Reinforcing Commitments to Nature and Communities: Options to include Biodiversity in the future Global Plastics Treaty

This one-page brief presents a shortened version of the longer information brief shared here. 

Concerned at the absence of reference to biodiversity in the recent INC Chair’s Non-Paper 3, Fauna & Flora, IUCN and ZSL presents three options for entry points to integrate appropriate language in the ILBI:

• 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, based on the Compilation Text. This is important, as commonly the term “Environment” is not specific enough to acknowledge the scientifically established characteristics and interdependence of ecosystems and species that is reflected in the term “biodiversity.” Thus, the legal text would benefit of more clarity, by mentioning the term Biodiversity explicitly in order to ensure that the scope of the ILBI clearly includes biodiversity concerns and that future Conferences of the Parties (COP) are able to adapt implementation of the ILBI to address changes in the relationship between plastic pollution and biodiversity over time.
• 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/or add specific language in the “Health Aspects Article”, embracing a holistic One Health approach).

IUCN WCEL have conducted a legal analysis of the Chair’s Non-Paper, which can be accessed here. This includes, where relevant, textual options – based on the Compilation Document language – aimed at advancing ambition in the ILBI context and ensuring a clear nexus with critical topics such as biodiversity and circular economy solutions.