UNEP Cartagena Convention Secretariat, as the administrative body responsible for coordinating and facilitating the implementation of the Cartagena Convention, has been leading several environmental projects in the Caribbean region and has witnessed firsthand the growing concern over plastic pollution—particularly its devastating impact on Caribbean oceans, communities, and local economies.
According to the Regional Action Plan for Marine Litter (RAPMaLi) for the Wider Caribbean Region[1] (UNEP, 2014; updated 2026), an estimated 275,000 tons of waste end up each year in open-air dumps or local waterways in the Caribbean—60% of which consists of various plastic resins. Most of this waste originates on land, stemming from everyday human activity. This statistic is more than just a number—it’s a powerful call to action. In response, the GEF LAC Cities Project[2] – Reduction of marine plastics and plastic pollution in Latin American and Caribbean cities through a circular economy approach—has been working to change the narrative. Currently active in six cities across the region, the project aims to move away from traditional waste management approaches and toward sustainable, circular solutions.
The project recently held its Second Project Steering Committee (PSC) meeting in Cartagena, Colombia—an event that was both energizing and filled with hope. Representatives from the implementing partners in Jamaica, Panama, and Colombia, along with teams from UNEP (the Implementing Agency) and UNEP-CCS (the Executing Agency), came together to reflect on progress, share learnings from the ground, and co-develop the 2025 work plans. The discussions were not limited to strategies; they involved meaningful exchanges about real challenges and valuable insights from implementation.
Launch of the intercity network against plastic pollution in Cartagena, Colombia.
In photo: Representatives from the implementing partners in Jamaica, Panama, and Colombia,
along with teams from UNEP
One of the highlights was the launch of the region’s first Intercity Network for Plastic Pollution Prevention, which includes the cities of Barranquilla and Cartagena (Colombia), Kingston and Montego Bay (Jamaica), and Panama City and Colón (Panama). This network is more than a collaboration—it’s a movement. Its goal is to promote regional cooperation, share best practices, and advance circular and sustainable
approaches to combat plastic pollution. And this is only the beginning—the network is expected to grow, bringing more cities into this shared mission.
As stated by Jacqueline Álvarez, Head of the Chemicals and Health Branch at UNEP, “This launch marks a milestone in the joint efforts to tackle plastic pollution in Latin America and the Caribbean, driving a shared vision and sustainable local solutions for the region’s cities.”
What UNEP Cartagena Convention Secretariat finds most inspiring is how this project is embedding the principles of the circular economy into city planning and local actions. Through collaboration, innovation, and a shared sense of purpose, we are helping cities transition away from linear "take-make-dispose" models to systems that prioritize reuse, resource efficiency, and recycling.
But this is not just about protecting the environment. It’s about empowering communities, unlocking economic opportunities, and nurturing healthier ecosystems for future generations. Being part of this journey is a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we come together across borders for a common cause.
