On September 9, 9pm, an online meeting was held between the Nairobi Group of Friends to Combat Marine Litter and Plastic Pollution (NGoF) and the New York Group of Friends to Combat Marine Litter and Plastic Pollution (NGoF). China Biodiversity Conservation and Green Development Foundation(CBCGDF), as a member of the group was invited to join the meeting.

First, two co-facilitators from Nairobi and New York welcomed and thanked the participants, emphasized the importance of the conference, and introduced the keynote speakers and the procedures. 

Dr. Marcos A. Orellana, Special Rapporteur on Toxic Substances and Human Rights, was the first keynote speaker. He argued that worldwide consultation and communication are essential to address the issue of marine litter and plastic pollution.

The next speaker was Ms. Leticia Carvalho, Head of the Oceans and Freshwater Sector, United Nations Department of Environment.

Ms. Juliet Kabera, Director General of the Rwanda Environment Authority, presented the main elements of the Marine Pollution and Plastic Waste Management Program, jointly drafted by Rwanda and Peru.

Janina Gauder, Deputy Permanent Representative of Germany to UNEP, Deputy Director of the Unit of the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature and Axel Borchmann, Deputy Minister of State for Environment and Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety, both government officials, then spoke. Janina said that Germany has taken the issue of marine pollution and plastic waste very seriously and will introduce regulations to combat it. At the same time, she also believes that the efforts of individual regions and countries cannot solve all problems, and must promote cross-border cooperation.

The meeting then was guided by the co-facilitators, with participants discussing

1. how we can ensure effective and inclusive Member State input into the upcoming UNEA 5 Second Meeting, and which stakeholders should be involved

2. how the process can be coordinated to enable UNEA 5 Second Meeting to effectively lead to a solution adopted by the full membership

3. how do we continue to build consensus on a global treaty?

The meeting ended with a warm discussion. All participants show great expectation to UNEA 5 and the global connection it may bring soon. Ocean pollution and plastic waste have risen global awareness. As we all live on the same planet, and the oceans account for 71% of the planet. It is our shared responsibility to maintain its cleanliness and ecological sustainability. CDCGDF also calls on the whole society to start from themselves and the small things around us, so as to reduce plastic using and promote disposing the household waste in a civilized way. Relevant enterprises should also fulfill the corresponding social responsibility to protect the ocean, not only for the sake of nature, but also for our own future.

From:CBCGDF

Original Chinese Article
https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/Wnh7knCJ_dAdz487RXMbSA

Translator/Lucy  
Contribution
https://www.paypal.me/CBCGDFChina
http://www.cbcgdf.org/English/ConfirmDonaTion/0.html