Support the Ocean Legacy Foundation in Attending INC-5!

Background

In March 2022 at the United Nations Environmental Assembly, a historic resolution was adopted to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment. The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) was tasked with developing an Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) to establish "the instrument," which is to be based on a comprehensive approach that addresses the full life cycle of plastic, including its production, design, and disposal.

The INC began its work during the second half of 2022, with the ambition to complete the negotiations by the end of 2024. So far, 4 sessions have taken place. The Ocean Legacy Foundation (OLF) was a part of a Plastics Action display at the margins of INC-4, which took place in Ottawa last April. INC-5 is scheduled for the 25th of November to the 1st of December, 2024 in Busan, Republic of Korea and will be the last of these sessions to develop a global resolution.

OLF is accredited by the UNEP and also has two projects endorsed by the United Nations Environmental, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Our team will be able to participate at an elevated level. With your help, our aim is to send a delegate team from OLF to INC-5 to advocate for global, effective and impactful solutions to start turning off the tap on plastic pollution.

Our impact

As a United Nations accredited entity, OLF has gained observer status that enables our team to participate in the sessions of the UN Environment Assembly such as the INC on plastic pollution. For INC-5, OLF has applied to install a static display and will circulate a written statement to participating governments on priority policy actions we feel will be most impactful with notable background effects of plastic pollution our organization has experienced first hand through cleanup projects in coastal BC, Nova Scotia, Panama, Mexico, Guatemala and Antarctica.

Our team may also have the opportunity to deliver an oral statement. In addition to these submissions, through our observer status our team will be present in meetings, plenary sessions, smaller focus group gatherings and will be able to participate in informal conversations and gather with fellow observers, including coalitions or alliances, to discuss relevant topics and unify our voice on specific areas of impact. On the sidelines of INC sessions, our team will be actively engaged in planning and participating in events and activities related to plastic pollution. In-person side events will be held, which provide a platform for interactive dialogue and conversation with other delegates of status that the OLF team will capitalize on to further spread our message on policy and regulation changes most pertinent to the sustained health of oceanic ecosystems.

The INC Secretariat has been working to facilitate an inclusive and active engagement of observers in the INC process. A broad, transparent and inclusive process ensures that all voices are heard and equitably represented. During INC sessions, observers, such as OLF may be invited to participate in a dialogue with the INC Secretariat and the Executive Director of UNEP. Our team will be working to secure one of these opportunities.

How to get us there

Our target fundraising goal is $7,000. This will enable a team of 3 people from OLF to attend the event and help us cover flights and accommodation. Your donation will be critical to raise the voice of British Columbians and Canadians in these important negotiations!