In commemoration of World Environment Day, Greenwatch hosted an insightful discussion titled "Plastics and Climate: Unpacking the Crisis, Law and Action in East Africa." The event featured a legal expert, an environmental scientist, and a community project manager, who explored the legal, scientific, and grassroots aspects of plastic pollution in the East African community.
Key Highlights:
✅ Current State of Plastic Pollution in East Africa – The discussion highlighted the significant environmental and scientific impacts of plastic pollution, including marine pollution, chemical leaching, and the contribution of plastic production to climate change through fossil fuel use and greenhouse gas emissions.
✅ Legal Framework & Enforcement – Experts detailed how all East African states have created legislation to curb plastic use, with Rwanda leading the way. However, enforcement remains a major challenge due to weak mechanisms, corruption, lack of public awareness, and regional inconsistency.
✅ Sustainable Alternatives & Collaborative Efforts – The discussion emphasized the importance of sustainable alternatives, such as the "Nature to Hair" project, which turns agricultural waste into biodegradable hair extensions. It also highlighted collaborative efforts, including the East African Community's draft bill to ban single-use plastics.
✅ Community Engagement & Advocacy – The speakers emphasized the essential role of communities and art in the fight against plastic pollution, noting the need for financial support, partnerships, and training to help grassroots movements expand their impact.
The discussion also highlighted the importance of implementing existing policies, increasing public awareness, and promoting innovative solutions to plastic waste. Greenwatch remains committed to advocating for environmental conservation through litigation, legal empowerment, and public awareness campaigns. 🎧 Listen to the full discussion to learn more about how we can take action against plastic pollution for a more sustainable future!
Picture Credit: DW TV
Greenwatch
We believe that environmental rights can be better exercised when people have access to information, can participate in decisions that affect their surroundings and have access to justice incase their rights are violated. Greenwatch exists to ensure that every individual in Uganda knows that they have environmental rights and these rights can be fully exercised through access to information, justice and public participation.
