The Supreme Council for Environment (SCE) has orchestrated a regional workshop titled "Plastic Pollution in West Asia: Challenges and Sustainable Solutions."

Ten nations, encompassing Gulf Cooperation Council and Arab states, alongside global experts in plastic pollution, partook in the event. The workshop, carried out in collaboration with the UN Environment Programme's West Asia Office (UNEP West Asia), received praise from Lama Al Mahroos, Director of the Environmental Monitoring and Protection Directorate at the SCE, during her opening session address. She commended the productive collaboration between SCE and UNEP West Asia, highlighting its positive outcomes, including the hosting of the current regional workshop by the kingdom.

Al Mahroos emphasized that plastic pollution has emerged as a significant challenge globally. The regional workshop aligns with the United Nations' efforts to combat plastic pollution, particularly in marine environments.

She underscored the workshop's role as a platform for exchanging expertise, experiences, and visions regarding policies and procedures to address plastic pollution. Bahrain, she noted, stands out as a leader in this arena, having implemented measures at the national legislative level since 2019. Numerous projects focusing on environmental, social, and economic aspects are currently under consideration.

Abdul-Majeid Haddad, Deputy Regional Director of UNEP’s West Asia Office, expressed gratitude to the kingdom for hosting the regional workshop.

He highlighted the significance of circularity for sustainable development, emphasizing the transition from waste management to resource management. Plastic value chains, according to Haddad, present an opportunity to showcase circular solutions and avoid costs for current and future generations. Adopting a circular economy for plastic materials, he added, offers a robust and sustainable economic model, particularly in West Asia, where plastic waste constitutes a substantial portion of the waste stream.

Haddad mentioned that a considerable percentage of generated plastic waste remains within the linear economy, with a significant portion mismanaged and ending up in landfills. Only a minimal percentage is recycled. He stressed the importance of strategies preserving plastic use in the economy while minimizing environmental impact, which can yield economic, social, and climate benefits.

The two-day regional workshop is designed to explore the adverse environmental effects of plastic on various ecosystems and address challenges associated with proper plastic waste management. Participating delegations are expected to share their countries' experiences in dealing with plastic pollution.