With support from the US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), the Coordinating Body on the Seas of East Asia (COBSEA) implemented three pilots to support integrated solid waste management in remote and island communities, to prevent plastic waste leakage. COBSEA developed three case studies and a series of videos aimed at sharing lessons learned and replicating good practices in the region.
These and more case studies are available on the East Asian Seas Regional Node of the GPML web platform: map of good practices
These and more videos are available on the COBSEA Youtube channel: videos on waste management
Untia, Makassar, Indonesia - Women Empowerment
With support from USEPA, COBSEA piloted training and capacity building among low income women in Untia, Indonesia, in partnership with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Indonesia. The pilot aimed to overcome the pollution challenges faced by this remote community by enhancing the capacity of Untia’s Materials Recovery Facility (MRF). The pilot was implemented with the social enterprise ‘Rappo’ which trained women in valuable sewing skills to create reusable bags decorated with intricate patterns using hard-to-recycle plastic bags. The initiative created livelihood opportunities for women in the remote community, enhanced their understanding and skills, and improved their wellbeing. The case study is part of a series developed by COBSEA with partners in the region aimed at sharing lessons learned and replicating good practices on integrated plastic waste management in remote and island communities in the East Asian Seas region. All COBSEA case studies are available on the web platform of the Regional Node of the GPML.
Case study video in English and Indonesian & short overview video
Untia, Makassar, Indonesia - Community-based Waste Management
With support from USEPA, COBSEA piloted an integrated waste management system in Untia, Indonesia, in partnership with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Indonesia. The pilot aimed to overcome the pollution challenges faced by this remote community by enhancing the capacity of Untia’s Materials Recovery Facility (MRF). The initiative provided essential machinery, established a network of waste bank, enhanced local knowledge and understanding of waste management practices, and generated income for villagers involved in waste collection. The case study is part of a series developed by COBSEA with partners in the region aimed at sharing lessons learned and replicating good practices on integrated plastic waste management in remote and island communities in the East Asian Seas region. All COBSEA case studies are available on the web platform of the Regional Node of the GPML.
Case study video in English and Indonesian & short overview video
Mersing Islands, Malaysia -Community-based Waste Management
With support from USEPA, COBSEA piloted an integrated waste management system in the Mersing Islands in Malaysia, in partnership with Reef Check Malaysia. The pilot aimed to overcome the pollution challenges faced by small remote islands through capacity building, education, awareness, training, investment in essential infrastructure and equipment, and establishing long-term financial support for the transport of recyclables. This case study showcases how pollution can be effectively reduced in the marine environment of remote islands through community-based waste management solutions. The case study is part of a series developed by COBSEA with partners in the region aimed at sharing lessons learned and replicating good practices on integrated plastic waste management in remote and island communities in the East Asian Seas region. All COBSEA case studies are available on the web platform of the Regional Node of the GPML.
Case study video in English and Malaysian & short overview video
