São Tomé – Green Advocacy Ghana (GreenAd) has reaffirmed its commitment to combating plastic pollution and promoting circular economy solutions in Africa after participating in the inaugural Steering Committee meeting of the IslandPlas Project in São Tomé and Príncipe.
The meeting, chaired by the country’s Minister of Environment, Youth and Sustainable Tourism, H.E. Nilda da Mata, brought together government officials, development partners, and implementing organisations to strengthen coordination and accelerate efforts to address the growing challenge of plastic waste.
Addressing the meeting, Minister da Mata described plastic pollution as a major threat to São Tomé and Príncipe’s World Biosphere Reserve, tourism industry, and blue economy, stressing the need for coordinated action to protect the country’s natural resources while supporting sustainable development.
GreenAd, an implementing partner of the IslandPlas Project, joined discussions on strategies to advance sustainable waste management through a circular economy approach that transforms plastic waste into valuable resources.
The project aims to improve the livelihoods of 500 people working in the informal recycling sector by creating dignified employment opportunities, strengthening local recycling systems, and contributing to economic growth.
According to GreenAd, the Steering Committee meeting underscored the importance of strong institutional collaboration in addressing plastic pollution and building resilient waste management systems.
The organisation is working alongside the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), The Coca-Cola Foundation, local partners, and the Government of São Tomé and Príncipe to implement the initiative.
GreenAd noted that the partnership reflects a shared commitment to promoting environmental sustainability while creating economic opportunities for local communities.
The organisation believes environmental protection and economic development can go hand in hand through innovative circular economy solutions that reduce pollution, create jobs, and strengthen community resilience.
By supporting recycling, improving livelihoods, and encouraging sustainable resource management, the IslandPlas Project is expected to position São Tomé and Príncipe as a leading example in Africa of how tackling plastic pollution can drive inclusive economic growth while safeguarding the environment.
Source: www.climatewatchonline.com
