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\begin{document}

\title{Breaking the plastic cycle in Africa: Advancing sustainable solutions
for single-use plastic reduction in marine ecosystem beyond current
policies}



\author[1]{Ejovwokeoghene Omohwovo}%
\affil[1]{Affiliation not available}%


\vspace{-1em}



  
  \date{May 17, 2024}


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\textbf{1.0 Abstract} :

Plastic pollution is a growing environmental problem that affects
ecosystems worldwide. With a population of over 1.4 billion people,
Africa has the potential to be a major contributor to the global plastic
waste crisis, generating an estimated 17 million tons of plastic waste
annually. The impact of plastic pollution in Africa is particularly
severe, with large quantities of plastic waste ending up in rivers and
oceans, leading to the death of marine life and the destruction of
ecosystems. Although policies aimed at reducing plastic waste exist in
many African countries, their effectiveness has been limited due to poor
governance, inadequate resources, and a lack of focus on the root causes
of plastic pollution. To effectively address plastic pollution,
sustainable solutions such as the circular economy, innovative
technology, public awareness, and international collaboration are
needed.

\textbf{2.0 Introduction} :

Plastic pollution is an urgent and escalating environmental problem that
affects ecosystems across the globe. While plastic production has
increased rapidly in recent years, with an estimated 300 million tons
produced each year {[}1{]}, much of this plastic ends up in the ocean
and other bodies of water. Plastics currently make up to 85\% of marine
trash, and this percentage is expected to triple by 2040 {[}2{]}. This
is particularly concerning for Africa, which has a population of over
1.4 billion people in 2022 {[}3{]}, and generates an estimated 17
million tons of plastic waste each year {[}4{]}. With a projected
population of 2.5 billion by 2050 {[}4{]}, the demand for plastics,
especially single-use plastics (SUP), is likely to increase further.
Unfortunately, the effects of SUP pollution are particularly severe in
Africa, where enormous volumes end up in rivers and seas, killing marine
life and destroying ecosystems {[}4{]}.

While many African nations have regulations in place to reduce SUP
waste, their efficacy has been limited. Some regulations focus on
banning SUP, but enforcement has been difficult due to inadequate
funding and poor governance. Furthermore, these policies do not address
the underlying issues that contribute to SUP pollution, such as
inadequate recycling infrastructure and deficient waste management
systems. Between 1990 and 2017, 230 metric tons of plastics, including
SUP, entered Africa, with the highest proportion going to Egypt,
Nigeria, South Africa, Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia {[}5{]}. Primary
plastic manufacture in eight African nations produced only 15 metric
tons between 2009 and 2015 {[}5{]}. Much of this waste ends up in the
ocean, leading to negative impacts on marine ecosystems and local
communities. Inadequate waste management systems and poor public
awareness exacerbate the problem, leading to the accumulation of plastic
waste, particularly SUP, in landfills and oceans. It is therefore
obvious that current policies alone are not enough to comprehensively
address the issue of SUP pollution in Africa. This commentary aims to
shed light on the impact of SUP on the marine ecosystem, highlight the
current policies and strategies to reduce SUP in Africa, and explore
sustainable solutions to reduce SUP pollution in Africa

\textbf{2.1 Impact of SUP on marine ecosystems:}

One of the major impacts of SUP on marine ecosystems is the ingestion of
plastic {[}6{]}. When exposed to the sun's UV rays, wind, currents, and
natural processes, plastic breaks down into microplastics (particles
smaller than 5 mm) or even nanoplastics (particles smaller than 100 nm).
These tiny particles closely resemble plankton or other small organisms
that marine animals consume {[}7{]}. Ingesting SUP can lead to blockages
in the animals' digestive systems, resulting in starvation,
malnutrition, and even death {[}8{]}. Moreover, SUP debris can release
toxic chemicals into the animals' bodies, leading to various health
problems such as hormonal disruptions, reproductive failure, and organ
damage {[}8{]}. This poses a significant threat to the well-being and
survival of numerous marine species, contributing significantly to the
decline in their populations.

