Environmental

Eswatini Zero Plastic Contamination Initiative

Programme is currently implementing a waste management project to motivate for the ban/levy on non- biodegradable plastics in Eswatini by end of the year 2023 , covering plastic production, consumption, and disposal.

2022-2023

UNDP, GEF Small Grants Programme

Eswatini Environment Authority (EEA)

Ministry of Environment and Tourism Affairs, Ministry of Economic Planning, Min. of Tourism and Environmental Affairs (MTEA), Deputy Prime Minister’s Office, Municipal Council of Mbabane, Ministry of Health – Environmental Heath Dept, Ministry of Finance (Centre for Financial Inclusion), Ministry of Industry and Trade – SME Unit, Eswatini Housing Board, Ministry of Tinkundla, Ministry of Tinkundla Kwaluseni Inkundla, University of Eswatini, Matsapha Town Council

To motivate for an outright ban on non-bio degradable plastics in Eswatini by end of year
2023, covering plastic production, consumption and wasting.

Legislators, Policy Makers, Government Ministries, Parastatals, Local Authorities, Academia, Plastic Industry, Recycling Companies and 200 vulnerable Women and Youth in Communities.

• Baseline study on production,importation, and disposal of plastic waste and development of a National Action Plan on plastic waste.
• Stakeholders dialogues/meetings such as Indaba, symposium;Stakeholders consultations.
• Policy consultations and dialogue
• Training of Policy leaders on legislation and best practice plastic waste management.
• Ministerial and Parliamentary Advocacy and Lobbying meetings for proposed non-biodegradable
  Plastic Ban Bill.
• Establishment of two buy back centres in Matsapha and Kwaluseni area.
• Highly digitalized and low environmental impact education and awareness campaign in Matsapha involving animated short film and LED roadshow truck and BCC for homesteads campaign.

• Hosted project inception meeting reaching over 30 key stakeholders.
• Engaged over 10 industry stakeholders on considerations for non-bio degradable additives in plastic manufacture.
• Conducted a baseline survey on plastic waste policy, manufacture, distribution and waste.
• Participated in the annual Waste Convention in Johannesburg South Africa and established new partnership opportunities for our beneficiaries.
• Hosted Eswatini’s first ever Waste Convention in collaboration with EEA and the Ministry of Tourism and Environment Affairs.
• Reached over 20 000 citizens through national radio with education and awareness on the hazards of plastic waste and motivations for plastic waste management.
• Reached over 5 000 citizens through UNESWA community radio with education and awareness on the hazards of plastic waste and the economic benefits of plastic waste recycling.
• Initiated dialogue with policy makers on the pros and cons of banning single use plastics and the development of a National Action Plan.

Significant increase in the tonnage of plastic waste delivered for recycle in the Matsapha/Kwaluseni catchment area; Improved levels of public awareness to the hazards of plastic waste, policy gaps and opportunities for economic empowerment in plastic waste management.

Over 100 community members recruited and registered for the recently established Kwaluseni Buy Back Centre in collaboration with the EEA.