On 25-26 July 2024, CA MDG organized a crucial advocacy workshop as part of its Environment and Sustainable Development EDD Programme. This event brought together various sustainable development stakeholders as well as policy makers to discuss the challenges posed by plastic bags and sachets smaller than 50 microns.

Acting for the common home: alternatives to plastic bags of less than 50 Microns

The workshop was aimed at reforming public policies on plastic waste management, in accordance with Article 5 of Decree No. 2017-010 of January 3, 2017. The decree regulates the circulation of lightweight plastic bags on the Malagasy national territory. The objective of CA MDG through the workshop was to promote more ecological practices and find effective solutions to limit the environmental impact of the plastic products.

During the workshop, CA MDG was able to present the research carried out concerning the Baseline Study on the issues of regulations relating to plastic bags and sachets (SSP) in Madagascar. The general objective of the research was to establish an inventory of the issues of regulations on SSP in Madagascar from their creation to their application; and specifically to identify the constraints and influential actors throughout the life cycle of SSPs making indifference in the application of the regulatory framework in Madagascar, and to put forward lines of recommendations with a view to applying the regulations on SSPs there. 

The 2 days workshop brought together potentially allied entities to carry out the advocacy of working together, this included a number of associations and organizations such as: Transparency International MG (TI-MG), Thematic Group – Climate Change (GT-CC), Fanilon’i Madagasikara (FIM), Madagascar Business Group (GEM), Kolo Kitra Association, Pact World NGO, Birao Iombonan’ny Mpampiofana eo amin’ny Tontolon’ny Tantsaha (BIMTT), Andao Company, Climates Madagascar, HARP (Helping Ambohidratrimo BY Recycling Plastics), Justice and Peace, STCV ( Waste Sorting, Compacting and Valorization Company ), Vohitra Environment, Green N’Kool, Youth Observatory, SAF FJKM. Ministry of Industrialization and Trade. The Ministry of Public Health, representatives of the National Assembly, the Faculty of Sciences of Antananarivo, the Ministry of the Environment and Sustainable Development, the Ministry of Fisheries and Blue Economy as well as the Regional Directorate of Public Health Analamanga (DRSP Analamanga) also responded.

Knowing that plastic bags and packaging of less than 50 microns are known for their devastating effect on the environment. They are difficult to biodegrade and can cause significant pollution of soils and oceans. The discussions highlighted the harmful effects and allowed stakeholders to consider viable alternatives.

Recommended measures for a green future

During the workshop, several concrete recommendations were made to minimize the use of plastics. Participants proposed measures aimed at: 

• Strengthening regulations by Improving existing policies to better control the production and distribution of lightweight plastics,
• Encourage green alternatives by promoting biodegradable materials and reusable packaging,
• Raise public awareness by conducting awareness campaigns to inform the population about the environmental impacts of plastics.

CA MDG strongly believes that collective action is essential to safeguard our common home. By adopting more responsible practices and supporting the proposed reforms, reducing the impact of lightweight plastics and protecting the planet for future generations is possible.  

By, Communication Officer,

Centre Arrupe, Madagascar (CA-MDG).