GAIA IN ASIA PACIFIC
Falsely blamed as the source of pollution and the nexus of our plastic crisis, the Asia Pacific region is full of examples that counter this narrative perpetuated by an unjust system of waste trade across countries. GAIA’s work in Asia Pacific is focused on spotlighting and providing support for the many innovative and on-the-ground zero waste solutions. Our work also seeks to remedy the systemic injustices of global waste trade—which depends on the cheap labor and lower standards of environmental protection in developing countries—by stopping waste trade and putting an end to burn technologies such as incinerators exported from countries in the Global North, China, and Japan.
In the span of 20 years, GAIA Asia Pacific has successfully shut down 19 incinerator projects and proposals, influenced governments to allocate annual budget towards the inclusion of waste pickers and zero waste sites in several cities, strengthened extended producer responsibility legislation through brand audits in India, and implemented plastic waste bans across the region.
Current Campaigns
#NoTrashTalk
A campaign to call out international financing institutions (IFIs), governments, and investors to walk the talk by withdrawing support for incinerators and other false solutions to waste management, pollution, and fossil fuel-based energy sources. We demand that finance be shifted to accelerated, just, and transformative solutions.
The Global Plastics Treaty: Asia Pacific Perspectives
The Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution or INC 2, 3, 4, and 5 are happening in the next two years. While some see this as an opportunity to push forward our plastics work, some see it as lip service to a treaty with no binding commitments from countries to really put an end to plastic pollution.
Communities on the Frontlines of the Global Plastic Crisis
When China took action to protect its borders from foreign plastic pollution by effectively shutting its doors to plastic waste imports in the beginning of 2018, it threw the global plastic recycling industry into chaos. Wealthy countries had grown accustomed to exporting their plastic problems, with little thought or effort to ensure that the plastic they were exporting got recycled and did not harm other countries. North Americans and Europeans exported not just their plastic waste, but the pollution that went with getting rid of it.
LATEST NEWS IN ASIA PACIFIC
CSOs Call for ASEAN Leadership for a Successful Global Plastics Treaty to End Plastic Pollution
CSOs urge ASEAN leaders to take a strong stance in the ongoing negotiations to develop an international legally binding instrument to address plastic pollution, including in the marine environment.
18 April 2024; Jakarta, Indonesia— Today, the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) Asia Pacific, together with other civil society organizations including Environmental Justice Foundation and Basel Action Network, transmitted a letter to the office of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Secretariat, calling for ASEAN leadership to take a strong stance in the ongoing negotiations for the global instrument to end plastic pollution.The letter was signed by over 100 civil society organizations (CSOs) from across Asia and the world.
Delegates from ASEAN member states— together with about 170 member states of the United Nations are set to gather in Ottawa, Canada for the fourth meeting of the International Negotiating Committee (INC-4) to develop an international legally binding instrument to end plastic pollution, including in the marine environment, from April 23 to 29, 2024.
Southeast Asia, much of which forms an archipelago with islands severely impacted by marine debris, is also polluted at various stages throughout the plastic supply chain, from the extraction of fossil fuels to manufacturing of plastics and plastic products, transportation, use, and disposal. Countries in Southeast Asia also bear the brunt of continuous illegal plastic waste trade from developed countries, making the region a dumping ground for wastes that are not recyclable. From single-use plastics to microplastics and toxic pollution from incineration, the unabated global plastic production will keep communities in Southeast Asia at the receiving end of a disproportionate burden of toxic pollution unless ASEAN countries take action.
“ASEAN leaders must take the Global Plastics Treaty as an opportunity for addressing policy gaps on waste dumping and pushing for greater accountability to northern governments whose interest is to keep depicting the region as the most globally polluting to create the fake demands for its polluting waste technologies in various development cooperation mechanisms, all while dumping their plastic waste in our borders,” said Mayang Azurin, Deputy Director for Campaigns of Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) Asia Pacific. “We urge ASEAN to protect the region as the home for empowering, sustainable and proven solutions by ensuring an ambitious Global Plastics Treaty.”
CSOs from across the region call on ASEAN delegates to step up for a binding treaty that truly addresses pollution across the full life cycle of plastics, prioritizing reduction in global plastic production and phasing out of hazardous chemicals, including polymers that make up plastics. It is time to end decades of waste colonialism; eliminate toxins; ensure transparency and traceability of chemicals across the plastic life cycle; scale up reuse and refill infrastructure; implement extended producer responsibility; safeguard human rights, especially people’s right to health, clean air and water; support just transition; and put an end to false solutions, such as plastic credits and technologies that do not address pollution at source, as well as regrettable plastic substitutes such as biobased plastics which only exacerbate the problem. With only a few months left for treaty negotiations, INC-4 is a crucial reminder for Member States to protect the rights of their people whose livelihoods, well-being, intergenerational and gender justice all hang loose on the fate of the prospective treaty.
