The Environment Protection Agency (EPA), in partnership with the Effective Capacity for Plastic Treaty Negotiation (AFRIPAC), held a critical Pre-Intergovernmental Negotiation Committee (INC-5) National Stakeholders Consultation Workshop this week at New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown.

The event gathered representatives from key sectors, including government ministries, civil society organizations, the media, and industry players, to solicit input for Sierra Leone’s position in the upcoming international discussions aimed at addressing global plastic pollution.

Participants, representing the security sector, recyclers, plastic industry stakeholders, and governmental agencies, provided insights on national priorities as required by the INC process.

The discussions focused on identifying feasible strategies to combat plastic waste, including establishing a financial mechanism, conducting a comprehensive policy and legislative assessment, and evaluating the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) model for potential integration into national law.

In a prior inter-sessional meeting, EPA officials examined these issues in depth, underscoring the urgent need to align Sierra Leone’s legislative framework with global plastic pollution mitigation efforts. A key topic of the consultation was the potential impact of a single-use plastic ban, with stakeholders stressing the need to assess socio-economic implications, impacts on primary producers, and the technological capacity required to support alternative solutions and circular economic models.

Plastic pollution presents a severe risk to both local and global ecosystems, requiring immediate intervention to protect human health and environmental sustainability. Sierra Leone, which ranks among significant consumers of plastic, faces unique challenges in transitioning toward plastic alternatives, particularly regarding local economic impacts and technical constraints.

During group discussions and plenary sessions, attendees proposed practical steps for achieving a phased reduction in plastic use, which will inform Sierra Leone’s stance at the forthcoming INC5 summit. The outcomes from these national consultations will shape the country’s contributions to the global treaty negotiations, with particular emphasis on protecting marine ecosystems and promoting environmental resilience.

The INC5 negotiations are expected to prioritize country-specific approaches, supporting Sierra Leone’s efforts to address the plastic crisis while considering the nation’s unique economic and environmental needs.