Pacific countries manage over 10% of the world’s Ocean as Large Ocean States, and contribute less than 1.3% to global plastic pollution. Despite this measly contribution to plastic pollution, Pacific communities remain on the forefront of impacts of the worsening plastic pollution crisis. With 368 million metric tonnes of virgin plastics produced annually, projections have it that this number will double by 2040, with 90% of it ending up in the environment.
It is for this reason Pacific countries are deeply concerned about the “unchecked growth of plastic production and pollution.”
“We are facing a crisis that directly threatens our Ocean, our food systems, and our way of life,” said the Chief Executive Officer of Samoa’s Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE), Ms Lealaisalanoa Frances Brown Reupena.
