This paper briefly describes the circular economy (CE) practices and opportunities in Africa and the significant role that hubs play in driving a transition towards a CE. It further reveals learnings from the WCEF 22 side event discussions on the priority areas of the hubs in Africa, activities and crucial stakeholders. The WCEF 22 side event was...
This chapter is newly added to the Plastic Atlas Japan Special Edition プラスチック・アトラス アジア[日本語特別版]. From the “economic miracle” period up to the present, Japan has built an excellent system for efficiently collecting and recycling recyclable waste. Yet, recycling does not constitute a definitive solution. Rather, it is important to lower the amount of...
This chapter is developed to the Plastic Atlas Japan Special Edition プラスチック・アトラス アジア[日本語特別版]. As discussed by the chapter, Japan has introduced numerous innovative policies and strategies to promote the circulation of resources and to build a sustainable society. The Japanese experience shows that building an adequate waste management system is a...
In recent years, marine plastic litter has been a critical policy issue, and action in an internationally harmonised manner is necessary to tackle this situation. Based on the G20 Implementation Framework for Actions on Marine Plastic Litter, voluntary country reporting has continued since 2019. Three reports with rich country and organisational...
In 2010, the 10th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP10) to the CBD was held in Japan (Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture). With the participation of 179 parties as well as relevant international organisations and NGOs, a new strategic plan for biodiversity, including the Aichi Biodiversity Targets was adopted for the 2011-2020 period. The Aichi...
Microplastics (MPs) have been identified as an emerging soil pollutant and a global environmental concern. Scientists have recently paid attention to the contamination of soil by MPs as their detrimental impacts on soil systems are largely unknown. MPs are considered to be vectors for other soil contaminants, such as potentially toxic elements...
Pollution caused by the irresponsible disposal of plastics is a significant issue, particularly in developing countries like Sri Lanka. It is estimated that only 9% of all plastics ever produced globally have been recycled. However, not all plastics are equal in this equation, PET, in particular, stands out, given that they are 100% recyclable. Sri...
This case study reports on the development of a healthcare waste management (HCWM) system at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital (TUTH) in Nepal where the intervention began in 2014 with support from HECAF 360, a local NGO, and Health Care Without Harm (HCWH), an international NGO, and WHO Nepal. It describes the approach and path followed by...
Intensifying ecological crises, such as climate change, the melting Arctic, and uncontrolled destruction of habitat and biodiversity, are increasingly exposing the shortcomings of resource-intensive development models. One of the concepts helping policymakers steer a course change is sustainable consumption production and consumption (SCP). A...
This Policy Report forms part of the output from the project: "‘Closing the Loop: Innovation and Scaling Up to Solve the Problem of Plastic Pollution in Marine Areas in ASEAN Cities", supported by the Government of Japan. The report provides scientific-based evidence on the status of plastic pollution in Da Nang, in order to guide the development...