Indigenous Leaders Urge global Plastics Treaty⁣ at‌ UN Ocean Conference

Updated ​June 11, 2025

Nice, France — A call for a binding global plastics​ treaty resonated ⁢at the ⁤UN‍ Ocean Conference in Nice, France, where‍ ministers ⁣and representatives from 95 nations supported “The Nice Wake-Up Call.” Frankie Orona, an ‍advocate with the Society​ of Native Nations,‍ set the ⁢tone with vivid imagery, highlighting the dangers of plastic chemicals infiltrating even the womb.

Orona said that future generations have no choice but to deal with the consequences of plastic pollution if action isn’t taken now. The appeal underscored the urgency for ‍a binding agreement addressing the five ⁢critical points ​outlined in the Nice Declaration.

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is also intensifying efforts to combat plastic waste. IMO secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said⁢ the agency⁢ is ⁢creating regulations for handling, packaging, and cleaning up plastic pellets, prompted by‍ the 2021 Sri Lanka marine spill that released ⁤over 1,680 metric tons of​ plastic pellets into the indian Ocean. Dominguez emphasized inclusive governance, urging participation‌ from Indigenous communities⁤ and young people in maritime decision-making.

Environmental toxicologist‍ Professor‌ Bethany Carney Almroth said businesses ⁢aren’t the primary obstacle but need ⁣legal clarity to act.She said that a strong, enforceable treaty is essential to shift the status quo.

“The situation⁤ we have today is a mix—some laws are written, others are absent. That’s the‍ problem,” Almroth said. “If we ⁤create new regulations, then it’s no longer a question ⁣of‌ whether businesses ⁣are voluntarily doing enough. It becomes⁣ a question of ​compliance.”

Almroth said relying on​ voluntary industry movements is insufficient and pointed to the Montreal ⁤Protocol as an example of a global treaty delivering meaningful results.

Addressing the profitability of the plastics industry, Almroth said current calculations fail to ‌account ‌for the real costs ⁢to nature and human health. She ⁤cited the⁣ staggering healthcare ‌expenses linked to⁣ exposure to toxic chemicals in plastics, costs not reflected in the price of plastic production.

According⁢ to Almroth,effective international standards are needed ⁤to eliminate hazardous plastics from global markets. Current standards focus on material quality or industrial use,‍ not human health or the environment. She advocated for holistic, interdisciplinary standards developed by independent experts, giving equal weight ⁢to environmental and social sustainability.

“When we say plastics are⁢ profitable, that’s only as we’re not accounting ​for⁤ the real costs,” she said. “Those costs aren’t paid⁢ by the companies⁢ producing plastics. ‍They’re paid by nature, and ​they’re paid by people.”

What’s next

As the conference concluded, the call ‍to protect the planet ‌from plastic‍ pollution remains a pressing global‍ challenge, requiring immediate and comprehensive action.