Canada-China statement on marine litter from plastic pollution

Plain language summary

On the occasion of the third Canada-China Annual Leaders’ Dialogue, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier Li Keqiang issued the Joint Statement between the Government of Canada and the Government of the People’s Republic of China on Marine Litter and Plastics in Singapore on November 14, 2018. Through the Joint Statement, both sides acknowledged that plastic pollution resulting from current practices have negative impacts on ocean health, biodiversity, economic sustainability, and potentially on human health. Both leaders recognized the importance of taking a sustainable lifecycle approach to the management of plastics to reduce the threat to the environment and, particularly, to reduce marine litter in oceans. Both countries agreed to forge a partnership to combat marine litter from plastic waste.

Objective

To advance efforts to move towards more resource-efficient management of plastics across their entire life-cycle, so as to reduce plastic pollution and protect oceans.

Key elements

Both countries agreed to forge a partnership to combat marine litter from plastic waste by:

• Sharing of best practices between coastal cities in Canada and China;
• Cooperating on marine micro-plastics monitoring technology and research on ecological environmental effects;
• Conducting research on the control technology of marine plastic waste (including micro-plastics), and demonstration projects;
• Sharing experiences and best practices in consumer education and community engagement; and
• Collaborating in relevant multilateral fora ‎to promote awareness and action to reduce marine litter and plastics waste‎.

Expected results

Through the cooperation actions listed above, Canada and China expect to accelerate domestic and international efforts to reduce plastic pollution and protect oceans.

Canada’s involvement

Canada is leading efforts to bring countries together to eradicate plastic pollution, most notably through the Oceans Plastics Charter, which five countries endorsed at the G7 Leaders’ Summit in Charlevoix.

This Joint Statement increases Canada’s cooperation with China on reducing marine litter and plastic waste.

Results / progress

Activities

Work projects relating to cooperation under this Joint Statement are being developed and will be included at the next meeting of the Joint Committee on Environment and Climate Change Cooperation, which is held annually, alternating between Canada and China.