastal biodiversity for their livelihoods.

II - What action Republic of The Gambia and Gambia and countries around the
world have taken
However, the issue was only discussed extensively in the early 2000s, when the
United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) presented the first comprehensive
report titled 'Marine Plastic Litter.' Between 2014 and 2019, as many as four United
Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) conferences were held. These conferences
initially focused on the scientific identification and in-depth research of the problem,
which led to the publication of 'Marine Plastic litter and Microplastics: Global Lessons
and Research to Inspire Action and Guide Policy Change' in 2016. It also outlined
the intentions of governments on the approach to counter the increase in pollution.
Instead, in 2017 a global zero-emission vision, which aims to eliminate the discharge
of litter and microplastics into the oceans over the long term, was endorsed by each
member state. The resolution also established an Ad Hoc Open-Ended Expert Group
to study and propose solutions to the marine plastics crisis.
The consequences of marine plastic contamination on society are significant. The
condition of marine ecosystems has a direct impact on the economic livelihoods of
communities who depend on fishing and tourism, making them particularly
vulnerable. Furthermore, there is a disruption to the cultural fabric of coastal
civilizations, which frequently have strong attachments to the sea and marine life.
The consumption of microplastics by marine animals, which are subsequently
consumed by humans, represents a serious risk to public health and may even result
in social health emergencies in the areas impacted. Environmental and visual
pollution lowers people's well-being and quality of life and can worsen environmental
injustice, which occurs when underprivileged people suffer the most from ecological
deterioration.
Republic of The Gambia and Gambia has traditionally had a fairly conservative
attitude on the African continent, adhering to the Bamako Convention, which was put
into effect in 1995 with the intention of outlawing harmful radioactive chemicals.
In 2008, therefore, an anti-littering law was passed to raise awareness and
knowledge of the problem. The law made pollution a public offense and promoted
the adoption of proper environmental sanitation and hygiene practices through the
establishment of a monthly nationwide cleanup operation.
More stringent regulations were subsequently imposed in 2015 when Republic of
The Gambia and Gambia outlawed the use, importation, production, and sale of
plastic bags on a national level. Violators risked severe penalties or, in more extreme
situations, prison sentences. Nevertheless, the law makes no mention of the
regulations pertaining to single-use plastic items or human-harming microbeads.
III - Recommended resolution
In conclusion, in order to achieve the goal, it is critical to collaborate with other
African nations as well as internally to develop common guidelines and to reinforce
coordination between the global chemicals conventions and the Bamako
Convention.
First, as a way to complete its national legal framework, Republic of The Gambia and
Gambia is dedicated to consolidating its internal laws regarding microbeads and
single-use plastics. To address the inefficiencies in recycling and inappropriate
disposal that are now prevalent in home waste management systems, specific
measures shall be created. Republic of The Gambia and Gambia intends to assist
regional non-governmental organizations and community-based groups in
developing and distributing educational materials suited to a range of audience types
in order to improve awareness and education.
Second, it aims to reduce the amount of plastic imported and, as a consequence,
reduce the amount of plastic used in public spaces when possible. Examples of this
include using reusable containers, reusable water bottles, and other materials like
glass. Republic of The Gambia and Gambia proposes to accomplish this by
launching an awareness campaign on negative aspects and potential alternatives to
plastic products whenever possible. The campaign will work to encourage
packaging innovations and substitutes for single-use plastics by partnering with the
commercial sector.
Given the widespread nature of the issue and its worldwide ramifications, Republic of
The Gambia and Gambia also recommends and encourages other members of the
international community to adopt policies that support sustainable development and
the reduction of pollution. In order to improve developing countries' ability to manage
waste efficiently and minimize the amount of plastic that goes into the marine
environment, this collaboration should also include the exchange of best practices,
technological transfer, and capacity building programs.

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