Towards combating plastic pollution, the Ministry of Environment, Climate and Wildlife, in collaboration with the Environmental Management Agency (EMA), recently hosted a crucial one-day training workshop in Mutare. Held at the Holiday Inn, the workshop focused on the “Transboundary Movement of Plastic Waste” under the stringent guidelines of the Basel Convention.
The initiative underscores Zimbabwe’s commitment to tackling the global plastic waste crisis by strengthening national capacity and ensuring adherence to international environmental protocols. Plastic waste, a pervasive threat to ecosystems and human health, often transcends national borders, necessitating a coordinated and informed approach to its management.
The workshop attracted a diverse and vital group of participants, including Customs officials, who are at the frontline of monitoring imports and exports; Port and Logistics Authorities, crucial for managing the movement of goods; and various Law Enforcement and Security Agencies, essential for enforcing environmental regulations. Representatives from various Government Ministries and Departments also attended, highlighting the cross-sectoral importance of this issue.
Speakers at the workshop emphasized the critical role of each stakeholder in preventing the illegal transboundary movement of plastic waste. Discussions delved into the intricacies of the Basel Convention, outlining its provisions for controlling the movement of hazardous wastes and their disposal, with a particular focus on plastic waste amendments. Participants gained valuable insights into identifying different types of plastic waste, understanding relevant legal frameworks, and implementing effective inspection and enforcement mechanisms.
Zimbabwe aims to equip these key personnel with enhanced knowledge and practical skills, to significantly reduce the entry and release of unwanted plastic waste into the country. This will also help to safeguard its environment and promoting a more sustainable future. This collaborative effort marks a proactive stance in addressing a pressing environmental challenge that demands collective action.