From August 19th to 23rd, 2024, the Knowledge Exchange Program on Behavioral Change in Plastics and Plastic Waste Management brought together representatives from ASEAN Member States and the ASEAN Secretariat for an impactful three-day capacity-building training and two-day study tour, while it’s Implementation is facilitated by the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT), the Global Water & Sanitation Center (GWSC), and the Regional Resource Centre for Asia and the Pacific (RRCAP), the program aimed to foster regional collaboration and capacity building in tackling plastic pollution.

This initiative is part of the Southeast Asia Regional Program on Combating Marine Plastics (SEA-MaP Regional Project), a five-year program financed by the World Bank. Its primary objective is to support ASEAN Member States in their fight against marine plastic pollution, in alignment with the ASEAN Regional Action Plan (RAP) for Combating Marine Debris.


Capacity-Building Training: Insights and Discussions

The first three days of the program, held on August 19th, 20th, and 23rd, featured comprehensive training sessions aimed at enhancing the participants’ understanding of plastic pollution and waste management. The initial day focused on setting the scene, covering plastic pollution principles and reviewing existing policies and regulations. Participants explored behavioral change strategies for engaging communities, promoting sustainable practices, and assessing plastic pollution through a common methodology. Case studies of innovative waste management initiatives across the region provided practical examples of successful implementation.

The second day’s discussions delved into the linkages between the ASEAN RAP and the Global Plastics Treaty, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation. Participants examined regulatory approaches and explored innovative technological solutions for mitigating plastic pollution. A key highlight was a panel discussion on the implementation of single-use plastic bans and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies, followed by group activities where participants brainstormed actionable solutions and identified key stakeholders for future initiatives. The final training session on August 23rd concluded with reflections on the lessons learned

Study Tour: Learning from Bali’s Waste Management and Sustainability Practices

On August 21st and 22nd, the study tour took participants to Bali, Indonesia, where they visited local waste management facilities to gain practical insights into plastic waste processing and innovative solutions. The first day included visits to three facilities: TPST Mengwitani, TPS 3R Sapuh Jagat, and TPS 3R Panca Lestari, as well as ecoBali Recycling, a local waste management company. These sites showcased Bali’s progressive approaches to managing plastic waste, allowing participants to observe firsthand the various stages of waste processing, recycling, and resource recovery.

On the second day of the tour, participants joined clean-up activities in Kediri, Tabanan, conducted by Sungai Watch, a community-driven organization focused on cleaning rivers. This was followed by a visit to Penglipuran Village, renowned for being one of the cleanest villages in the world. The interactive visits provided participants with an opportunity to engage directly with local communities and observe sustainable practices in action, further emphasizing the importance of community participation in waste management efforts.

Conclusion and Reflections

The program concluded on August 23rd with a final reflection session, during which participants reviewed key takeaways and discussed holistic solutions for combating plastic pollution. Topics included plastic waste management, recycling innovations, and the need for enhanced collaboration among stakeholders. Certificates were awarded to participants in recognition of their commitment and successful completion of the program.

The Knowledge Exchange Program provided an invaluable platform for ASEAN Member States to share experiences, discuss challenges, and explore actionable strategies to reduce plastic waste. Through a combination of knowledge sharing, hands-on activities, and site visits, participants left equipped with new insights and strengthened partnerships to advance the fight against marine plastic pollution across the region.