KATHMANDU, April 21: A significant multi-stakeholder interaction program was held in Kathmandu, focusing on the upcoming UN Plastic Pollution Treaty, INC4.

The event, organized by the Nepali CSOs' Coalition on Plastics including the Center for Public Health and Environmental Development (CEPHED) and Tearfund, addressed critical issues such as high mountain plastic pollution and the hazards of recycling deadly chemical plastics.

The program was chaired by  Mohan Katuwal, advisor to CEPHED and vice-president of the Federation of Nepalese Cottage and Small Industries (FNCSI). Rajendra KC, Joint Secretary, Chief of the Environment and Biodiversity Division, Ministry of Forest and Environment, attended as the chief guest.

Participants, including government officials, WHO representatives, environmental experts, and various stakeholders, discussed the pervasive issue of micro plastics found on Mount Everest and the broader implications of plastic pollution that affects the entire region.

Ram Charitra Sah, executive director and environment scientist of CEPHED, representing the Nepalese CSO`s Coalition on Plastics, presented a paper outlining strong demands for proper inclusion in the upcoming United Nations Plastic Pollution Treaty. These demands encompass reducing import, production, sale, distribution, and use of plastic and plastic products; banning the recycling of plastic pollution-related items, single-use plastic, and plastic containing deadly chemicals; ensuring transparent information about chemicals used in plastic throughout its lifecycle; preparing a separate Annex in the Plastic Treaty for chemicals used in plastic not regulated by other Conventions; minimizing the impact of plastic on the environment, public health, and vulnerable groups; adopting Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and the Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (PRTR) process; developing sustainable financing mechanisms for treaty implementation; and providing technical and financial assistance to developing and transition countries for effective treaty implementation.

Furthermore, it was highlighted that despite efforts, the Ministry of Forest and Environment, the Department of Environment, and various local bodies faced challenges in fully implementing plastic pollution prevention and mitigation policies.

To address this, the Ministry and the Department adopted and implemented an action plan related to the ban on plastic bags in 2078, aiming to enhance effectiveness. Meanwhile, local bodies have also taken proactive steps by implementing environment-friendly and health-friendly decisions to curb plastic pollution.