At the event, Mr Reo Kawamura, Director of the Regional Knowledge Centre for Marine Plastic Debris, emphasized, "The case studies will equip provide policymakers, businesses, and civil society with practical skills for behavior-focused projects. Combining Behavioural Insights with strong policies and cross-sector partnerships will drive the changes needed to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainability in ASEAN."
Building on the achievements of the previous project, Phase II extends the project to six Southeast Asian countries, broadening the scope and diversity of initiatives. These new projects will be implemented by a wide range of organizations, originating from academic, governmental, business, and civil society background. The initiative also introduces a new measurement framework designed to evaluate the impact of 'nudge' interventions, providing practical tool for policymakers and stakeholders.
Representatives from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry of Indonesia stated “Civil society movements promoting initiatives such as behavioural insights can support government efforts to manage waste sustainably. I hope the success of this project can be scaled up and implemented in other regions of Indonesia.” The expanded Phase II projects will use Behavioural Insights to complement existing policies, such as bans and taxes
As ASEAN grapples with the global challenge of plastic pollution, Phase II of the project reaffirms the collective commitment to fostering sustainable, long-term change. Through increased collaboration across sectors and regions, the project is set to contribute significantly to the shared vision of a cleaner and more sustainable ASEAN.
The project will be carried out by ERIA and the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES).
The Regional Knowledge Centre for Marine Plastic Debris was established under the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia in 2019. The Centre’s mission is to provide information and support to ASEAN+3 Member States, thereby helping them to improve the circularity of plastic and prevent leakage into marine environments.
This Press Release has also been published on VRITIMES