Philippines Launches National Plastic Action Partnership

NPAP Launch Attendees  Credit: UNDP

In a major stride toward combating the growing plastic waste crisis, the Philippines has officially launched the National Plastic Action Partnership (NPAP), a pioneering multi-stakeholder platform aimed at facilitating collaboration across sectors to accelerate the country’s transition to a circular economy, according to United Nations Development Programme news.

The initiative, led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), brings together a diverse coalition of government leaders, private sector stakeholders, civil society organizations, academia, and international development partners, aiming to co-develop comprehensive, inclusive, and sustainable solutions to tackle plastic pollution, which remains a significant environmental and public health challenge for the nation.

At the launch event, DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga highlighted the urgent need for a unified approach, emphasizing that plastic waste poses not only an environmental threat but also economic and social challenges, including biodiversity loss, livelihood disruption, and public health risks. “The NPAP represents a pivotal step forward. It is a dynamic and inclusive mechanism designed to unify and amplify our collective efforts. This platform will truly catalyze a transition to a circular economy, one that views plastic waste not as an insurmountable burden but as an opportunity.”

The Philippines, which generates approximately 2.7 million metric tons of plastic waste annually, is one of the world’s top contributors to marine plastic pollution,  UNDP emphasizes. A significant portion of this waste ends up in the ocean, exacerbating the global plastic pollution crisis. This stark reality underscores the urgency of the NPAP’s mission.

Building a Circular Economy Through Collaboration

UNDP said that the NPAP aims to transition the Philippines from the traditional “take-make-waste” economic model to a circular economy. This new model focuses on resource efficiency, waste minimization, and material reuse. Not only does a circular economy reduce harmful emissions and pollution, but it also stimulates innovation, job creation, and resilience, all while promoting equity and sustainable development.

By fostering collaboration among government, business, academia, and civil society, the NPAP seeks to generate innovative solutions that promote sustainable production and consumption. The platform’s multi-stakeholder approach also draws on international partnerships, including the Global Plastic Action Partnership (GPAP), which was established by the World Economic Forum (WEF) and is supported by the governments of the United Kingdom and Canada, along with private sector partners such as Coca-Cola. This international support reinforces the urgency and importance of addressing plastic pollution on a global scale. The initiative also aligns with key national policies such as the Philippine Development Plan, the Extended Producer Responsibility Act, and the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to climate action, showcasing the Philippines’ commitment to a sustainable and inclusive future.

UNDP’s Role in Advancing the Initiative

According to UNDP, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) will serve as the host organization for the NPAP Secretariat, providing technical and operational support. Dr. Selva Ramachandran, UNDP Philippines Resident Representative, stressed the importance of transparency and inclusivity in the NPAP’s operations. “At UNDP, we are honored to serve as the NPAP Philippines Secretariat, working closely with stakeholders to address plastic pollution. We are committed to fostering collaboration, transparency, and inclusivity in all our initiatives,” said Dr. Selva Ramachandran, UNDP Resident Representative.

One of NPAP’s first tasks will be to create a comprehensive plastic baseline analysis and develop a National Plastic Action Roadmap. This roadmap will guide the country’s strategies for reducing plastic waste while ensuring that marginalized communities, such as informal waste pickers, are included in the transition to a circular economy.

A Collaborative Approach for Lasting Change

The NPAP’s success depends on the collective action of all sectors. The initiative aims to unite leaders, innovators, and advocates to drive innovation and implement actionable strategies that will reduce plastic pollution and pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient future. As Secretary Loyzaga emphasized, “To see leaders, innovators, and advocates united under one purpose is a profound demonstration of our shared commitment to a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future. Your participation today lays the foundation for transformative action that transcends sectors and creates meaningful impact.”

Through collaboration and concerted action, NPAP aims to significantly reduce plastic pollution and promote sustainable development in the Philippines, setting a path for the country to transition to a circular economy and achieve lasting environmental, social, and economic benefits.