“We call on the ASEAN member countries to negotiate a plastics treaty that contains strong, legally binding control provisions to protect human health and the environment,” said Chinkie Pelino-Golle, International Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN) Southeast and East Asia Regional Coordinator. “To do so, solutions that prevent adverse impacts on human health and the environment, including the elimination of toxic chemicals and increased transparency and traceability throughout the full life cycle of plastics must be prioritized.”
The groups emphasized how ASEAN can pave the way for an effective treaty, noting the many citizen-led solutions in Southeast Asia and the demonstrated efforts of national governments in the region to implement policies to curb plastic pollution. Now is the time to take these approaches at a global scale with legally binding agreements.
“ASEAN is pivotal for implementing creative and practical solutions to combat plastic pollution. Yet, for far too long, the region has suffered from an oversupply of problematic, single-use, and unnecessary plastic packaging, often containing unregulated toxic chemicals,” said Salisa Traipipitsiriwat, Senior Campaigner and Southeast Asia Plastic Project Manager of the Environmental Justice Foundation. “Inadequate infrastructure and policy gaps have subjected it to ineffective solutions that keep the business as usual. The Global Plastic Treaty represents a unique chance for ASEAN leaders to demonstrate their ability, commitment, and readiness to address plastic pollution. INC-4 and INC-5 are crucial times for ASEAN leaders—our leaders—to demand a strong and ambitious treaty that puts people and the planet at the forefront.”
After the INC-4, U.N. member states will reconvene in November 2024 in South Korea for the fifth and final round of negotiations.
Abdul Ghofar, Pollution and Urban Justice Campaigner of Wahana Lingkungan Hidup Indonesia (WALHI), said:
“ASEAN countries have been a place where developed countries dump their waste in the name of waste trade. ASEAN is also the largest market for multinational companies that produce millions of tons of plastic waste, especially sachets. They make profits, while we get problems. The Global Plastic Treaty is a great opportunity for ASEAN countries to show the world that we are not the main source of plastic pollution, but we are the source of solutions to overcome plastic pollution. We as ASEAN citizens hope that ASEAN leaders can lead by example by supporting efforts to end waste colonialism, reduce plastic production and mainstream reuse ecosystems.”
Mageswari Sangaralingam, Senior Research Officer of Consumers’ Association of Penang & Sahabat Alam Malaysia, said:
“It is clear that we cannot recycle our way out of the plastic crisis. Plastic circularity or sustainability are false narratives. The world needs to stop producing unnecessary, hazardous plastics, and reduce plastic production on the whole, all while ensuring a Just Transition for the most vulnerable groups, indigenous communities, and workers across the plastics value chain including, waste pickers, waste workers, and those working in the recycling value chain. ASEAN should be in the forefront as our communities have the solutions to end the plastic crisis.”
Xuan Quach, Coordinator/Country Director of Vietnam Zero-Waste Alliance/Pacific Environment Vietnam, said:
“There are many big hurdles to the treaty’s progress, one of which is how to ensure a just transition in the treaty’s design. This may be related to exemption provisions. There is a great need for scientific research to provide criteria and indicators to determine exemption rights for country members. Break Free From Plastic may propose to include the criteria and indicators for determining exemption rights in the appendix and undertake the development of this set of criteria and indicators. Additionally, a mandatory implementation of provisions on ‘product design, composition and performance’ globally will create an opportunity for all member countries to act together in close cooperation of all stakeholders in the global supply chain towards a sustainable plastic production and consumption.”
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Reaching New Heights Through Zero Waste
Batangas City, close to Manila, is popular for short visits due to its mix of city life and coastal beauty. It’s a hub for many activities like recreation, business, and education. The city covers a large area with many neighborhoods, including some on Verde Island, a famous marine reserve. You can reach Batangas City from Manila by boat in about 90 minutes or by ferry in 25 minutes. The city’s population was around 351,437 in 2020, but it grows on weekends when tourists come to relax.
To deal with the growing amount of garbage caused by more people visiting, Batangas City has been working hard. They follow national laws on waste management and even created their own rules before partnering with the Mother Earth Foundation for a Zero Waste program. In 2010, they made a detailed plan to manage waste for the next 10 years. They also passed laws to regulate the use of plastic and styrofoam and set up places to recycle materials in every neighborhood. This shows their commitment to keeping their city clean and green.
Reaching New Heights Through Zero Waste presents the city’s journey towards zero waste.
