Biodiversity in the Future Global Plastics Treaty

**A one-page version of this brief is available here.**

The ILBI will regulate plastic pollution and related topics which intersect in part with several other MEAs. This is not unusual or legally problematic as long as the terms used in the ILBI are carefully tailored to avoid conflicting obligations for State Parties. Thus, language supporting coherence and authorising international cooperation between the ILBI governance system and those of other treaty regimes, especially the CBD, will be critical for ensuring synergies benefitting biodiversity and people, and reducing plastic pollution.

In this regard, three options would be beneficial for inclusion in the final ILBI text:

• Option 1. At a minimum, maintain specific language in articles to draw out biodiversity protection and community inclusion, and mainstream the term “Biodiversity” and/or “Ecosystems” across a number of relevant articles in the ILBI, based on the Compilation of draft text of the international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment (Compilation Text, English), issued by the INC Secretariat on July 1, 2024.
• Option 2. Add specific biodiversity language in the “International Cooperation” Article to further strengthen coherence with other MEAs.
• Option 3. Insert a dedicated, new article on “Biodiversity Aspects” that promotes implementation and compliance to advance nature positive approaches under international and national laws, and facilitates future COP decisions.