The Strengths and Weaknesses of Pacific Islands Plastic Pollution Policy Frameworks

Trisia A. Farrelly, Stephanie B. Borrelle and Sascha Fuller
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Trisia A. Farrelly: School of People, Environment and Planning, Massey University, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand
Stephanie B. Borrelle: BirdLife International, Cambridge CB2 3QZ, UK
Sascha Fuller: Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia

Sustainability, 2021, vol. 13, issue 3, 1-36

Abstract: The rate of plastic pollution entering the environment is accelerating with plastic production predicted to increase by 40% over the next decade. Plastic pollution transcends territorial boundaries on ocean and air currents. Large Ocean Small Island Developing States (LOSIDS) are on the frontline of the plastics crisis and associated climate change impacts. This desktop gap analysis identified potential strengths and weaknesses in national policy frameworks in 52 key documents relevant to plastic pollution in ten Pacific LOSIDS. The study found considerable gaps in the vertical and horizontal integration of plastic pollution-related policy, and a lack of access to current science-based evidence on plastic pollution including evidence related to human health impacts and microplastics. The study concludes that, even if Pacific LOSIDS were to include best practice management of plastic pollution across all policy frameworks, they could not prevent plastic pollution, and that a plastic pollution convention is needed.

Keywords: legislation; gap analysis; marine litter; microplastics; convention; waste management; large ocean islands; small island developing states (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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