The CaRMPAC Project (Capacity Building Programme for Reducing Recycling-Related Marine Plastic Pollution in ASEAN Cities) will officially launch on 16 August 2024 in Vientiane, Lao PDR. This regional initiative aims to combat the growing issue of marine plastic pollution by focusing on capacity building and strategic implementation. The first phase of the project has already concluded, resulting in the publication of Situation Assessment Reports and Technical Guidelines for six key cities, highlighting methods to prevent plastic and resin pellet leakage from recycling facilities.
Phase 1 of the project concentrated on assessing the situation in cities like Pattaya, Nonthaburi, Hanoi, Iloilo, Manila, and Vientiane. The findings revealed critical factors leading to plastic leakage, prompting the development of tailored technical guidelines and manuals. These resources aim to improve recycling processes and prevent plastic loss in both formal and informal sectors. The reports and guidelines are now available for public access here.
With Phase 1 completed, Phase 2 of the CaRMPAC Project will focus on extending the program’s reach to additional cities, including Phnom Penh, Ho Chi Minh City, Bandung, and Davao City, among others. This phase, which will be implemented over the next two years, will address capacity gaps, especially among informal plastic recyclers and local government regulators. The goal is to promote responsible recycling practices, boost awareness, and enhance regulatory support for sustainable plastic management.
The CaRMPAC Project is managed by the Asian Institute of Technology’s Regional Resource Centre for Asia and the Pacific, in collaboration with the Regional Knowledge Centre for Marine Plastic Debris of ERIA and the ASEAN Secretariat. Established in 2019, the RKC-MPD supports ASEAN+3 Member States in improving plastic circularity and reducing marine pollution.
This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES
