Executive Summary

Plastic pollution in oceans and other bodies of water continues to worsen. The amount of plastic waste in the oceans is projected to approximately double by 2030 and even triple by 2040.1 Marine plastic pollution poses a serious threat to the global marine ecosystem, and Southeast Asia is facing the toughest challenge in this regard. This report argues that a comprehensive and multi-sectoral approach to addressing this transboundary issue should go beyond reduction in the use of single-use plastic products. It should also cater to comprehensive capacity-building on waste management, mainstreaming scientific cooperation, boosting environmental education at the community level, and legally mandating Extended Producers’ Responsibility. The active participation of both state and non-state actors, at the national and regional levels, would be essential.