Sustainability2021,13, 1252. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13031252www.mdpi.com/journal/sustainabilityArticleThe Strengths and Weaknesses of Pacific Islands Plastic Pollution Policy Frameworks
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Date
2021-01-25
Open Access Location
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
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Publisher
MDPI AG
Rights
The Author(s) CC BY
Abstract
The rate of plastic pollution entering the environment is accelerating with plastic production predicted to increase by 40% over the next decade. Plastic pollution transcends territorial boundaries on ocean and air currents. Large Ocean Small Island Developing States (LOSIDS) are on the frontline of the plastics crisis and associated climate change impacts. This desktop gap analysis identified potential strengths and weaknesses in national policy frameworks in52key documents relevant to plastic pollution in ten Pacific LOSIDS. The study found considerable gaps in the vertical and horizontal integration of plastic pollution-related policy, and a lack of access to current science-based evidence on plastic pollution including evidence related to human health impacts and microplastics. The study concludes that, even if Pacific LOSIDS were to include best practice management of plastic pollution across all policy frameworks, they could not prevent plastic pollution, and that a plastic pollution convention is needed.
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Keywords
legislation, gap analysis, marine litter, microplastics, convention, waste management, large ocean islands, small island developing states
Citation
SUSTAINABILITY, 2021, 13 (3)