The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) recently held the Second Meeting of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-2) in Paris, France. This meeting follows the successful conclusion of the First Session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-1) in Uruguay in 2022. The primary aim of the INC-2 was to set a path for negotiations on a global deal to curb plastic pollution, with the goal of protecting ecosystems, species, and humans from the impact of a linear plastics economy.
Key Outcomes of the INC-2 Meeting
One essential aspect of the INC-2 was the adoption of rules of procedure, governing the negotiation process, decision-making procedures, and decision-making entities. During the preliminary INC-1 meeting, Rule 37, which states that “each member shall have one vote,” was bracketed, showing unresolved disagreement.
Now, the bracketed part integrates provisions from the Minamata Convention enabling regional economic integration organizations, such as the European Union, to vote on behalf of their member states, although member states must be present during voting or part of the committee.
India has consistently insisted on bracketing Rule 38, asserting, “The Committee shall make every effort to reach agreement on all matters of substance by consensus. If all efforts to reach consensus have been exhausted and no agreement has been reached, the decision shall, as a last resort, be taken by a two-thirds majority of the representatives of Members who are present and voting.”
Open Ended Working Group (OEWG) Formation
The formation of the OEWG delayed the start of discussions in the contact groups on substantive matters. The United Nations Environment Assembly issued resolution 5/14 that mandated an ad hoc open-ended working group, tasked with preparing the groundwork for negotiations.
About The Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC)
The INC, established in February 2022, at the 5th session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-5.2), is tasked with developing an international legally binding instrument to tackle plastic pollution, including marine pollution. The increasing levels of plastic pollution represent a significant global environmental issue that impacts environmental, social, economic and health dimensions of sustainable development.
Under the legally binding agreement, countries will be expected to devise, implement, and periodically update national action plans reflecting country-driven approaches. The countries are to work towards preventing, reducing, and eliminating plastic pollution while promoting regional and international cooperation.
The United Nations Environment Assembly
The UNEA is a governing body of the UN Environment Programme and the world’s highest-level decision-making body on the environment. It consists of 193 UN Member States and convenes biannually to promote global environmental governance.
Initiatives to Tackle Plastic Pollution
Several initiatives exist to combat plastic pollution. On the Indian front, these include the Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2022; Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), National Dashboard on Elimination of Single Use Plastic and Plastic Waste Management, India Plastics Pact, and Project REPLAN.
On a global level, initiatives include the European Union’s Directive on Single-Use Plastics and the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative. These unrelenting efforts aim to curb the alarming levels of plastic pollution, thereby fostering a clean, green, and healthy environment.
Last Modified: February 20, 2024