Eco-Justice Ethiopia and the Ethiopian Environmental Protection Authority successfully hosted a multi-stakeholder national consultation workshop on the ongoing process to develop an International Legally Binding Instrument on Plastic Pollution on November 7, 2023, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The workshop invited participants from the private business sector, including companies that manufacture or sell products packaged in plastic. It also invited members of CSOs and waste pickers to the platform.
The workshop began with opening remarks by EPA Director HE Dr. Getahun Garedew. This was followed by a presentation by Mr. Eskedar Awgichew, Executive Director of Eco-Justice Ethiopia, titled "Shifting the Narrative on Plastic Pollution" which discussed the connections between plastic pollution, human health and rights, and environmental justice, and how the global plastics treaty can help to resolve these issues. Next Mr. Girma Gemechu, Director of Environmental Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement at EPA, presented the Proposed Resolution for Binding Instrument on Plastic Pollution, Including in the Marine Environment- Core Obligation and Means of Implementation. Mr. Gemechu provided a thorough overview of the INC's process documentation, which provided a clear picture of both the committee's previous work and its planned future activities.
The workshop concluded with a lively discussion between the attendees and the presenters. The discussion was highly informative and produced insightful comments from the attendees. The entire workshop was covered by numerous mainstream media outlets which will further create awareness of the ongoing treaty negotiation.