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AZWI: Bridging Differences for a Common Zero Waste Goal
Aliansi Zero Waste Indonesia (AZWI) is an alliance of organizations in Indonesia dedicated to advancing the implementation of the Zero Waste concept. Facing the persistent challenge of waste pollution amidst governmental support for waste-to-energy facilities, AZWI emerged from the collaborative efforts of diverse organizations with a shared vision. The alliance, born from conversations initiated during the Break Free From Plastic (BFFP) movement, solidified its formation after successfully challenging a presidential decree supporting waste-to-energy projects via a Judicial Review.
Comprised initially of nine organizations, AZWI has grown to include ten members, each contributing unique expertise and perspectives to the alliance. Recognizing the necessity of unity and synergy, AZWI members emphasize the importance of complementing one another’s efforts and leveraging collective resources towards shared goals.
Despite early challenges and occasional conflicts, AZWI has established foundational principles, governance structures, and conflict resolution mechanisms to sustain its collective efforts. Through annual meetings, prioritization of key issues, and a dedicated secretariat, the alliance continues to strategize and adapt to evolving circumstances.
Key learnings from AZWI’s alliance-building journey underscore the significance of relationship-building, resource allocation, capacity-building for smaller organizations, and a commitment to continuous learning and adaptation. By fostering an atmosphere of trust, cooperation, and mutual respect, AZWI strives to realize its vision of a zero waste Indonesia.
In conclusion, AZWI exemplifies the transformative power of collective action in addressing complex environmental challenges, offering valuable insights for alliance-building initiatives worldwide.
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EcoWaste Coalition: Building a Stronger Environmental Movement
The EcoWaste Coalition emerged as a pivotal force in the Philippine environmental landscape, originating from the victory of the Clean Air Act in 1999, which banned incineration. Initially known as the Clean Air Coalition, it comprised various environmental groups, communities, and support organizations advocating clean air legislation. Its members included Greenpeace International, Mother Earth Foundation, and church-based organizations.
Driven by the success of the fight against incineration, the coalition shifted focus to solid waste management, particularly amidst the closure of the notorious Smokey Mountain dumpsite and proposals for incinerators. This transition led to the formation of the EcoWaste Coalition, unified by a vision of Zero Waste by 2020, aiming to counter landfill projects and mainstream sustainable waste management practices.
Key action points included stopping incineration, reducing garbage volume and toxicity, intensifying recycling, and developing recycling markets. Task forces were established to address various waste-related issues, leading to collaborations with international organizations like Greenpeace and GAIA.
Over its 22-year history, EcoWaste expanded geographically and thematically, engaging in campaigns beyond waste management. Structural changes and regional empowerment initiatives addressed challenges such as organizational growth, internal relations, and sustaining member participation.
Facing external threats from political shifts, the coalition remained resilient, adapting its strategies while maintaining advocacy for environmental and social justice. Operational improvements were pursued by institutionalizing planning and monitoring, ensuring accountability and efficiency.
The coalition’s success stemmed from its Unity Statement, providing a common agenda, and its inclusive structure, fostering meaningful member engagement. By leveraging collective strengths and addressing shared challenges, EcoWaste exemplifies the importance of alliance-building in achieving impactful social change in the Philippines.
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GAIA CONTACTS IN ASIA PACIFIC
Edel Caringan
Edel S. Garingan is a development work professional with over fifteen years of experience in program management, training, research, and resource mobilization. He has worked at different nonprofits on the issues of biodiversity conservation, sustainable development, human rights, social enterprise, children and youth development, and participatory community development processes. He is also a visual artist (Pinoy Mandala) and a Certified Therapeutic Art facilitator.
Yehlen Benedicto
Yehlen has worked in different international development NGO since 2009 in providing assistance on procurement and logistics. She’s a hardworking and versatile team member with reliable organizational skills and thorough knowledge of corporate policies and procedures.
Archie Abellar
Archie started his environmental activism in 2005 as a direct dialogue campaigner in an environmental and protest organization. He has a background in history and occupational therapy. Prior to going GAIA, he worked as community organizer in an inclusive community-based disaster risk reduction and management project of a faith-based organization in the Philippines.
Arpita Bhagat
Arpita is the Plastic Policy Officer for the Asia Pacific region. Her work focuses on strengthening the capacity and engagement of members in Global and national advocacy work towards plastic production caps, advancing Zero Waste policies, just transition for waste pickers and workers, and phasing out false solutions. Since 2012, she has worked across international and Indian organizations leading public mobilization, advocacy, and movement-building campaigns and programs across diverse issues including clean energy, sustainable agriculture, climate-resilient cities, gender justice, and plastics.
Belmiro Soekarno
Belmiro graduated from Udayana University in Bali with a degree in Archaeology. Belmiro put his interest in environmental issues in 2019 when there was a subject named environmental archeology. In the middle of his study, he worked as a host for one of the popular TV programs in Indonesia called Insert, which produced infotainment about the celebrity world. Before joining GAIA, Belmiro worked at Nexus3 Foundation as a Communication Officer. He wants to use digital platforms to increase public awareness about environmental issues.
