We are very excited to announce that we now have a dedicated website for the PacWastePlus programme.  

Our programme website provides visitors with an easier way to learn more about the programme and how it is assisting participating countries by building capacity & enhancing sustainability into waste management practices.  

The PacWastePlus website can now be accessed from

 https://pacwasteplus.org/

 

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PacWastePlus EOI Registration

Does your company buy or accept waste products for appropriate recovery, recycling, or approved disposal? Or does your company provide waste management and recycling technological support?

We are excited to inform you that the European Union Pacific Waste Management, PacWastePlus programme, together with the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programmes (SPREP) Waste Management and Pollution Control Programme, has released the following Expressions of Interest to assist Pacific Island Countries to manage problems wastes generated in the region.

• EOI – Register of waste management and recycling technologies 
• EOI – Register of companies that will accept waste items for recovery or recycling

The creation and maintenance of these registers will enable member countries, and the waste industry, to access up-to-date information on companies able to provide technological support, or an active market to accept wastes from the region, facilitating the diversion of these products from landfill, and providing more opportunity for countries to access the Moana Taka Partnership to ship these products from the region to a recovery market.

 

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ABOUT THE PACWASTEPLUS PROGRAMME

The impact of waste and pollution on sustainable development in the Pacific is taking its toll on the health of communities, degrading natural ecosystems, threatening food security, impeding resilience to climate change and adversely impacting on social and economic development. The Pacific – European Union (EU) Waste Management Programme, PacWastePlus , will generate improved economic, social, health and environmental benefits by enhancing existing activities and building capacity and sustainability into waste management practices

 

What waste streams will be the focus of will PacWastePlus?

Priority waste streams that the PacWastePlus programme will focus on are:

• hazardous wastes (specifically asbestos, e-waste and healthcare waste),
• solid wastes (specifically recyclables, organic waste, disaster waste and bulky waste) and
• Water impacted by solid waste (note this is not wastewater, or referring to any liquid waste)

In which countries will PacWastePlus operate?

The programme is being implemented in 15 countries: Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, Fiji, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu.

The activities are tailored to address the specific needs of each country based on their identified priorities.

 

PacWastePlus Participating Countries Map

PacWastePlus Objectives and Key Result Areas

The overall objective of PacWastePlus is “to generate improved economic, social, health and environmental benefits arising from stronger regional economic integration and the sustainable management of natural resources and the environment”.

The specific objective is “to ensure the safe and sustainable management of waste with due regard for the conservation of biodiversity, health and wellbeing of Pacific island communities and climate change mitigation and adaptation requirements”.

The four key result areas of PacWastePlus are:

1. Improved data collection, information sharing, and education and awareness,
2. Policies and regulatory frameworks developed and implemented,
3. Best practices including enhanced private sector engagement and infrastructure development implemented, and
4. Enhanced human capacity.

 

How will SPREP seek to facilitate PacWastePlus?

The programme brings together key organisations supporting waste and pollution sector in the region, with SPREP as the entrusted implementation agency. The Pacific Community (SPC) and the University of the South Pacific (USP) will be implementing partners contracted by SPREP for specific activities in line with their core expertise and responsibility. Additionally, PWP is partnering with numerous other development partners operating waste management projects in the region, to ensure no duplication of efforts or wasted resources. 

 

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PROGRAMME RESOURCES

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Programme Governance Documents

 

PacWastePlus Programme Gender & Social Inclusion (GESI) Guiding Document 

Given the significantly gendered nature of social life in Pacific Island countries, and related inequalities, the successful achievement of Regional and Country Projects will require the PacWastePlus team to give attention to the different needs, interests, priorities and roles of women, girls, men and boys and the relations between them. Similarly, given that people living with disabilities are overall the most socially excluded group, the specific needs, interests and priorities of people living with disabilities are fundamental to achieving inclusive development results.

 

 

Project Steering Committee Meetings

The Project Steering Committee is established to guide the development and implementation of the PacWastePlus Programme, ensuring a fair and reasonable decision-making process for project priorities and funding allocations. The committee meets on an annual basis to discuss project activity and confirm forward activity for 12 months. 

 

The 2021 Steering Committee Meeting was held as a virtual event (zoom meeting) due to the continued travel restrictions imposed in response to the COVID-19 global pandemic.  Due to the online meeting format, the steering committee meeting was a focused 3.5-hour meeting that provided high level discussions on activities.  The following report provides a summary of discussions and provides details of the various project activities presented at the meeting.

 

The Project Steering Committee met in 2020 and was facilitated by the PacWastePlus Project Management Unit from the 10th - 12th February 2020.  The following report provides details of discussions and provides details of the priorities identified by the countries present for the meeting.

 

The 2019 Inception meeting provided the opportunity for an inaugural gathering of all country representatives, and the programme staff to come together to discuss the programme and determine how they would collectively like to see actions occur. The two-day meeting was a success as country and CROP representatives were able to actively contribute to discussions, provide feedback on the past project and how they would like to see things operate differently in the PacWastePlus programme, and provide the programme staff with high-level guidance on the priorities and needs of their countries. The report provides a summary of the discussions and provides details of the discussions and priorities identified by the countries present for the meeting.

 

Download - PacWastePlus Action Document

Download - PacwastePlus Factsheet

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Project Management Tools

 

Decision Support Tool (DST)

The Decision Support Tool is designed to guide decision-makers through a balanced high-level self-assessment of issues that will influence decision making.  The DST poses a series of questions on Political, Environmental,  Social, Technological, Legal and Economic (PESTLE) factors affecting the initiative in question.  Each issue is scored whether the outcomes are positive or negative.  The DST summarises responses and provides a graphical representation of the total forces for and against the initiative for each PESTLE category allowing for a quick and intuitive overview of relative benefits and weaknesses of the initiative. 

