I. Introduction
Plastic has emerged as a significant global threat, with rivers serving as a sink for transporting plastics from the terrestrial environment due to human activities. Anambra State in Nigeria is arguably the business hub of the Southeastern part of Nigeria, with a massive daily output of plastic waste from individuals, commercial activities, and industries. Plastic leakage into her drainage networks is a critical environmental challenge due to an inefficient waste management system. Plastic pollution has become a critical environmental challenge, affecting ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. As part of our commitment to sustainable development, we must outline options for a community engagement strategy to mobilize local stakeholders, foster community participation, and implement practical actions to reduce plastic waste pollution. Data reveals that GDP has a significant influence on plastic consumption, as seen by the fact that yearly per capita plastic consumption in Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana was 4.4-8 kg/year from 2009 to 2015, whereas it was 13-19 kg/year in Algeria, Egypt, and Morocco, and 24.5 kg/year in South Africa (Babayemi et al., 2018; EUROMAP, 2016). This policy outlines the background of the plastic waste scenario, stakeholder engagement activities/approach implemented, and further policy actions that will guide efforts in addressing plastic pollution in the region.
II. Stakeholder engagement activities
For the FAR-LeaF project, several stakeholders' meetings were held to foster the engagement of various community sectors in partnership in mitigating plastic pollution. Connection with critical stakeholders in the region's environmental sector was established through the project. The Awka Local Government Area (LGA) secretariat located at Amawbia was visited, and the chairman of the LGA and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) were partners in a cleanup exercise conducted within the Eke Awka market area. The State TV authority and other media houses covered the program, and it motivated other citizens. Various stakeholders were involved in other cleanup exercises, including other NGOs, professional groups, and student associations; the multiple stakeholders were engaged in cleanup exercises, and plastic waste was the primary target, considering the non-degradable nature of the waste. Bags of plastic waste were collected from the cleanup exercise.
Figure 1: Awka South LGA, National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and State Waste Management Authority partnership for cleanup at Eke Awka market. Apart from collaborating with various stakeholders, an awareness campaign and sensitization walk were carried out to create environmental consciousness on the health impacts of environmental pollution.
Figure 2: Awareness campaign to mitigate plastic pollution (left).
Figure 3: Workshop academic engagement (right).
Apart from the engagement of non-academic audiences, the impact of academic activities in using technology can profoundly affect harnessing plastic waste. A cluster workshop was held to discuss emerging trends in technological innovations and environmental conservation. The forum provided a platform for various experts to discuss their current projects, create synergy, and find ways to foster collaboration in a transdisciplinary environment (see Figure 2).
III. Policy options for mitigation of plastic pollution
Inspire Behavioral Change Activities: All stakeholders must promote activities encouraging behavioural changes among community members. This includes participation in cleanup exercises. Our experience shows that participation in cleanup exercises reduces the tendency to engage in littering on the streets. The use of posters at strategic positions will also foster behavioural changes. Competition amongst schools will inculcate early behavioural changes in the younger ones.
Building stronger collaborations: There is a need to build strong partnerships and collaboration networks across the various sectors. Businesses especially should be enlightened on their role in sustainable practices. Faith-based organizations, government institutions, and private institutions must collaborate on environmental sustainability. A coalition of NGOs across the region should be created to give a stronger voice to environmental advocacy or demands.
Environmental Policy implementation: The community should be involved in developing policy measures to reduce plastic pollution. The communities should also form part of the implementation team. This will reduce the cost of monitoring and implementation of environmental policies.
Public Art and Exhibitions programs: pictorial and emotional art programs that communicate the dangers of plastic littering, the impacts on animals and humans, etc., should be organized and displayed for public enlightenment.
Development of recycling Initiatives: The drive to recycle plastic materials using do-it-yourself (DIY) techniques should be encouraged in schools, faith-based institutions, and community programs. Local or state government initiatives on plastic recycling should be propagated aggressively, and communities should be motivated to participate.
Support for local businesses: Local businesses can significantly reduce plastic waste impacts. The government should, for instance, support local companies working on plastic waste management with zero taxation and provide all the technical support needed to break even and become a viable business.
Plastic reduction/free challenges: The various stakeholders should launch community-wide challenges to encourage individuals and families to reduce plastic use. Incentives such as reduced tax, monetary value, moral support, etc., should be launched to promote a competitive drive to minimize community waste generation.
Provide robust community feedback mechanisms on environmental conditions: There is a need for prompt feedback mechanisms; there is currently no robust system to report ecological emergencies. This medium is expected to be essential in prompt response to environmental hazards.
VI. Conclusion
Reducing plastic pollution requires a collective effort from all members of the community. This policy document provides a framework for an approach implemented to engage the community in meaningful actions that contribute to a healthier environment. Other policy options were outlined, such as promoting behavioural change, creating awareness, fostering collaboration among various stakeholders, etc. Robust policy implementation can significantly influence reducing plastic pollution and creating a sustainable future.