Another significant impact of SUP on marine ecosystems is entanglement
{[}8{]}. Marine animals such as sea turtles, whales, and seabirds are at
risk of getting trapped or entangled in fishing gear, plastic bags,
ropes, and other debris, which can lead to severe consequences such as
injury, infection, starvation, suffocation, drowning, and even death
{[}9{]}. This predicament is particularly perilous for marine mammals
like whales and dolphins, which depend on surfacing to breathe {[}9{]}.

Also, plastics pose a multifaceted threat to marine ecosystems. Coral
reefs, in particular, suffer greatly from plastic's destructive
influence {[}8{]}. The accumulation of plastic waste on reefs not only
suffocates the organisms inhabiting them, but it also obstructs vital
sunlight from reaching the corals and the organisms dependent on them
for sustenance {[}10{]}{[}11{]}. The significance of coral reefs as
habitats cannot be overstated; they provide refuge and safeguard for a
rich diversity of marine life, encompassing fish, crustaceans, and
mollusks {[}11{]}. Moreover, coral reefs occupy a crucial role in the
ocean's delicate food web by acting as nurseries for commercially
significant fish species {[}12{]}. Consequently, the loss of coral reefs
bears catastrophic consequences for marine organisms that rely on them
for survival {[}12{]}. Without the protective haven offered by healthy
coral reefs, countless species become susceptible to predation and other
environmental stressors, culminating in diminished fish populations and
a decline in overall marine life, creating a ripple effect throughout
the ecosystem {[}13{]}.

Additionally, the detrimental effects of SUP extend far beyond the
marine ecosystem and encompass critical implications for both climate
change and ocean acidification {[}14{]}. The production and disposal of
plastics, particularly SUP, result in the emission of greenhouse gases,
thereby intensifying global warming and exacerbating the challenges of
climate change {[}15{]}. Furthermore, the presence of SUP waste in our
oceans facilitates the absorption and subsequent release of carbon
dioxide, triggering the process of ocean acidification. This phenomenon
poses a severe threat to marine organisms, especially those dependent on
calcium carbonate, such as coral reefs and shellfish {[}14{]}.
Consequently, the disruption caused to the entire marine ecosystem
yields profound and devastating consequences.

Also, the economic impacts of SUP on marine ecosystems are both
significant and diverse. The financial burden associated with marine
plastic pollution is staggering, with annual expenses per tonne
estimated to range from \$3300 to \$33,000 {[}16{]}. These costs
encompass a wide range of factors, including the expenses incurred in
cleaning up plastic waste, the detrimental effects on revenue within the
fisheries and tourism sectors, and the potential consequences on human
health {[}4{]}. The accumulation of SUP waste in our oceans poses a
grave threat to fisheries and other industries that heavily rely on the
vitality of marine ecosystems {[}7{]}. Moreover, the presence of SUP
waste not only jeopardizes marine life but also presents a significant
risk to human health, as it contaminates seafood and contributes to
severe issues such as cancer, reproductive problems, and immune system
damage {[}17{]}. The devastating effects of SUP on marine ecosystems
underscore the urgent need to take action.

\textbf{2.2 Current policies to reduce single-use plastics in Africa:}

A number of African countries have taken steps to address the issue of
SUP through legislative bans, particularly focused on SUP bags. Rwanda
was an early adopter of such a law in 2008, which prohibited the
production, use, import, and sale of non-biodegradable plastic bags
{[}18{]}. Kenya followed suit with a similar ban in 2018, which imposed
fines and jail time for violators {[}19{]}. Nigeria also implemented a
plastic bag ban in 2019, with comparable restrictions {[}20{]}. In
total, 34 out of 54 African countries have introduced policies aimed at
reducing SUP, including bans on plastic bags {[}21{]}. Alongside the
plastic bag bans, some African countries have also introduced extended
producer responsibility (EPR) policies, which hold manufacturers
accountable for the environmental impacts of their products {[}20{]}.
For certain products, South Africa and Kenya have introduced EPR
policies that can incentivize manufacturers to reduce their use of SUP
{[}22{]}.

