Hi everyone,
The first INC for the new plastics treaty concluded last week. I've attached a link to the ENB report - for those looking to learn more about the focus of this first round of discussions.

According to ENB: "While an understanding emerged on the need for the treaty to encompass the full lifecycle of plastics, the definition of “lifecycle” has not yet been agreed." Some delegates said we need to address the early stages of plastic production, and others prioritized starting only at the product-design phase.
ENB's analysis raised the following questions:
- Will national action plans be the implementation cornerstone?
- Will there be an ambition baseline for national action plans?
- Who will decide on what this is and how will it be measured and monitored?
- How will national action plans address the transboundary nature of plastic pollution, including in areas beyond national jurisdiction?
- Will global measures apply across the board simultaneously, or in a staggered fashion?
- Will global standards apply to trade in all plastic, or only in plastic waste?
- Will industry be compelled to disclose the ingredients of plastic products, and will trade in these products now be subject to prior informed consent procedures?

More questions than answers - as is always the way as we begin the long road of international treaty making.

Make no mistake though, there is an opportunity, and the time is now, for SIDS to think about their needs, and to have their voices heard, through SIDS representatives attending the INCs.

SPREP - Talouli - represented SPREP
Bradley Nolan - was also in attendance
Mafile'o Masi - represented Tonga.

Friends - I'd love for you to share your feedback here.

How was INC? What are your thoughts on the structure of the treaty? I read that SIDS (through AOSIS) called the multistakeholder forum to be improved so that stakeholders can give inputs to the INC process - how do you see this progressing?

Looking forward to following this issue closely.

(Photo below: Halatoa Fua, Cook Islands, courtesy of IISD Reporting Services)