Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Government of India and GIZ, UNEP and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) Launched “Awareness Campaign on Single Use Plastics” across Southern India
A two-month long Awareness campaign on Single-Use Plastics jointly organized by the GIZ, UNEP, FICCI and MOEFCC was launched on 8th of June 2021 by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India. The awareness campaign consists of four on-line regional events, along with a social media campaign on mitigation of plastic pollution. The second regional event for Southern India covering stakeholders from Industry, Government, Citizens group and Academic institutions was launched today, on 27th of July 2021.
“This whole issue is critical, and the campaign will be successful if it is a coordinated effort by the government, business, civil society and citizens so it is imperative that they come together to address this issue and join this awareness campaign launched by the ministry which is a great step in this direction,” said Shri Atul Bagai, Head, UNEP India while setting the context of the event.
Mr. Pradeep Kumar, Chairman Kerala Pollution Control Board delivered the keynote address. The unique waste management model and role of empowered governmental institutions in the state of Kerala was highlighted in his speech. Following the ban on multiple single-use plastic items in the state, several alternatives were also proposed in the state of Kerala. It was added that public awareness campaigns that engage and educate local communities on plastic waste can spur community action and affect consumer choices.
The panel discussion highlighted the key aspects on tackling littering. The members of the panel discussed about the need of awareness amongst public and emphasized that segregation of waste is crucial for effective waste management. The speakers discussed on the central themes of alternatives to plastics, need of an inclusive approach to plastic’s value chain and responsibility of the producers to manage plastics introduced in the market. The need of the hour is to transform the awareness campaign into a people’s campaign at the grass root level and bring systemic change in the society.
The event saw vibrant participation of stakeholders from Industry, Government, citizen’s group, academic institutions, State Governments, CPCB, SPCBs, Urban Local Bodies, and Municipal Commissioners etc. Focal members and experts from United Nations Environment Programme; GIZ, technical experts, professionals, development partners, academia, civil society organizations, also attended the launch event today across the cities of southern India.
With the launch today in Southern India, it is intended to help stakeholders for making collective steps towards coordinated actions and policies that drive a shift towards reduce and reuse models, in line with circularity principles, as well as empower the waste infrastructure system. Single-use plastic products (SUPP) pollution is a serious issue that needs urgent and sustained attention at all levels of society.
The detailed agenda and concept note is attached for reference.