THE Natural Resources Conservation Authority (NRCA)is preparing to start dialogue with manufacturers of non-biodegradable plastics and styrofoam products to discuss plans to stop their production locally, and replace them with environmentally friendly options.

The new board of the NRCA, led by Danville Walker, met earlier this week to discuss the challenges presented by the unregulated use of non-biodegradable plastics and styrofoam and the impact on the land and marine environments.

The meeting, according to a release from the regulatory agency, took note of the various regional and international interventions, initiatives, responses and economic instruments that have been applied to reduce the use and impact of plastics and styrofoam, and arrived at a common position that the time is right for Jamaica to develop and pursue a strategic plan of action to tackle this negative environmental feature as a central plank of the country’s sustainable development path.

In addition to the actions that will be pursued by the Government in tackling this matter, the NRCA said initiatives in sensitising the public would also be crucial to any successful push-back against the use of plastics and styrofoam. Individual response, it said, could also include the right to refuse the purchase and/or use of these non-biodegradable products.

The NRCA also pointed to the earlier public-private partnership between NEPA, the National Solid Waste Management Authority and other government agencies and departments, as well as members of private sector groups in responding to reduce the use and impact of plastics and styrofoam on the environment. The role played by the environmental non-governmental organisations and civil society groups was also recognised, it said.

In addition, the NRCA said that having considered the background to the issues, the challenges presented and the need for strong and decisive intervention, it supported the position of Government Senator Matthew Samuda, who plans to table a Private Member’s Motion in the Senate for a ban on the importation of some plastic bags and styrofoam containers.

It said that it is prepared to join Senator Samuda’s initiative with the conditions of engagement earlier outlined, and called on every citizen of the country and well-wisher to support a reduction in the use of plastics and styrofoam.

“The NRCA shares the revulsion of all Jamaicans at the sight of excessive plastics and styrofoam littering our island and impacting negatively on the land and marine environments,” said Chairman Walker.

The NRCA is the governing body of NEPA.