GENEVA – Today, during the final plenary for the plastics treaty negotiations in Geneva (INC 5.2), the Chair announced the treaty will be delayed yet again, and negotiations will continue at a time and date yet to be determined. Nicholas Mallos, vice president of Ocean Conservancy’s ocean plastics program and a nearly 20-year veteran of this issue, released the following statement:

“Countless countries and organizations have invested time, energy, and resources into this process, and so to see the finalization of the plastics treaty pushed back once again is deeply disappointing. 

“We are encouraged to see that the Chair’s latest draft text added back in language to address ghost gear, the deadliest form of ocean plastic pollution, and chemicals of concern. However, the science is clear that if we want to truly end the plastics pollution crisis, we need strong measures to reduce plastics, which this new draft lacks entirely. It also leaves out obligations that require countries to execute the treaty and adequate financing to carry it out, making effective implementation difficult, if not impossible. Overall, this updated treaty draft appears to focus on managing plastic waste, not ending plastic pollution – which is its original mandate. So, if the text were left as is, it would be a failed treaty. 

“Ocean Conservancy remains determined to use this extension to work with Member States to achieve the strongest possible plastics treaty – for the health of our ocean and all who depend on it.”

You can find Ocean Conservancy’s call to reduce single-use plastics by at least 50% HERE.

You can find a fact sheet about ghost gear HERE.

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