South Korea has chosen the Philippines and Timor-Leste to receive $9 million in aid to combat marine plastic waste.
The six-year "Reducing Marine Plastics in the East Asian Seas Region" initiative aims to improve marine plastics management in the two countries through science-based governance, innovative solutions to promote the circular economy, regular beach monitoring of marine plastics, relevant training, and community awareness drives.
The project will be implemented in 10 locations, including six coastal communities in the municipalities of Bulan and Daanbantayan, as well as cities in the Philippines of Calbayog, Dipolog, Puerto Princesa, and Tandag, and four coastal municipalities in Timor-Leste of Atauro, Manatuto, Liquica, and Dili.
The Philippines is one of the top five contributors to worldwide marine plastic pollution, while Timor-Leste is struggling to manage its garbage and plastics due to weak infrastructure and difficult geography.
South Korea has recently advocated for the elimination of marine plastic pollution.
The third basic plan of Korea was formed in 2021 with the goal of reducing marine plastic trash generation by 60% by 2030 and reaching zero waste by 2050 through a life-cycle management system that includes marine debris generation, collection, treatment, and recycling.
The project also involves the Philippines' Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and its related bureaus, as well as Timor-Leste's Secretary of State for Environment and Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.
