Busan meet on plastic crisis: India pushes for tech transfer, clear goals in global treaty talks

Around 175 countries have converged in Busan, Republic of Korea, to negotiate the first-ever treaty to end plastic pollution, including marine pollution. The talks are past their midway point and thus far, there has not been any major progress on the crucial issue of whether the world will agree on capping plastic production.

India sought a clear scope for the treaty which, it said, should not overlap with other important multilateral environmental agreements, for instance, such as the Basel Convention on transboundary movement of hazardous wastes and their disposal.

The Indian delegation also submitted that the new international legally-binding instrument to end plastic pollution must follow the principles of the 1992 Rio Declaration. It laid emphasis on the principles concerning ‘common but differentiated responsibilities’ (CBDR) and sustainable production and consumption. CBDR refers to the differing contributions of countries in view of their different roles in environmental degradation.

India also submitted suggestions on articles in the draft treaty related to plastic product design and plastic waste management. Draft treaty articles on plastic product design refer to the efficient and eco-friendly designs, which would help the product to be sustainable, focussing on its recyclability and its environmental impact at the time of discarding.

On both – plastic waste management and product design –  India’s submissions stated that there shall be provisions for financial and technical assistance, including technology transfer, to developing countries. On plastic waste management, it stressed that efforts should be based on plans of countries, national circumstances, their capabilities and relevant national regulations.

Siddharth Ghyanshyam Singh, deputy programme manager of the Centre for Science and Environment, who is attending the Busan talks as part of the civil society delegates, said, “The developing countries have mentioned the need for a standalone article on principles but stand divided in their ask. Some of the developing countries demand human health and human rights to be prioritised while others mentioned the right to development and principle of sovereignty of states.”