BANGKOK, Thailand, June 23 (NNN-TNA) – Leaders from members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), on Saturday, adopted the Bangkok Declaration on Combating Marine Debris in the ASEAN Region, here, during the 34th ASEAN Summit.
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.
The declaration also mentioned that, the 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 ASEAN member states to timely implement the framework.
According to the framework of action, also released on Saturday, ASEAN member states recognise 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 the 34th ASEAN Summit.
ASEAN, established in 1967, groups Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.– NNN- TNA
