At least three environmental groups are urging the Philippine government to negotiate for a strong treaty that will address worldwide plastic pollution in the 5th United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-5.2) in Kenya.

In a joint statement, the EcoWaste Coalition (EWC), the Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (IDIS), and the Mother Earth Foundation (MEF) have expressed their support for a robust negotiation during the assembly that will be attended by 190 countries.

“All eyes will be on UNEA-5.2 to see how governments, including our own, will come to an agreement on a robust negotiation mandate that will speed up not decelerate the required global action to stem the tide of toxic plastic pollution,” EWC National Coordinator Aileen Lucero said.

She said that an ideal treaty should focus on the entire plastic lifecycle, not limited to marine litter, banning toxic chemical additives in plastic, and prohibiting polluting waste treatment or disposal methods.

Meanwhile, MEF Chairman Sonia Mendoza said that “a strong treaty should cut down on plastic manufacturing since its unrestrained production translates to the use of fossil fuels and toxic chemical additives.”

Aside from pushing for a strong treaty, the groups also urged the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to carry out policies and regulations that will reduce plastic pollution at the source. They also highlighted the need for Congress to pass legislation banning single-use plastics and impose Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).

In line with the Republic Act (RA) 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, they also reminded the National Solid Waste Management Commission (NSWMC) to issue its list of non-environment friendly products for prohibition and phase-out.