Leo Jaminola
Leo has more than three years of work experience in quantitative and qualitative research, project management, and stakeholder coordination. They have published journal articles, book chapters, and policy notes on a wide range of topics including political dynasties, Philippine politics, inclusive growth, environmental cooperation, and fertility. They completed their undergraduate degree in Political Science from the University of the Philippines Diliman and are currently completing their master’s degree in Demography at the same university. They are part of several youth-led environmental organizations in the Philippines.
Raimiel Dionido
Raimiel is GAIA Asia Pacific’s Organizational Development and Human Resources Officer. His academic background is in Psychology, and has been working in Human Resources for the past five years. He has previously been involved in the Philippine Government’s Higher Education sector and has helped in delivering a few of its key programs for ensuring access to education. He strongly believes in community involvement in inspiring social change, and the role of Civil Society Organizations in this endeavor. |
Ambily Adithyan
Ambily is a sustainability practitioner with deep interest in solving local environmental issues. She actively works towards improving her city’s waste management practices through behavioural change and community engagement model. She is experienced in program strategy & delivery, research and program led advocacy across development and waste management sector.
Dan Abril
Dan carries almost 30 years of experience in communications work, from media publishing to marketing to web content writing, and as the Campaigns Coordinator of other non-government organisations. His traditional and modern approach to comms work is a solid support to GAIA AP campaigns.
Rhoda David
Rhoda handles administration and finance matters from GAIA’s office in Quezon City, the Philippines. She holds a degree in business administration with a major in accounting. She has over 30 years of experience in the fields of human resource, administration, and finance, and has worked with various NGOs working on issues related to family development and youth organizing, urban poor housing, and agriculture.
Sherma Benosa
Prior to joining GAIA in November 2016, Sherma worked for Philippine-based non-government organizations working on agriculture and health. She also worked as managing editor of a health magazine and has written feature stories on arts, culture, health, and business for various publications. A fictionist writing mostly in the vein of social realism, she uses storytelling to add her voice to the call for social justice and equity and to delve into issues that are often overlooked in discourses.
Shibu Nair
He has been active in movements and campaigns related to the environment and toxics since 1991. He entered the realm of environmental activism by organizing environmental education programs for schools in Kerala. He is one of the pioneers of the zero waste movement in India and led the zero waste campaigns and programs for Thanal — one of the oldest environmental organizations in South India. His expertise is in organics management, designing and developing zero-waste systems at the community level, and strategizing zero waste programs and campaigns.
Sonia G. Astudillo
Sonia has more than 15 years of experience working in media and communications for women’s magazines, a Philippine Senator and a Congressman, and three other NGOs: People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Asia Pacific, Health Care Without Harm (HCWH) Asia, and The Way To Happiness – Philippines. She studied Journalism and has a master’s degree in public policy from the National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies in Tokyo, Japan. She is also a certified raw vegan chef, detox coach, and yoga teacher. In her spare time, she does batik painting.
Patricia Parras
As a graduate student currently pursuing international relations, Patricia’s academic background has piqued her interest in international development. She has witnessed and been involved with affairs that have helped to shape international relations, including participation in the 2015 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation National Organizing Council, becoming head of delegation under the Japan-East Asia Network of Exchange for Students and Youths Program (JENESYS), and working under United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Yobel Novian Putra
Yobel’s interest in waste issues started from learning the history of a catastrophic landfill avalanche in his hometown, Bandung, Indonesia. Later on, his interest transformed into a passion for learning about zero waste. Before joining GAIA, Yobel worked for 2 years as Zero Waste Policy Advocacy staff at YPBB Bandung (a local NGO which implemented a Zero Waste Cities program since 2013). He was also involved in Aliansi Zero Waste Indonesia works. Yobel graduated from Institut Teknologi Bandung with a degree in environmental engineering.
Froilan Grate
Froilan is a committed environmental justice campaigner who has assisted more than 20 cities/municipalities in the Philippines in developing and improving waste management programs and systems. He has extensive experience in module development and training and legislative work, providing support to legislators at the local government level, especially in areas of policy review.
Miriam Mayang Azurin
Before joining GAIA, Mayang coordinated the policy and lobbying work of two global civil society platforms on accountable development finance to human rights and environmental instruments, the CSO Partnership for Development Effectiveness and the NGO Forum on ADB. She also steered Philippine coalitions and non-profits for policy advocacy and the mainstreaming of integrated local solutions. For ten years, she has managed grants programs for civil society campaigns in the Philippines and regionally in Asia wherein she has administered full grants cycles, knowledge management, and communications work. Earlier in her career, she was a researcher for the progressive think tank, IBON Foundation. She holds a master’s degree in public management.
GAIA AT WORK IN ASIA PACIFIC
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