Third Session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-3)

GS Paper III Environment and Ecology

Context:

The ongoing third session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-3) at the United Nations Environment Programme headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, has focused on the 3Rs of waste management (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle).

On the sidelines of Day 3 proceedings of the INC-3, a Break Free From Plastic (BFFP) representative carried out a panel discussion focused on prioritizing reuse solutions in the global plastics treaty.
- The discussion addressed by expert panelists from Europe, Indonesia, Spain, and other countries came up with innovative solutions on the topic key to addressing the plastic crisis.
One of the key considerations at INC-3 will be the launch of negotiations on the ‘Zero draft text of the international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment.

Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee

Zero Draft text

The Zero Draft text is proposed to facilitate and support the intergovernmental negotiating committee’s work towards the development of the international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment, called for by the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) resolution 5/14.

Break Free From Plastic (BFFP):

It is the global movement working to achieve a future free from plastic pollution.
More than 12,000 organizations and individuals around the world have come together to demand reductions in single-use plastics and to advocate for lasting solutions to the plastic pollution crisis.

Genesis: The resolution (5/14) requested the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) to convene an Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) to develop “the instrument,” which is to be based on a comprehensive approach that addresses the full life cycle of plastic, including its production, design, and disposal.
The Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) came into existence in 2022, at the 5th session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-5.2).

News Source: DTE