2024 Rapa Nui Pacific Summit on Marine Conservation and Plastic Pollution

        The 2024 Rapa Nui Pacific Summit on Ocean Conservation and Plastic Pollution ended in Easter Island, Chile. The Chairman's Statement was adopted on the day of the summit, calling for sustainable solutions to address the challenges of plastic pollution and degradation of marine and coastal ecosystems.

        Theme of the Summit

        The summit was held in Easter Island, Chile from April 3 to 5, and was co-organized by relevant UN agencies in Chile, the Chilean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Easter Island City Government. More than 100 representatives from China, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and other countries and related regions and institutions attended the meeting. The themes of the summit include the progress of international negotiations related to marine protection and plastic pollution, the latest treatment technologies, and the construction of legal frameworks.

        The Chairman's Statement pointed out that practical actions should be taken as soon as possible to protect the ocean, especially the plastic pollution in the Pacific region; support the relevant resolutions of the Fifth United Nations Environment Assembly on ending plastic pollution; encourage local, national and regional initiatives to integrate the strength of different groups such as civil society, academia, the private sector and governments at all levels; strengthen scientific research on marine protection, and promote the protection and sustainable management of marine resources through scientific decision-making.

        Experiences in marine protection and control of plastic pollution

        Maria José Torres, UN Resident Coordinator in Chile, said in an interview with reporters that marine plastic waste not only harms biodiversity, but also causes food safety problems after microplastics enter the food chain. Governing plastic pollution is a difficult task. At present, the United Nations framework is being used to promote the formulation of legally binding international instruments. The chairman's statement adopted at this summit will have a positive impact on the relevant negotiations.

        Niu Qingbao, Chinese ambassador to Chile, introduced China's experience and practices in marine protection and control of plastic pollution at the summit, especially its positive role in international cooperation in marine pollution control. He said that China advocates building a community with a shared future for the ocean and is willing to work with relevant countries to jointly promote the control of marine plastic waste and microplastic pollution and jointly protect the blue sea and blue sky.

        Easter Island is a volcanic island in the southeastern Pacific Ocean, called "Rapa Nui" in the local language. A study by the Catholic University of the North in Chile shows that about 4.4 million pieces of garbage are brought to the island by ocean currents every year. In the view of Pedro Edmonds, mayor of Easter Island, the experience of Easter Island is a microcosm of the plastic pollution crisis in the Pacific Islands.

        Data released by the United Nations Environment Programme show that plastics account for the largest proportion of marine debris, the highest degree of harm and the longest duration, accounting for at least 85% of the total amount of marine debris. We need to work together to strengthen marine protection and sustainable management.