The overarching theme of the Conference was“Accelerating action and mobilizing all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean”. The focus of our contribution to UNOC3 was on the “conserve” angle.
FSWP’s position
Pollutions travel from land to sea: 80% of plastic pollution in oceans originates on land. To effectively combat marine pollution, the most sustainable investment is Ecologically Sound Management (ESM) of waste, which includes source reduction, recovery and treatment. This approach is based on rigorous waste stream control, while protecting human health and the environment.
For plastics, as for other wastes, priority must be given to reducing their production and reusing them, then to recycling and final treatment in compliance with ESM, as defined by the Basel Convention. Effective recovery depends, among other things, on the implementation of eco-design and the existence of markets for the secondary materials produced: it’s a life cycle approach.
Reducing plastic waste generation is based on the implementation of the circular economy hierarchy (which begins with “Refuse”...). This hierarchy of actions implies a deep transformation of production and consumption patterns, and the implementation of new economic models which, although underway, are coming up against various forms of resistance requiring ever closer collaboration between all players in the value chains.
ESM of waste (reduction at source, recovery and treatment) has a cost, even when circularity and the associated revenue streams are established. The environmental benefits of this solution outweigh the costs of its implementation (GWMO 2024). It must be financed by a range of financial instruments involving both public and private stakeholders, so that these avoided costs benefit society as a whole.
Exchanges at UNOC 3 played a key role in the ongoing drafting of a legally binding international treaty on plastic pollution, particularly in the marine environment, to be held in Geneva in August. They also supported the “Global Push”, an initiative aimed at gaining recognition for the essential role of waste management and the transition to circularity in achieving the 2030 SDGs.
*ISO Norm 59004 establishes clear definition of the actions within this hierarchy
Position paper - UNOC
Our Side-event
– Monday 9th june 2025 from 13h30 to 15h30 - Archipel Pavilion, La Baleine (Palais des Expositions)
Spotlight on the Land to Sea Continuum to Protect Marine Environments from Plastic Pollution
Partners : AFD, INBO, ADEME, Circulearth, Expertise France
– Monday 9th june 2025 from 11h45 to 13h15 - Pavillon “A bout de plastique”, La Baleine (Palais des Expositions)
Cooperating for a Mediterranean Circular Economy
Organizer : Circemed
– Tuesday 10th june 2025 from 15h to 18h- Blue zone
Ocean Action Panel 4 : Preventing and significantly reducing marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities
Each morning, plenary sessions were held, during which UN Member States made statements on their commitment to the ocean. Dialogue sessions bringing together Member States, UN organizations, and representatives of civil society (NGOs, scientists, businesses) took place every morning and afternoon. Action Panel 4 focused on the prevention and significant reduction of all types of marine pollution, particularly those caused by land-based activities, including plastic pollution. The FSWP requested to publish a statement in order to advocate for ESM of waste and make the link with our Global Push initiative.
