South Africa undeterred despite breakdown of global plastic pollution treaty talks in Geneva

THE Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) session in Geneva, Switzerland, which aimed to deliver a binding global treaty on plastic pollution, ended without agreement.

- NICOLA MAWSON [e-mail]

‘Talks collapsed due to deep divisions between nations and the absence of a clear process to resolve the deadlock. The South African delegation were disappointed by the outcome and concerned about the procedural failings that stalled progress.

However, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment said it is undaunted and will continue to crack down on plastic pollution. “South Africa is disappointed by the outcome and concerned about the procedural failings that stalled progress,’ it said in a statement.

“While the lack of agreement is frustrating, South Africa will not waver in our fight to end plastic pollution and create a fair, practical regulatory environment; said the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George.

George said the department will “keep driving action at home and pressing for solutions abroad”.