Letters | Is a global treaty the answer to Southeast Asia’s marine plastic problem?
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Several years ago, four Southeast Asian countries were found to be among the biggest ocean plastic polluters in the world. In response, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations issued documents serving as guidelines on combating marine plastic pollution in Southeast Asia. However, those documents are not legally binding.
The transboundary nature of oceans makes plastic pollution a global issue. It is important to look into a global solution.
With the resolution endorsed by UN member states last year, an intergovernmental negotiating committee aims to finish a draft legally binding treaty by 2024. It is a surprisingly ambitious target. In any case, having a single agreement at the international level is an important step towards creating a binding mechanism.
The source of marine pollution is another challenge to consider. Often, marine waste can be carried from the territory of one state to that of other states, by ocean currents.