ASEAN leaders adopt Bangkok Declaration on combating marine debris

Leaders from the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Saturday adopted Bangkok Declaration on Combating Marine Debris in ASEAN Region here during the 34th ASEAN Summit.

A policeman stands guards at the 34th ASEAN Summit in Bangkok, Thailand. [Photo: IC]

The leaders agree to encourage an integrated land-to-sea approach to prevent and reduce marine debris, and strengthen national laws and regulations as well as enhance regional and international cooperation including on relevant policy dialogue and information sharing, according to the Bangkok Declaration.

The declaration also mentioned that these leaders would promote innovative solutions to enhance plastics value chains and improve resource efficiency, strengthen research capacity and application of scientific knowledge, accelerate advocacy and actions to increase public awareness and participation.

The leaders welcome the ASEAN Framework of Action on Marine Debris of the Special ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Marine Debris held on March 5, and encourage the ASEAN member states to timely implement the framework.

According to the framework of action also released on Saturday, the ASEAN member states recognize the urgent need to take action and have made notable progress in combating marine debris.

The framework comprises four priority areas, namely policy support and planning, research, innovation and capacity building, public awareness, education and outreach, and private sector engagement.

The two-day 34th ASEAN Summit kicked off on Saturday in Bangkok with an ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting, followed by the Plenary Session of 34th ASEAN Summit and etc.

ASEAN, established in 1967, groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.