But with inefficient waste collection and management systems, polluted waterways are carrying plastic pollution to the ocean, threatening both land and marine ecosystems and the aquatic life they’re home to.

Because urban centers are responsible for an estimated 60% of plastic marine debris, they are key to combating plastic pollution. There is no silver bullet to address plastic pollution, and we recognise the need for a comprehensive strategy that engages all actors and examines every aspect of a plastic product’s life cycle.

Under the Plastic Smart Cities initiative, we work towards our global goal of No Plastic in Nature by 2030 by collaborating with the public and private sector in cities, provinces and districts to prevent, minimise and manage plastic, both as a resource and as waste. To empower local communities to reduce the production of plastic waste and build pioneer models in plastic reduction, we are:

• Collaborating with government entities, civil society, corporations and the public to design action plans for plastic pollution reduction in major cities
• Building local capacity to conduct action plans in metropolitan areas and tourist destinations across Thailand, Viet Nam and other countries in Asia, with an aim of 1,000 cities by 2030
• Supporting local solutions in achieving a circular economy and eliminating plastic pollution