Plastic Waste Baseline Study of Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) and Ayubia National Park (ANP) highlights the challenges and opportunities

Islamabad: Speakers at the Launching Ceremony of Plastic Waste Baseline Report of Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) and Ayubia National Park (ANP) unanimously stressed the need to take actions to tackle plastic waste. UNESCO in partnership with WWF Pakistan conducted a baseline assessment of plastic waste management in ICT and ANP. The report was presented on 10 December 2019 to a diverse group of stakeholders.

The overall objective of the study is to analyze that which sectors are contributing to what kind of plastic waste and to identify the gaps as well as the existing recycling mechanisms.

Officials and representatives of different departments of the government, UNESCO, UNDP, representatives from civil society organizations and media participated in the event.

At the ceremony, Mr. Sheikh Ansar Aziz, Mayor of Islamabad, Mr. Raza Ali Habib, Director General, Galiyat Development Authority (GDA), Mr. Hammad Naqi Khan, Director General/CEO, WWF Pakistan, Ms. Aliona Niculita, Deputy Resident Representative, UNDP Pakistan and Ms. Vibeke Jensen, Representative/Director UNESCO Islamabad spoke on the importance of plastic waste management.

Mr. Hammad Naqi gave a detailed presentation on the findings of the study that was followed by a discussion session. The recommendations of the study will provide guidance to the national authorities, development and private sectors to scale up their future activities for environment friendly sustainable development.