Green Phenix, in collaboration with Els Steenhagen and Denise Vijber, released a comprehensive gap analysis report highlighting the urgent need for enhanced legislative and policy frameworks to combat the escalating plastic pollution crisis in Curaçao.
This project was funded by the European Union, supported by RESEMBID and implemented by Expertise France, as part of a broader initiative aiming to reduce plastic pollution in the marine environment.
Over the past decade, global plastic production has increased, reaching 460 million metric tonnes in 2019. Curaçao, like many Small Island Developing States (SIDS), faces a significant threat from plastic pollution, impacting ecosystems, biodiversity, and human health. The absence of adequate waste management exacerbates the problem, with the majority of plastic waste ending up in landfills, being illegally dumped or finding its way into the ocean.
Plastic Pollution Prevention Gap Analysis of Curaçao
The report emphasizes the vulnerability of SIDS, particularly Curaçao, to the adverse effects of plastic pollution, affecting crucial sectors like tourism and fishing. Notably, the windward side of Curaçao faces a substantial challenge, primarily due to plastic pollution from foreign sources.
Key Findings
Legislative Framework Gap:
Curaçao currently lacks legislation specifically targeting plastic pollution prevention. Although a proposed ordinance to ban single-use plastic bags and styrofoam food containers is in progress, more comprehensive measures are required.
Policy Initiatives:
While the National Development Plan 2015-2030 and the Environmental Policy Plan 2016-2021 underscore the importance of sustainable waste management, specific legislative representation for plastic pollution prevention is absent.
Commitment:
The government has expressed commitment, e.g. highlighted during the “Webinar on Single Use Plastic Products” in March 2021, but concrete actions are necessary to translate these commitments into effective measures.
Recommendations for prevention of plastic pollution in Curaçao
To address the identified gaps and combat the plastic pollution crisis effectively, the report, amongst others, suggests:
- Strengthening Legislative Frameworks: Adopt comprehensive legislation aimed at preventing plastic pollution, aligning with global objectives and promoting a circular economy.
- International Collaboration: Advocate for and actively participate in the effective international global treaty on plastic pollution, mandating core obligations, control measures, and implementation strategies.
- Enhanced Waste Management: Align policies with the vision outlined in the National Development Plan, emphasising source separation, high-quality reuse, and recycling to reduce landfill waste.
Conclusion
The analysis demonstrates that Curaçao’s current institutional framework is inadequate to safeguard the environment and human health, jeopardising human rights and biodiversity.
Urgent action is needed to bridge the identified gaps and implement effective plastic pollution mitigation measures.
👉 The full report is available for download on our website.
Acknowledgments:
Green Phenix extends gratitude to Ciaretta Profas, Ana Maria Pauletta, Giselle McWilliam, Rouhi Farajzadeh, Tim van der Brink, John Amarica, and Dianne van Essen for their invaluable support in this research and to Karina Vasiljeva for the design.
About RESEMBID:
RESEMBID is a 47-project progamme funded by the European Union and implemented by Expertise France – the development cooperation agency of the Government of France and supports sustainable human development efforts in 12 Caribbean Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) – Aruba, Anguilla, Bonaire, British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Curaçao, Montserrat, Saba, Sint Eustatius, Saint Barthélemy, Sint Maarten and Turks and Caicos.
