In Asia, a region with many environmental potential and concerns, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and The Coca-Cola Foundation (TCCF) have joined forces to help solve the growing problem of managing plastic waste. Effective solutions are more important than ever because of the growing amount of plastic trash caused by rapid urbanization, the need for single-use plastics, and gaps in waste management infrastructure.
The region’s waterways allow a large amount of the world’s plastic garbage to enter the ocean, endangering human health, livelihoods, and marine ecosystems. Asia is home to 16 of the top 20 polluted rivers in the world, which generate over two-thirds of the plastic debris that enters the world’s oceans each year.
UNDP and TCCF are stepping up their efforts in nine Asian countries—Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, India, Maldives, Nepal, Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam—in response to this pressing issue. TCCF is providing a $15 million grant to boost UNDP’s regional activities.
The three-year multi-country programme launched in India today, will help improve plastic waste management, promote recycling, reduce plastic leakage into the environment, foster country-based solutions, and facilitate regional collaboration. By adopting and disseminating best practices across the region, the programme aims to inspire policy changes and community-level actions to reduce and help to eliminate disposable plastic and improve the livelihoods of waste workers.
While expanding successful initiatives, the programme will focus on developing innovative business models for waste collection and recycling, offering technical advice on environmental best practices and tapping into the latest technology to improve collection and recycling, to reduce plastic leakage.
“Tackling plastic waste isn’t just about cleaning up – it’s also about building a smarter development model. Across Asia, countries are combating the problem by embracing the circular economy. Through our Zero Waste and Plastics initiatives, we are helping them craft policies, attract investments, and reduce the consumption of single-use plastics,” said Christophe Bahuet, UNDP Deputy Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific. “With this initiative, we are also empowering communities to scale up solutions that will effectively reduce plastic pollution and safeguard our planet.”
“Collaboration is key to help improve waste management systems and strengthen recycling infrastructure. Through our collaboration with UNDP, the Foundation aims to advance solutions that minimize packaging waste, support better collection methods, and enhance processing capabilities. This approach not only helps address plastic waste more effectively but also contributes to long-term improvements in local communities and the broader environment,” said Carlos Pagoaga, President, The Coca Cola Foundation.
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