Plenary

Mr. Co-Chairpersons,

1.             My delegation is happy to see you co-chair this Process once again.  We thank the Secretary-General for his comprehensive report on “Marine debris, plastics and microplastics”, which will facilitate our discussions this week.

2.              My delegation aligns itself with the statements delivered on behalf of the G77 and China and the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), and is honoured to contribute to the exchange of views with a statement delivered in our national capacity.

3.             This year’s theme gives us pause for thought.  My delegation desires to highlight three points: (i) the character of marine debris, plastics and microplastics; (ii) the importance of prioritising prevention; and (iii) the importance of an integrated approach. 

The character of marine debris, plastics and microplastics

4.             Scientific studies have shown us that the quantities of marine debris, plastics and microplastics have grown in the last decade.  Marine debris has accumulated in our oceans.  Plastics, as the First Global Integrated Marine Assessment reports, are estimated to represent 60 to 80 per cent of the total marine debris. As for microplastics, the First Global Integrated Marine Assessment also reports that an estimated amount of about 35,000 tonnes are floating in the world’s oceans. 

5.             As we take stock of marine debris, plastics and microplastics in the marine environment and their associated impacts, we are starkly reminded of the challenges posed to us by marine pollution.  In particular, the impact of microplastics is a more recent phenomenon; it is a new and different science and confronts us with the need to further understand its impacts and find appropriate ways of addressing it.  When the theme for this year’s Open-ended Informal Consultative Process on Oceans and the Law of the Sea (ICP) was reflected in General Assembly resolution 69/245, there was a deliberate decision to reflect the title as “Marine debris, plastics and microplastics”, rather than “Marine debris, including plastics and microplastics”, though the latter is the formula that is used in the Report of the Secretary-General.  My delegation sees this as a recognition of the new and distinct science and challenge posed by microplastics.  The way the theme of this year’s ICP was chosen to be articulated reminds us that we cannot rest on our laurels.  We need to continually update our scientific and technical understandings so that our tools to address marine pollution are not obsolete.

The importance of prioritising prevention

6.             My delegation looks forward to this week’s discussions on the theme of this year’s ICP.  We appreciate how the panel presentations and discussions will focus on the prevention, reduction and control of pollution from marine debris, plastics and microplastics.  This aligns with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, for instance Article 194.  Furthermore, in Singapore’s experience, preventing the introduction of marine debris, plastics and microplastics into the marine environment is more effective than seeking to clean the environment afterwards.  For example, every year since 1992, we have had volunteers dedicate their time to cleaning up Singapore’s shoreline.  Each year, about 16,000 kilogrammes of marine and coastal litter is collected, even though volunteer clean-ups have been taking place for close to 15 years. 

7.             To complement clean-up efforts, a three year research project was initiated in early 2016 to enable us to better understand and appreciate the status of marine debris and microplastics in Singapore.  The project will consolidate existing data; establish baselines through surveys and monitoring programmes; establish the status, sources and trends for marine pollution in Singapore to support effective management strategies; and promote data contribution by the public.  Awareness programmes are also conducted through an integrated national citizen science programme.

8.             Additionally, Singapore has in place various waste management initiatives.  Some are applicable generally, while others are targeted at plastics.  One of our key strategies is waste minimisation at source, through a combination of targeted policies, legislation and regulations, education and awareness-raising, people-private-public partnerships, the provision of adequate infrastructure, and so on.  For example, at the level of businesses, through the Singapore Packaging Agreement, manufacturers and brand-owners are encouraged to reduce packaging waste through product re-design.  In 2015, the signatories to the Agreement cumulatively reduced about 26,000 tonnes of packaging waste.  From April 2015, large hotels and shopping malls in Singapore were subject to mandatory reporting of waste data and waste reduction plans, to encourage improvements in their waste management systems.  At the level of the community, Singaporeans are educated about the 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) from a young age. 

9.             Singapore also has in place measures for preventing disposed plastics from reaching or being discharged at sea.  Litter traps and float booms are employed in our waterways to minimise litter flowing into the sea.  Further, Singapore is committed to the prevention of pollution from ships.  Singapore was amongst the first in Asia to ratify all six Annexes of the IMO MARPOL Convention, the key instrument that aims to prevent and minimise pollution from international shipping. Specifically, MARPOL Annex V prohibits the discharge of all garbage, including plastics, into the sea. Singapore-registered ships have to comply with this not just in Singapore waters but in any seas around the world. Within the Singapore port, daily garbage collection services are provided to ships.  Further, port inspectors patrol Singapore’s port waters round the clock to enforce the relevant regulations on marine environment protection. 

The importance of an integrated approach

10.        We agree with the sentiment in paragraph 94 of the Report of the Secretary-General, that the efficacy of interventions to address marine debris, plastics and microplastics “depends on an integrated approach to the management of activities on land and at sea … the integration of the economic, social and environmental dimensions, coordinated actions among various competent sectoral authorities …”. 

11.        As we are all aware, when the ICP was established, the importance of an integrated approach to all relevant aspects of oceans and the sea and the need to improve coordination and cooperation at both the intergovernmental and inter-agency levels were highlighted.  That this discussion is taking place in the context of the ICP is therefore a significant opportunity to exchange best practices and lessons learned.  This week will help all of us in charting new and improved ways forward in the prevention, reduction and control of pollution from marine debris, plastics and microplastics.  It will also contribute to helping us achieve enhanced coordination and cooperation including, at the international level, between divisions within the UN Secretariat and amongst the UN specialised agencies, particularly as we work towards achieving Goal 14.1 in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. 

12.        Thank you.

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