PHNOM PENH, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) environment ministers or their representatives on Friday endorsed Phnom Penh Joint Statement on Plastic Pollution Control.
The endorsement was made during the sixth GMS environment ministers' meeting held in Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia.
According to the statement, the escalating plastic pollution crisis has impacted communities, economies and ecosystems.
"Recognizing the vital economic, social, and environmental importance of GMS countries and the impacts of plastic pollution on regional biodiversity, climate change, public health and livelihoods, we pledge to address this issue through coordinated comprehensive actions on plastic pollution," the statement said.
They vowed to strengthen policies to promote sustainable plastics management, to upgrade infrastructure for plastic waste management, to promote research and innovation to develop sustainable alternatives to plastics, and to improve waste management and recycling capacity.
They encouraged experience sharing on monitoring and assessing plastic pollution, including microplastics, and pledged to adopt community-based approaches to engage and empower populations in combating plastic pollution.
"We call upon all stakeholders to join us in this vital endeavor and we are committing to enhancing cooperation in promoting the adoption of the global treaty on plastic pollution," the statement said.
Cambodian Minister of Environment Eang Sophalleth said the joint statement reflected shared commitment to address challenges from plastic pollution and would guide sub-regional cooperation.
"This statement serves as our joint commitment to address plastic pollution comprehensively and collaboratively for clean, green and environmental sustainability," he said.
The six GMS countries include Cambodia, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam. ■