Effective local governance entails that the relevant policies, regulations, and laws related to marine plastics management are developed and enforced consistently. This can include developing and/or strengthening regulations on the use, sorting, segregation and disposal of plastics, as well as waste management policies and practices. Local governance can also facilitate the involvement and collaboration of multiple stakeholders, including local authorities, NGOs, community groups, businesses, and residents, to work together towards common goals and to ensure the sustainability of the project outcomes.
Baseline assessment on marine plastics for Philippines and Timor Leste
A baseline assessment is critical as it establishes a starting point for project design, monitoring progress and evaluating the effectiveness of interventions in reducing marine plastic pollution at the site. The assessment can provide information on the quantity, type, and distribution of marine plastics generated in the site, as well as their sources and pathways. It can also identify the current management practices, policies, and regulations related to marine plastics, and the gaps and challenges in their implementation. Through the baseline assessment, it is expected to identify the issues and priorities for marine plastics management which will guide to potential solutions.
The Marine Plastics ODA Project conducted a Plastic Analysis and Characterization Study (PACS) in the Philippines and Timor Leste to provide essential data to guide project decisions and establish 10-year marine plastic management strategies and action plans, which will be developed, adopted, and implemented by local governments and stakeholders.
The baseline assessment includes both the PACS and a Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) Survey, specifically targeting key coastal areas in six sites in the Philippines and four sites in Timor-Leste. These assessments aim to uncover the specific dynamics of plastic waste generation and local community behaviors toward waste management, supporting the development of data-driven interventions to address marine plastic pollution effectively.
