USAID and CPL Foundation forge partnership to help address ocean plastic crisis in Papua New Guinea
Port Moresby, PAPUA NEW GUINEA – Chargè d’Affaires Joe Zadrozny reaffirmed the U.S. Government’s commitment to help reduce the impacts of ocean plastic pollution in the Pacific Islands during the ceremonial signing of a memorandum of understanding between USAID – through its Clean Cities, Blue Ocean (CCBO) program – and City Pharmacy Limited (CPL) Foundation. This partnership will pilot land-based solutions to reduce ocean plastic pollution at CPL Foundation’s facilities in Papua New Guinea. Optimizing the centers’ operations will contribute to a more robust and resilient local waste system that can keep pace with the city’s growing urban population, while reducing environmental impact.
“USAID is pleased to partner with CPL Foundation on the critical issue of ocean plastic pollution,” said Chargé d’Affaires Joseph Zadrozny. “We strongly support their mission to empower women in the waste sector as we believe women play a critical role in promoting the 3R practices – reduce, reuse, recycle – in solid waste management.”
The Pacific Islands generate over 300,000 tons of plastic waste each year. While Pacific Island countries contribute only less than 1.3 percent of ocean plastics globally, they are disproportionately affected by their impacts. Plastic pollution threatens the islands’ life support systems and the cultural, economic, and social ties of indigenous people to the ocean. According to UNESCO, by 2050, plastic will likely outweigh all fish in the sea.
“Our partnership with USAID will help us empower women in waste and build their capacity in practicing 3Rs to improve our waste management system in our facilities,” said Mr. Navin Raju, Chief Executive Officer of the CPL Group of Companies.
USAID launched its flagship program Clean Cities, Blue Ocean in August 2019 to respond to the ocean plastics pollution crisis. The five-year (2019-2024), USD$53 million (PGK 186 million) program works at the global level and in specific, rapidly urbanizing focal countries to address ocean plastics directly at their source. By strengthening waste management systems and building circular economies, city by city, the program builds sustainable solutions that reduce ocean plastics while empowering vulnerable populations and mitigating pollution that affects human health and our climate.