An important — and disappointing — update from Ian Campbell, PADI AWARE Foundation Associate Director, Policy and Campaigns:
The PADI AWARE Foundation® policy team represented the global diving community during the Global Plastics Treaty negotiations (INC-5) in Busan in the Republic of Korea in November 2024. Despite growing urgency, world leaders were unable to finalize a Global Plastics Treaty, with debates over plastic production limits and enforcement measures delaying progress.
A Note of Optimism
While a definitive agreement was not able to be agreed in Busan, there is hope. There has been progress on a lot of the Global Plastics Treaty, with only a few sticking points remaining on technical issues about how to limit plastic production and the inclusion of limiting specific polymers.
Most countries strongly support a treaty to limit unnecessary plastic production and address pollution at its source, providing a solid foundation for future negotiations and the ocean. Mexico delivered a powerful statement on behalf of 95 countries demanding a strong Global Plastics Treaty, including calls for a clean and healthy ocean. Their statement was backed by countries from around the world from all continents. In addition, countries such as Barbados, Fiji and Malta were all represented in a coordinated call for a strong treaty on behalf of similar island nations across the world.
There will be another round of negotiations, anticipated to take place in the middle of 2025. PADI AWARE® will continue to represent the dive sector and is unwavering in our determination to ensure a legally binding treaty is not only agreed as a matter of urgency, but that the treaty includes strong measures to end the scourge of plastics pouring into our oceans unchecked.
Our Commitment to Action
At PADI AWARE, we’re disappointed but undeterred. We will continue to:
- Press world leaders to agree on a robust, binding treaty.
- Amplify diver voices, sharing stories of plastic pollution as undeniable proof of the ocean’s plight.
- Support local action to tackle plastic waste through Dive Against Debris® activations.
How You Can Help
Your role as an Ocean Torchbearer has never been more vital. Here’s how you can join us in keeping the momentum alive:
- Speak up: Advocate for stronger measures to combat plastic pollution by sharing your experiences with policymakers and on social media.
- Engage locally: Organize or join underwater cleanups and awareness campaigns in your area.
- Stay informed: Keep up with treaty developments and be ready to lend your voice to petitions and campaigns calling for action.
- Donate: Your donations enable our team to attend these critical meetings as well as support our local actions to tackle ocean plastic pollution around the world.
We won’t stop until a robust Global Plastics Treaty is achieved. The ocean deserves nothing less, and the growing global consensus gives us hope that change is possible.
Thank you for being part of this journey to protect and restore our blue planet. Together, we’ll keep pushing for the changes our world so urgently needs.
