September, 02 2025
The conference led by the World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines (WWF-PH), in partnership with the University of the Philippines (UP) Marine Science Institute, Marine Environment and Resources Foundation, Inc., and the Plastics Research Network, centered on the theme: “Knowledge to Action: Science-based Solutions to Plastics Pollution.”
The event provided a platform for local and global researchers, government agencies and policy makers to collaborate and share developments in their respective plastics work as well as actionable solutions on the ground.
WWF-PH also presented their projects aimed towards addressing plastic pollution under the No Plastics In Nature Initiative (NPIN). The goal of NPIN is to stop the flow of plastics into nature by 2030, by piloting solutions, supporting communities, pushing for policies and conducting studies on proper waste reduction and management.
NPIN’s partners from various project sites such as Cagayan de Oro City, Davao Gulf, and Donsol, Sorsogon also shared the actions they have taken at the local level, which included efforts to abide by the Extended Producer Responsibility law and lessons on their solid waste management practices.
“The No Plastics in Nature Initiative aligns its projects with national and global efforts while grounding its work at the community level, guided by science. Our role is to foster engagement and mobilize key actors across the plastics value chain,”says Julius Guirjen, NPIN Program Manager.
Katherine Custodio, Executive Director of WWF-Philippines, underscored the important steps for a plastic pollution-free future.
“The country has the means to end plastic pollution within our lifetimes and people can change their habits to rebuild their relationship with nature,” says Custodio. “WWF-Philippines is committed to work across the value chain and at different levels, from global to national to local. We will continue to use our networks and resources, ensuring voices from all different sectors are heard to make NPIN a reality.”
