Geneva – Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister Dr. Dion George is leading the South African delegation attending the second part of the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC 5.2) on Plastic Pollution in Geneva, Switzerland.
The department explained that this session was a critical opportunity to finalise a legally binding global treaty to tackle plastic pollution.
Minister George reaffirmed South Africa’s strong support for urgent and coordinated international action to end plastic pollution across its full life cycle.
“Plastic pollution is one of the fastest-growing environmental threats facing our planet,” said Minister George.
“South Africa supports the conclusion of a legally binding agreement that will help reduce plastic waste and promote a more sustainable future for all.”
Plastic pollution is already harming communities, economies, and ecosystems, from land to rivers to oceans.
Global plastic production has grown rapidly, from 2 million tonnes in 1950 to 475 million tonnes in 2022.
Without urgent intervention, South Africa’s plastic pollution is expected to nearly double by 2040 compared to 2020 levels.
In response, South Africa has moved to ban plastic microbeads.
Draft regulations have been signed and are set to be published for public comment.
These regulations aim to prohibit the manufacture, import, export, sale and distribution of microbeads and products containing them.
“South Africa is acting with urgency to address this crisis. But no country can solve it alone. We need global cooperation, innovation and ambition,” said Minister George.
The INC process was established by the United Nations Environment Programme in 2022, following the adoption of a resolution to develop a treaty addressing plastic pollution, including marine plastic.
While the first part of INC 5 took place in Busan, Republic of Korea in November 2024, a final agreement was not reached, and negotiations have resumed in Geneva.
The expected treaty will cover the full life cycle of plastics, from production and design to disposal.
It will also align with existing global commitments on climate change, biodiversity and chemical safety.
“Plastic pollution is not just an environmental issue. It affects public health, sustainable development and the future of our oceans,” said Minister George.
“We must act now.”
