Nonprofit organization Communities Organized for Resource Allocation (CORA Nonprofit Philippines) called for urgent actions towards advancing the circular economy through community-led actions, inclusive partnerships, and innovative solutions to plastic waste and marine litter.
CORA Founder and Executive Director Antoinette Taus made the call during the recently concluded 'SEA of Solutions 2024: Delivering actions to end plastic pollution' conference, which was held at the United Nations Conference Center in Bangkok, Thailand last month.
At the international conference, CORA and several other organizations stressed the importance of adopting circular economy practices, particularly in waste value chains and marine areas affected by plastic pollution.
"We must ensure a just transition as we strengthen circular economy solutions to #BeatPlasticPollution. Our oceans, communities, and children depend on it. We have witnessed firsthand the powerful force of local communities in the Philippines, especially women and youth, in driving sustainable solutions. But we need greater collaboration to scale these efforts to tackle the problem at the source," Taus said.
Transitioning to a circular economy
The circular economy plays a crucial role in addressing the pressing issue of plastic pollution, particularly in coastal areas. Landfills and marine environments are often the final destination for discarded plastics, posing a grave threat to precious ecosystems and the communities that depend on them.
A study by the World Bank revealed that the Philippines discards a staggering 163 million sachets, 48 million plastic bags, and 3 million diapers daily.
The latest findings from the 2023 Rapid Assessment Standing Stock Survey carried out by CORA at the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park revealed that food wrappers and sachets constitute the predominant type of marine litter, comprising 33% of the total waste collected. This alarming statistic is closely followed by plastic bottles, accounting for 15% of the accumulated waste.
"Plastic pollution threatens ecosystems, and both marine and human life. By advancing a circular economy, we minimize waste and pollution by creating closed-loop systems where materials are reused, recycled or regenerated," Taus added.
Championing community-led solutions and innovations
CORA currently implements the 'Eco-Ikot Sustainable Cities' program, which aims to promote awareness, drive behavioral change, and implement sustainable solutions for waste management.
As part of the program, the organization set up 'Eco-Ikot Centers' in Paranaque and Manila cities. These centers are inclusive, women-led collection and diversion facilities that provide incentives, such as e-cash and goods, to citizens in exchange for their clean, dry, and segregated recyclables.
This program is supported by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), and Our Sea of East Asia Network (OSEAN).
In addition, CORA regularly conducts citizen science activities through regular marine litter monitoring, monthly coastal cleanups, and social behavior change campaigns through the 'My OSEAN Mission' program.
The SEA of Solutions 2024 is organized by SEA circular, an initiative led by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Coordinating Body on the Seas of East Asia (COBSEA) with support from the Government of Sweden. The event aims to facilitate partnerships and catalyze actions that lead to innovative and scalable solutions to plastic waste and marine litter challenges.
CORA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing environmental sustainability and social issues. CORA promotes circular economy systems, zero-waste principles, and the empowerment of marginalized communities through its community-based programs.
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