Global Plastics Innovation Program (GPIP): Incubation, Exhibition and International Cooperation to End Plastic Pollution
Reference
PDF-SDG-2023-12
Implementing Entity/ies
UNDP
Collaborating Partners
UNEP, Government of China (Shenzhen Municipal Government); Universities; Vanke Foundation; small & medium-sized enterprises; civil society organizations
Duration
3 years
Location
Global program with national activities in China, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Tunisia and Viet Nam
Approved Budget
$ 1,999,000
Description
Plastic pollution poses a severe global threat, with up to 13 million tonnes entering the ocean annually, harming marine ecosystems and human health. It contaminates water resources, affects soil health, and exacerbates climate change, with significant economic impacts. Plastic ingestion by marine organisms leads to internal injury and reproductive issues. Harmful chemicals from plastics accumulate in food sources, potentially causing health issues like inflammation and infertility. Microplastic pollution in soils could exceed ocean levels, exacerbating land degradation. Addressing plastic pollution is crucial for ecosystem health, economic stability, and social equity, particularly for vulnerable communities disproportionately affected by its impacts.
Through the experimentation and/or replication of 40 innovative solutions, exhibition & awareness raising, South-South learning and cooperation, and multi-stakeholder dialogues, the project seeks to build capacity of stakeholders, improve adoption of technological innovations, and strengthen South-South cooperation in plastics management among selected countries. This project will focus on technological innovations across the lifecycle of plastics as this is in line with calls for a drastic system change towards a lifecycle approach which has been found to be essential due to the complexity of the problem throughout the entire value chain. Through the promotion and scaling up of innovative practices and solutions particularly by youth, the project aims to support countries to embark on a collective journey towards a future free of plastic pollution.
Through the experimentation and/or replication of 40 innovative solutions, exhibition & awareness raising, South-South learning and cooperation, and multi-stakeholder dialogues, the project seeks to build capacity of stakeholders, improve adoption of technological innovations, and strengthen South-South cooperation in plastics management among selected countries. This project will focus on technological innovations across the lifecycle of plastics as this is in line with calls for a drastic system change towards a lifecycle approach which has been found to be essential due to the complexity of the problem throughout the entire value chain. Through the promotion and scaling up of innovative practices and solutions particularly by youth, the project aims to support countries to embark on a collective journey towards a future free of plastic pollution.