Tackling Plastic Waste in Malawi and Zimbabwe
A project led by the Secretariat of the Basel Convention shows that by using innovative methods and working together, countries can tackle the global plastic crisis.
Published: 17.January, 2025 Last updated: 21.January, 2025
Zimbabwe generates over 340,000 tonnes of plastic waste annually, while Malawi faces recurring flash floods caused by plastic waste clogging its waterways due to inadequate waste management. In these countries, tackling the root causes of plastic pollution is of utmost importance. Recognizing this, the Norwegian Retailers' Environment Fund (NREF) granted funding to a project led by the Secretariat of the Basel Convention (BRS Secretariat) that aims to tackle this.
Who is the BRS Secretariat?
The Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Convention (BRS) Secretariat is widely recognized as a leading and trusted partner in global Multilateral Environmental Agreement governance. Within the UN system, it plays a pivotal role in promoting the sound management of hazardous chemicals and wastes, working to protect human health and the environment from their harmful effects at global, regional, and national levels.
The project started in 2021, with three primary objectives:
Controlling the Transboundary Movements of Plastic Waste
Ensuring the Environmentally Sound Management of Plastic Waste
Tackling Sources of Plastic Waste
Progress and achievements
Since it's launch, the project has developed a plastic waste inventory for both Malawi and Zimbabwe, greatly improving the knowledge about managing plastic waste. These inventories serve as a map of how plastic waste moves, from production to disposal. By analysing this flow, governments can identify key gaps where plastic waste is mismanaged. As a result, targeted policies and practical solutions can be implemented to address the problem at source.
Responsible import and export of plastic waste are crucial for a global, circular plastic economy. Therefore, the NREF is pleased to contribute to capacity building and new solutions through this project
Cecilie Lind, CEO of Norwegian Retailers' Environment Fund
Pilot Initiatives
Several pilot initiatives have also been launched to prevent plastic pollution effectively.
Abandoned Fishing Nets
Fishermen at Lake Kariba have been trained to collect ALDFGs (Abandoned, Lost and otherwise Discarded Fishing Gear). This initaive has already removed over 2 tons of nets, while also creating jobs for women in the Gache Gache community.
Water Vending Machines
In Harare, water vending machines are replacing single-use water sachets, offering access to clean drinking water.
Hotel Waste Reduction
Hotels are aiming to eliminate the single-use plastics in hotel rooms. The Victoria Falls Hotel is one of many who already have adopted refillable glass bottles, digital menus, reusable linen laundry bags and more.
Beyond the community
Not only has the BRS Secretariat received funding for conducting similar work in several other countries, but it has also created positive results beyond enviromental benefits. By empowering local communities the project has created ripple effects that inspire neighboring regions to adopt similar practices. Andrea Cararo, Programme Officer from the BRS Secretariat, hopes that the project will inspire others.
– We hope that through this project we are creating a model for environmentally sound management of plastic waste, not only in Zimbabwe and Malawi but also in the broader region.
