As the world commemorates World Oceans Day on June 8 with the theme, “Awaken New Depths,” the Recycle OECS Project underscores the significant strides made in Grenada and Dominica through active civil society involvement. This project, aimed at reducing plastic pollution and fostering sustainable waste management across the Eastern Caribbean, has achieved game-changing milestones with the buy-in and participation of critical civil society stakeholders.

In Grenada, the Grenada Solid Waste Management Authority (GSWMA) has secured a critical Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Grenada Hotel and Tourism Association (GHTA). This agreement, covering up to 90% of GHTA’s membership, marks a pivotal step in addressing plastic waste challenges. Hotels across the island have committed to introducing waste sorting at their facilities and delivering sorted plastics to the GSWMA Recycling Centre, setting the trend for sustainable tourism practices in the Eastern Caribbean.

Further reinforcing Grenada’s commitment, the Grenada Green Group (G3) unveiled plans for a ‘Plastic Bottle Collection Campaign’ on May 22, 2024. The G3 aims to collect PET and HDPE plastic bottles, focusing on public awareness and active participation. Starting on World Oceans Day, June 8, 2024, the campaign will see weekly collection events and the establishment of recycling depots across the island. This grassroots initiative, supported by the Recycle OECS Project and the GSWMA, underscores the critical role of community involvement in combating plastic pollution.

Impressive strides have been made in Dominica by the Dominica Solid Waste Management Corporation (DSWMC). The Zero Waste Schools Program, launched in March, has already seen the collection of over 57,834 plastic bottles in April alone. This program, involving 2,800 students from 35 schools and 40 4H clubs, is transforming schools into hubs of eco-innovation with greenspaces, composting facilities, and recycling depots. Additionally, the program launched the BCRC Tide Turners app challenge, engaging students in sustainable practices through an interactive platform.

Highlighting the importance of collective regional action, Hon. Kerrynne James, Grenada’s Minister of Climate Resilience, the Environment, and Renewable Energy stated in a video message: “Pollution transcends boundaries, making this a shared problem requiring a unified solution. It’s a call to arms for Member States, the private sector, and every citizen. Together, we can address this menace through collaboration and innovation.” This rallying cry underscores the spirit of World Oceans Day, inspiring collective action to protect our oceans and climate.

As the Recycle OECS Project progresses, several major achievements have been realized: The development of the OECS Model Framework for Sustainable Recycling sets a regional standard for recycling practices. Comprehensive waste characterisation studies conducted in Dominica and Grenada tailor effective recycling strategies and reduce ocean pollution. Dominica’s inaugural shipment of recyclable plastics showcases practical recycling achievements, turning the tide on plastic pollution. Sustainable financing mechanisms developed for Dominica and Grenada will help secure financial models that ensure long-term recycling success and ocean health. The establishment of standard operating procedures for recycling operations creates best practices for efficient and effective recycling across the OECS. Lastly, Dominica’s Zero Waste Schools Program engages the private sector to foster a new generation committed to zero waste and ocean conservation.

Two additional significant developments include the upgrading of the new multi-purpose recycling facility at Queen’s Park with three-phase power for efficient plastic processing and the provision of technical support to the Department of Sustainable Development in Saint Lucia. This support includes preparing revised draft legislation to progress a beverage container deposit refund system and developing a sustainable waste financing system for the Saint Lucia Solid Waste Management Authority (SLSWMA), as well as conducting a cost-benefit analysis of SLSWMA operations, including recycling.

The Recycle OECS project is a two-year initiative funded by the European Union and implemented by the OECS Commission in partnership with the Agence Française de Développement (AFD). It aims to develop a model waste separation, collection, and recycling program that is self-financing, sustainable, and viable for the region. The demonstration projects in Grenada and Dominica provide essential insights into the feasibility of implementing a plastic waste treatment infrastructure across the OECS, with the potential to strengthen the region’s economy and safeguard its marine and coastal resources.

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‘Wastewater for reuse’
Minister Özhaseki stated that more than 3 million homes have been produced in a zero waste-compliant and climate-friendly manner through social housing and urban transformation efforts over the past 20 years. He also mentioned that within the Air Quality Improvement Program, they have ensured emission reduction by converting 6,000 homes to clean fuel for heating in city centers.

Özhaseki expressed that they show the same sensitivity in the transformation of ongoing construction projects, and they have built 1,671 kilometers of bicycle paths and 420 kilometers of green walking paths nationwide.

Özhaseki also emphasized their cooperation with local governments in environmental matters.

“In order to protect the environment, improve it, and enable living in a cleaner environment, we have provided local governments with cash support worth TL 50 billion for environmental investments. So far, we have covered half of the energy costs of wastewater treatment plants. We supported local governments worth TL 7.7 billion for wastewater treatment plants. We are also reintroducing wastewater for reuse. As of 2024, we have increased the reuse rate of treated wastewater to 5.3%. Our goal is to increase the reuse rate of wastewater to 11% by 2028 and to 15% by 2030,” he said.

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Özhaseki highlighted Türkiye’s progress in coastal management, resulting in 567 Blue Flag beaches, ranking third globally, with ambitions to secure the top spot. He also mentioned the “NEFES” program for real-time monitoring of environmental factors, increased air quality stations to 380, and the Türkiye Carbon Market Development Project in collaboration with the World Bank, aiming for zero emissions by 2030 through initiatives like the Emission Trading System. He also noted the success of charging for plastic bags, preventing over 1 million tons of plastic waste formation, saving TL 7 billion and reducing 41,881 tons of greenhouse gas emissions.

Özhaseki recalled that within the scope of the Zero Waste Project under the auspices of first lady Emine Erdoğan, they have implemented the zero waste management system in 188,000 buildings to date and increased the recycling rate to 35% by 2023, aiming to raise this rate to 60% by 2035.

He mentioned that they have increased the monitoring points in the Marmara Sea to 150, and have put all treatment plants in the Marmara Region with a capacity of 1,000 cubic meters and above with 24/7 online monitoring.

Özhaseki also reiterated that environmental education and climate change lessons have been included in the curriculum for middle schools, and they provide environmental inspector training to create environmental sensitivity and increase awareness among children.

Minister Özhaseki emphasized that an “ENVIFEST” with the theme “We all have one world” will be held in Başkent Millet Bahçesi in Ankara on Thursday, inviting all citizens to the festival.