\textbf{2.3 Advancing sustainable solutions to reduce SUP in Africa:
Beyond current strategies}

While it is commendable that several African countries have implemented
bans or levies on certain types of SUP, these measures alone are
insufficient to bring about lasting change. SUP waste still poses a
significant threat to the environment. Reducing plastic pollution in
Africa and other parts of the world requires a multifaceted and holistic
approach that encompasses various stakeholders and leverages innovative
solutions. Therefore, raising awareness and promoting education about
the environmental impact of plastic waste should be a priority in
Africa. Governments, NGOs, and the private sector should collaborate to
develop targeted campaigns that engage communities, schools, and
businesses in understanding the consequences of plastic pollution. For
instance, educational programs can be organized in schools to teach
children about the harmful effects of plastic waste on marine life and
the importance of recycling. Public awareness campaigns through
television, radio, and social media can also play a crucial role in
reaching a wider audience.

Furthermore, investing in research and development of eco-friendly
alternatives to SUP is crucial in Africa. Africa government should
support scientific innovation and entrepreneurship to develop viable
substitutes that are affordable, accessible, and locally produced. For
example, researchers can be given grants and other incentives to carry
out researches that will focus on creating biodegradable packaging
materials derived from agricultural waste, such as cassava or sugarcane.
Promoting the adoption of these sustainable alternatives, will
significantly reduce the demand for SUP.

Moreover, improving waste management systems is also paramount in
Africa. Many African countries face challenges in waste collection,
recycling infrastructure, and disposal. African governments should
allocate resources to enhance recycling facilities, establish
waste-to-energy plants, and incentivize waste management companies to
develop efficient and sustainable waste management practices.
Collaborating with international partners and sharing best practices can
accelerate progress in this area.

In addition, fostering collaboration between government, industry, and
civil society is vital. The private sector, including manufacturers,
retailers, and packaging companies, must take responsibility for the
lifecycle of their products and adopt environmentally friendly
practices. Governments can incentivize sustainable packaging and reward
businesses that implement recycling and waste reduction initiatives.
NGOs and community organizations can also play a significant role in
advocacy, education, and grassroots initiatives that promote sustainable
living. For instance, community-led initiatives can organize plastic
cleanup drives in coastal areas or promote the use of reusable bags
through local markets.

Lastly, regional cooperation and knowledge sharing can strengthen
efforts to combat plastic pollution. African countries can learn from
successful initiatives implemented in other regions and adapt them to
their specific contexts. By sharing experiences, lessons learned, and
best practices, Africa can accelerate progress and avoid reinventing the
wheel. Collaborative platforms, such as regional conferences or online
forums, can facilitate these exchanges and foster partnerships.
Moreover, the Plastic Treaty, set to be enacted in 2024, presents a
crucial opportunity for African countries to tackle plastic pollution
{[}24{]}. Therefore, it is crucial for African nations to prioritize
developing and implementing national strategic plans to ensure the
treaty's objectives are achieved {[}24{]}.

\textbf{Conclusion:}

Plastic pollution is a serious threat to the environment, particularly
to marine ecosystems in Africa. Despite some efforts by African
countries to reduce the use of SUP, their impact has been limited. To
effectively address this problem, a comprehensive approach that includes
sustainable solutions like the circular economy, innovative technology,
increased public awareness, and international collaboration is
necessary. These solutions not only create new economic opportunities
for Africa but also promote sustainable practices that will reduce
plastic waste and protect the environment. Therefore, it is essential
for individuals, businesses, and governments in Africa to work together
and implement effective and sustainable measures to tackle this global
crisis.

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