India’s Commitment to Tackling Plastic Pollution
India has taken a significant stand in the fight against plastic pollution during the Final Plenary of the 5th session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) held in Busan, South Korea. The country emphasized the global nature of this challenge, asserting that no single nation can tackle it alone. India’s representative expressed gratitude to the Chair and Secretariat for their efforts in achieving a consensus-based outcome at the conference. The statement highlighted the collective commitment made two years ago at the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA 5) to work towards an international legally binding instrument to combat plastic pollution.
India’s Responsibility and Actions
With a population of 1.4 billion, India recognizes its responsibility in addressing plastic pollution. The country has already implemented several measures to combat this issue. These include banning certain short-lived plastic products and establishing a robust Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regime for plastic packaging. India is actively working towards sustainable plastic packaging solutions and aims to reduce the use of virgin materials. However, the nation also acknowledged the essential role that plastic plays in various sectors of the economy and in societal development.
India’s approach emphasizes the need to balance environmental protection with sustainable development, especially for developing economies. The statement made at INC-5 underscored the importance of mutual trust and understanding among nations. India called for a collaborative effort to finalize the draft instrument, stressing that consensus should guide all decisions, including amendments to the instrument and its annexures. The country expressed its willingness to engage further on the updated version of the Chair’s non-paper, despite having some observations regarding it.
Key Observations and Concerns
During the discussions, India raised several critical observations. It noted that some recommendations made by member states were not reflected in the current draft. India sought assurance from the Chair that all member states would have the opportunity to express their views in future negotiations. The Indian representative reiterated the principle that “nothing is agreed until everything is agreed,” emphasizing the need for a fair, inclusive, and transparent process.
India also highlighted the necessity for the instrument to have a clearly defined scope. The current version, according to India, lacks this clarity. The country requested that the scope be limited to addressing plastic pollution without overlapping with other multilateral environmental agreements. Furthermore, India expressed its inability to support any measures that would regulate the production of primary plastic polymers, citing potential implications for the right to development of member states. The inclusion of an article on reservations regarding annexures was also suggested, as some articles could have trade implications.
Support for Developing Countries
Recognizing that the implementation of the new instrument will fall on member states, India emphasized the importance of considering national circumstances and capabilities. The country called for provisions for technical and financial assistance, including technology transfer to developing nations. India argued that a dedicated multilateral fund is essential to provide financial resources to developing countries, helping them meet the incremental costs associated with compliance obligations.
India reiterated its commitment to engage constructively in future negotiations. The country has consistently upheld the principle of consensus in decision-making regarding substantive matters under multilateral environmental agreements. This principle reflects shared responsibilities and commitments among nations. India’s position remains steadfast as it prepares for upcoming discussions, aiming to foster a collaborative environment for tackling plastic pollution on a global scale.
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