Report】JICA Subject-Specific Training "Waste Management for Marine Litter Control (B)" (Distance & Visiting Training)

In recent years, marine plastic litter has become increasingly recognized as a global environmental problem. While new international frameworks have begun to be established to address this problem, Southeast Asia is considered an important target region as a hotspot for marine plastic litter. In Southeast Asia, rapid economic growth and changing lifestyles have led to an increase in the consumption of single-use plastics, many of which have been discharged into the ocean and become marine plastic litter. The causes of this problem are varied, but lack of proper waste management on land is considered to be one of the major causes.

ICETT was commissioned by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to conduct a training course on "Waste Management for Marine Litter Control (B)" in FY2022 to promote the reduction and management of marine litter in the ASEAN region.

Based on the basic policy that while the control of generation on land is a fundamental measure, management of waste already discharged into the sea is also necessary, this training program was established and implemented with a comprehensive combination of various contents including lectures, discussions, observation tours, and practical training. The participants gained a broader and deeper understanding of marine litter, and learned about various legal measures and technologies that contribute to the reduction and management of marine plastic litter. Through learning opportunities with lecturers from various sectors, including government, industry, academia, and civil society, the participants also learned that the various issues related to marine plastic litter are interrelated and that it is therefore important to collaborate with various sectors.

At the end of the training, an action plan for after returning home was created based on what was learned during the training. Through the training, mutual understanding and partnerships were fostered among the trainees. It is expected that each trainee will implement his/her own action plan and demonstrate leadership in the fight against marine litter in his/her own country, as well as contribute to solving issues in the ASEAN region together based on the partnership fostered.

We would like to take this opportunity to express our deepest gratitude to all the lecturers and visitors for their great cooperation in this training, and to JICA, JICA Chubu, and ASEAN Secretariat officials for their guidance and support in implementing this training.

training period

• Distance training: Monday, October 3, 2022 - Friday, October 14, 2022
• Visiting Japan Training: Friday, November 18, 2022 - Friday, December 9, 2022

trainee

• Administrative officials (national and local) and researchers from ASEAN countries
  Cambodia (2), Indonesia (3), Malaysia (1), Philippines (2), Thailand (3), Vietnam (1)
• ASEAN Secretariat (ASEAN-Japan Joint Fund) staff(1) Total 13