The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is set to adopt a regional action plan to tackle the growing plastic pollution problem across its 15 member countries. During a World Bank-supported workshop on Monday, Bernard Yao Koffi, ECOWAS Director for Environment and Natural Resources, stressed the urgent need for a unified response, citing the serious toll plastic waste is taking on the environment, marine life, and human health.
While several member nations have implemented national action plans to address plastic pollution, including efforts to ban single-use plastics, Koffi noted that these measures have faced significant challenges in terms of enforcement. ‘Many of our member states have introduced national action plans to address plastic pollution, with some even aiming to ban single-use plastics. However, these efforts have faced implementation challenges,’ Koffi said.
Many countries are struggling to implement their initiatives effectively, hampered by logistical and financial barriers.
In response, ECOWAS is now exploring a collective approach to tackle the problem regionally. Koffi highlighted that plastic pollution poses not only environmental risks but also serious health concerns, as marine animals—many of which are consumed by humans—are found with high levels of plastic in their systems. This affects food security and public health across West Africa.
Key components of the proposed plan
The regional plan aims to tackle plastic waste through several initiatives, including:
- Public education campaigns: Increasing awareness about the dangers of plastic pollution and promoting behaviour change at the grassroots level.
- Promoting alternatives: Encouraging the adoption of eco-friendly alternatives to plastic packaging and bags, such as biodegradable materials.
- Recycling and reuse: Boosting recycling efforts and creating systems that encourage the reuse of materials, reducing overall plastic consumption.
A shared problem requires collective solutions
Koffi stressed that plastic pollution is a shared challenge that affects all ECOWAS member states. He called for countries to collaborate on identifying obstacles and developing solutions that address the root causes of plastic waste. He also emphasised the need to engage the private sector and local communities in the effort.
By pooling resources and expertise, the ECOWAS region could significantly mitigate the damage caused by plastic waste, protecting both the environment and public health.
The workshop signals a turning point for the region’s approach to environmental challenges, as ECOWAS looks to adopt a regional strategy that transcends national borders and unites West African nations in the fight against plastic pollution.
