Indonesia to Battle Marine Plastic Debris
Indonesia will declare its commitment to battle marine plastic debris on Feb. 23.
Studies indicate that Indonesia is the second-biggest contributor of marine plastic debris worldwide, with an estimated 1.3 million tons originating from the archipelago annually.
Environment and Forestry Minister Siti Nurbaya Bakar said on Saturday that Indonesia is among 10 countries committed to combating the problem.
“Indonesia has received special attention because we are one of 10 countries, including Brazil, committed to cleaning up waste in the ocean,” she said during the commemoration of National Waste Awareness Day in Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan.
Siti added that the government would officially declare the commitment on Feb. 23.
World’s Ocean Summit
Indonesia is also scheduled to present a national action plan during the fourth World’s Ocean Summit in Bali from Feb. 22 to 24.
In January 2016, a World Economic Forum report concluded that with the current trajectory, there would be more plastic than fish measured by weight in the world’s oceans by 2050. A previous study by APEC estimated that marine pollution cost member economies US$1.3 billion. Moreover, 95 percent of the value of plastic packaging material, worth $80-120 billion annually, is lost to the global economy.
Zero Waste to Ocean Conference
This week, we will attend the Zero Waste to Ocean Conference on February 22nd as part of our ongoing conservation work and the goals we set for ourselves with the new Ceningan Eco Trust and The Ceningan Island Recycling Project.
80 percent of Bali’s jobs come from the tourism industry and the majority of visitors come to the island to appreciate the beautiful beaches and nature of this once pristine landscape. However in recent times Bali has become overwhelmed with trash. Oceans, beaches, reefs and rivers and are now consumed with waste and tourists are taking this message back to their countries and to social media.
Tourists are now choosing other cleaner destinations to visit. Bali needs to address the waste issue immediately or face losing its tourism industry and its main source of income. Rectifying the waste problem in Bali must now be of the highest significance to protect the tourism industry and safeguard jobs.
Project AWARE Dive Against Debris
Our ocean is under siege. More than 250 million tons of plastic are estimated to make its way into our ocean by 2025. Everyday trash is entering the sea at an alarming rate. Learn how Project AWARE community of divers fights back against the onslaught of trash.
The Ugly Journey of our Trash
How can you help?
There are many cleanup and environmental programs in Bali and its surrounding provinces aimed to keep the islands clean and our ocean free of marine debris. If you wish to take on an active role in keeping your community and ocean clean you can sign up to join a beach cleanup with Trash Hero, follow PADI AWARE‘s actions and keep up-to-date on global initiatives and other protection and concervation projects.