BAN ON PLASTIC BAGS A WELCOME NEWS
By WANPIS AKO
The re-announcement-by the Minister for Environment and Conservation John Thomas Pundari on the ban of plastic bags- is being welcomed with open arms.
Prior to this, there has been a growing concern on environment pollution among NGOs, National Capital District Commission, environment and climate change experts, organisations, the Parliament and the individuals.Wider literature materials show that a significant adverse impact plastics cause on the environment including food sources.
This is also sending a signal to the whole world that the government of PNG-via the ministry-has made a right move to honor its commitments as a party to the Paris Climate Accord.
Whilst announcing it yesterday, Minister Pundari said importers and makers of plastic bags were given a month for a round-table discussions with his department for a win-win solution.
The announcement on the ban was influenced largely by a study undertaken by the Department on bio-degradable bags.
Some corporate organisations like Bank of South Pacific and other have been advocate for a greener PNG.
Help PNG, a non-government organisation, has been pushing for in one of its project called ‘ban the bag.’
The Conservation and Environment Protection Authority is implementing the ban on non-biodegradable plastic bags and to control plastic shopping bags.
The Environment Policy 2009 (ban on non-biodegradable shopping plastic bags) and the Environment Regulation 2011 (control of biodegradable plastic shopping bags) govern the ban.
Pundari said the policy and regulation are supported by the PNG Customs Prohibition Imports (non-biodegradable plastic shopping bags) Policy 2009.
According to him, the import, sale and distribution of non-biodegradable shopping plastic bags were prohibited.
“If any persons or company fails to comply, they are penalised with a fine not exceeding K50,000 or imprisonment of not exceeding two years or both,” he said.
“All importers of biodegradable plastic shopping bags must have in their possession a valid Environment Permit before the shipment leaves country of origin.
“It is imperative for all importers of biodegradable plastic shopping bags to consult CEPA prior to importing as CEPA and Customs will not allow entry of all shipment without a valid environment permit," he said.
A nationwide compliance audit would be undertaken regarding the ban, he stated as a way forward.
Author Reference: Wanpis Ako has graduated from the University of Papua New Guinea with a Bachelors Degree in Journalism and Public Relations. He has briefly worked with two daily newspapers of Papua New Guinea-The National and Post Courier. His work experience has been extended into the Prime Minister Media Unit and the office of Parliamentary Opposition Leader of Papua New Guinea- not to mention the Ministries of Treasury, Higher Education, Communications, Information Technology and Energy. He has got over five years experience in digital marketing, branding, public affairs, media and public relations.
