Plastic pollution challenging

THE biggest challenge that the Conservation and Environment Protection Authority (Cepa) is facing with waste management is fighting plastic pollution, an official says.
Cepa renewable resources division director John Michael said it led to the decision to ban plastic shopping bags from March 16.
“This is to promote healthy and environmentally-friendly communities. Hence we all have a responsibility to protect communities,” he said.
He said PNG faced waste management issues just like other developing countries. The issues arise from inadequate institutional arrangements and coordination among stakeholders.
“This results in the lack of responsibilities, gaps, overlaps, and duplications in waste management at national and provincial levels.”
Michael said there was a need to address waste management at the national level. “A national policy, strategy and implementation plan on waste management by relevant stakeholders is needed.”
He also pointed out that there was no national policy and strategy on wastes and chemicals in PNG.
He said PNG is challenged with finding the balance between environment sustainability and economic growth.