Africa-Press – Mauritius. Government remains committed to finding practical, long-term solutions to the plastic pollution crisis, while ensuring that the viability of the economy and the well-being of the citizens are not compromised.
This statement was made, today, by the Minister of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change, Mr Rajesh Anand Bhagwan, during a press conference in Port Louis. The Junior Minister of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change, Mrs Joanna Marie Bérenger, and officials from the Ministry were also present at the event.
During the press conference, the Minister of Environment reaffirmed Government’s efforts in finding environmentally safe alternatives to plastics, while carefully considering the economic impact of banning plastics. He added that the ongoing battle against plastic pollution requires a balanced approach, ensuring that solutions do not unduly harm local businesses or consumers.
On this score, Mr Bhagwan recalled that a Roadmap for a Plastic Pollution-Free Mauritius is currently being elaborated, and underscored that the path forward will rely on evidence and science-based solutions. The Roadmap aims to establish a comprehensive national framework to address plastic pollution, including the creation of a national source inventory to monitor the generation and use of plastics in the country.
According to the Minister, tackling plastic pollution is a shared responsibility, with every individual and organisation having a vital role. He thus appealed to each and every one – from consumers to producers and manufacturers – to play their part in reducing plastic use.
Referring to the recent Cabinet decision to extend the use of non-biodegradable single-use cups, bowls, and trays for the local packaging of food products, Mr Bhagwan explained that this decision, effective from 15 January, for a period of one year, only applies to certain mass-consumed food items. These include yogurt, ice cream, butter, desserts, margarine, and cooked or precooked products like meat, burgers, seafood, and cheese, where no viable alternatives are currently available.
The Minister further pointed out that amendments will be made to the Environment (Control of Single-Use Plastic Products) Regulations of 2020 to introduce a Permit System for packaging both local and imported food products in non-biodegradable single-use cups, bowls, and trays. A Technical Committee will be established, comprising relevant stakeholders, to work out the details of this new system.
Mr Bhagwan called on journalists to report responsibly on the extension of the moratorium, urging them to use clear and accurate visuals to avoid misleading the public into thinking the government is backtracking on its environmental commitments. He urged them not to use graphics that could lead to confusion about the products targeted by the Regulations.
The Minister listed out initiatives being implemented to further support Mauritius’ fight against plastic pollution. Three technical committees have been set up to chalk out a solid strategy that provides for both the country’s economic context and its environmental obligations while working towards the protection of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and ensuring compliance with international environmental standards.
New packaging authorisation are subject to several conditions, namely mandatory declaration of the volume of packaging placed on the market; joint campaigns with stakeholders to raise awareness about plastic pollution; and a commitment from producers to support research into alternatives to plastic packaging.
