Join Us for the ‘Beyond Plastic Waste’ Conference: Celebrate World Environment Day on June 3 in Islamabad!

ISLAMABAD, MAY 11 /DNA/ – The Development Communications Network (Devcom-Pakistan) is hosting a conference called “Beyond the Plastic Waste” on June 3 to celebrate World Environment Day. This annual event also highlights the Pakistan Environmental Awards, recognizing the best practices in environmental conservation.

The conference features a key panel discussion titled “Plastic-Waste: From Pollution to Solution.” There will also be sessions on “Single-use Plastics: Sustainable Consumption and Alternatives” and “The Waste Business: 3Rs and Integrated Resource Recycling.” The event will honor individuals and organizations for their successes in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and environmental projects.

Devcom-Pakistan’s Executive Director, Munir Ahmed, emphasized the urgency of addressing plastic pollution. “Reducing plastic waste is essential for a healthier planet. This year’s World Environment Day theme urges us all to take action together,” he said. The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has led this initiative since 1973, making it a significant global environmental event. In 2025, World Environment Day will be hosted by South Korea, focusing on global solutions to plastic waste.

Ahmed pointed out that plastic pollution is pervasive—even within our bodies in the form of microplastics. In Pakistan, the issue is particularly severe, with the nation producing about 3.9 million tonnes of plastic waste annually. Alarmingly, around 70% of this waste is mismanaged, often ending up in open dumps or water bodies. This waste significantly affects the Indus River, with over 164,000 tonnes finding their way into the Arabian Sea each year, threatening marine life.

Recent studies indicate that the Indus River is one of the most polluted rivers worldwide, with plastic comprising about 40% of its solid waste. Tackling this crisis, the Pakistani government has introduced the Single-Use Plastics (Prohibition) Regulations, 2023, aimed at limiting the production and usage of disposable plastics. The Living Indus Initiative focuses on creating ‘zero plastic waste’ cities in major urban areas like Karachi and Lahore.

However, Ahmed notes that effective implementation of these regulations is a challenge. Increased plastic consumption, coupled with insufficient waste management systems, highlights the need for a more extensive approach. This includes raising public awareness and improving waste collection services. The upcoming conference aims to inspire actionable change by showcasing sustainable practices that can benefit both the environment and society.

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