To launch this important initiative that fights plastic pollution and promotes a more sustainable and inclusive world, Amelie González, general secretary of MiAMBIENTE, participated; María del Carmen Sacasa, resident representative of UNDP; Pedro São Simão, interim leader, National Platforms and Climate at WEF; and Samantha Newell, first secretary of the British Embassy in Panama.
González, general secretary of MiAMBIENTE, stated that the fight against plastic pollution is a shared responsibility that requires the collaboration of governments, companies, non-governmental organizations, and civil society. “Panama joins this cause with a strong determination to make a difference and lead the region in the search for sustainable solutions.”
“Through this national launch, Panama reaffirms its commitment to preserve nature and a more sustainable future for future generations and to empower our communities to be an active part of this fight and collaborate with GPAP to develop strategies and solutions. plastic pollution and promote the country’s circular economy,” González stated in his speech. “Through this national launch, Panama reaffirms its commitment to preserve nature and a more sustainable future for future generations and to empower our communities to be an active part of this fight and collaborate with GPAP to develop strategies and solutions. plastic pollution and promote the country’s circular economy,” González stated in his speech.
Sacasa, the resident representative of the UNDP, said that Panama is part of the 169 Member States of the United Nations that, along with hundreds of observers, contributed to an international, legally binding instrument on plastic pollution – including in the marine environment.
The resident representative of the UNDP added that an initiative like a National Platform for National Action to fight plastics and its pollution with environmental management mechanisms is very important, which brings together actors from different sectors and, therefore, provides a multi-systemic perspective.
Panama is part of the 169 Member States of the United Nations that, along with hundreds of observers, have contributed to the international, legally binding instrument on plastic pollution.
Sacasa announced that, according to data from the United Nations Environment Program, 3.7 million tons of plastic pollution entered the oceans from, precisely, the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean, in 2020. The rates of -recycling are still very low, so 90% of the waste generated in the region ends up wasted in landfills, rivers, and oceans.
On the other hand, São Simão, interim leader, of National Platforms and Climate, mentioned that Panama, together with the WEF, is already working on the establishment and implementation of the National Action Platform for Plastics (NPAP); to create a baseline analysis and scenario modeling; to achieve an Action Roadmap to accelerate the transition towards a circular plastics economy; the strengthened process through workshops to strengthen the national regulatory framework; and different national attitudes towards change events and campaigns.
Within the launch of the platform, a discussion panel called: let’s Act to Limit Pollution was also developed. The following participated as moderator: Jessica Young, Environment and Climate Change Manager at UNDP, and as panelists: Digna Barsallo, National Director of Coasts and Seas at MiAMBIENTE; Irene Castillero, chemistry coordinator, University of Panama; Álvaro Quirós, Project Coordinator, Marea Verde; Cristóbal Siu, from the Industrial Union of Panama; and Aníbal Cárdenas, head of Solution Mapping, UNDP Acceleration Laboratory.
The presentation on the development and implementation of the NPAP in Panama was given by consultant Alida Spadafora.
Finally, Miguel Flores, national director of Environmental Verification and Performance of MiAMBIENTE, emphasized that the Government of Panama is ready to work tirelessly with the World Economic Forum and the key actors to build a world where plastic is one resource. threat
Flores emphasized that Panama is focused on promoting the implementation of measures to protect human health and the protection of environment, the quality of water sources, and the biodiversity of flora and fauna, by reducing plastic pollution.