Please send us an email on [email protected] to request the Decision Support Tool

 

Building a Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) plan for a project assists to deliver the intended outcome, and if not, it should help you understand which elements should be modified to assist with delivering a successful project.  This publication provides guidance on how to develop a M&E plan for not only PacWastePlus country projects but can also be used as a resource tool during the development of other donor-funded country projects as well.

 

For PacWastePlus it is expected that all teams designing activities will have developed some form of project logic in participation with their implementing partners. This will demonstrate the logic of your collaborative thinking and design, and clearly articulate the changes to which you hope to contribute.  Project logic provides the basis for planning and implementing monitoring and evaluation at the project level.

 

The process of investigative questioning, or inquiry, assists project managers to ask questions of individuals or groups, who know something, or a lot, about a particular area of interest to the interviewer. It is also about finding out information or needs on a subject which can be used to benefit those stakeholders/individuals e.g. through a project planning process. This publication provides initial guidance on the various investigative questioning processes that can be utilised.

 

This basic guide for developing SMART Objectives is designed to provide further guidance to country focal points as they develop in-country concept investments for PacWastePlus supported projects and activities. 

 

The PacWastePlus (PWP) Programme is currently engaged with focal points as we confirm country projects with the intent many should be completed and submitted in June 2020. As the team is working with 15 countries, we recognise that countries may need additional support, so the programme team have undertaken an assessment of consultants that can be asked to assist. We have developed a register of pre-approved technical consultants, through an advertised Tender process, and also have produced individual consultant profiles that provide more detailed background information to support countries on the development of project concepts for in-country interventions on any one or more of the programme priority waste streams or project activity areas. 

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Reports 

 

A literature review was undertaken to gain a comprehensive understanding of waste management and the related issues and good practices and a general understanding of the realisation of the human rights implicated in relation to waste management in PacWastePlus programme participating countries. Armed with this basis of the information, the researcher seeks to draw linkages between waste management and human rights and the related issues in the Pacific Island Countries of focus and to gain a comprehensive understanding of how issues of human rights, equality and cultural awareness are currently being considered and incorporated into waste and environmental programme management.

 

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This report considers the relevant requirements applying to waste management under international and regional conventions and non-binding ‘soft law’ instruments, their alignment to the needs of the PacWastePlus participating countries, and common gaps and challenges that arise that might be the basis for developing regionally harmonised approaches. Several options for regionally led approaches to address the gaps and opportunities for a regional legislative framework are identified in the report, including the development of technical guidance, model laws and compliance/enforcement training to build a foundation of skills, knowledge, and capacity for waste governance across the region.  

 

Assessment of Legislative Frameworks Governing Waste Management Country Reports

These assessments has been prepared by SPREP EU-funded PacWastePlus programme, drawing upon reporting developed by the University of Melbourne (UoM) on behalf of PacWastePlus for that programme’s Waste Legislative Review project.  The UoM team reviewed legislation relevant to waste management in 14 Pacific region countries and Timor-Leste. Separate assessments are provided for each of the PacWastePlus participating countries. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

National Waste Legislation Stocktake - Country Reports

The following Country Reports were prepared by the University of Melbourne (UoM) consultancy team as part of the PacWastePlus regional Waste Legislative Review assessment. The UoM team reviewed laws on waste management in 14 Pacific island countries and Timor-Leste. This research was commissioned by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), with funding support from the European Union’s Delegation to the Pacific. Additional outcomes and reports from this work will be developed and released over the coming months.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Over the course of 2018–19, it has also become apparent that there are a number of organisations currently working in this space with very similar requirements for waste data. Therefore, based on waste audits commissioned by PRIF in Tuvalu, a waste audit methodology has been developed that incorporates the materials required for national baseline data collection for the following projects as a minimum:

SPREP – PacWastePlus, PRIF – Regional Recycling Network, EU – EDF11, CCOA – Commonwealth Clean Oceans Alliance, World Bank – Regional Recycling Network, and UNEP – GEF

This report presents a comprehensive data collection methodology that makes provision for the data collection requirements for the above projects.

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Following a request from the Vanuatu Government to provide support for waste clean-ups following Tropical Cyclone Harold which made landfall in Vanuatu in April 2020, the PacWastePlus Programme, in consultation with the Department of Environmental Protection and Conservation (DEPC), and other donor funded waste projects, implemented support activities to nine communities on the islands of Santo, Pentecost, Aore and Malo. The project was deployed in September 2020 following extensive consultation to confirm the specific support requirements.  The project was managed by staff from PacWastePlus (Regional Officer based in Vanuatu), an extension officer for DEPC and support from the Luganville Municipal Council (LMC).

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This report provides details of the waste management courses offered in the PacWastePlus participating countries. The Institute of Applied Sciences of The University of the South Pacific was engaged to carry out a stocktake assessment of tertiary and vocational waste management educational and training to identify any existing or potential accredited waste management training, competency-based assessments, or hands-on training opportunities currently available to participating countries.

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Factsheets & Booklets 

 

 

Asbestos is a known health hazard, and may be present in your home, but it may not be a risk, depending on its condition. In this publication, we provide useful information on how to live safely with asbestos. It is important to note that should you discover asbestos in your home, please Don't Panic, Don't Touch It, and Call in the Professionals to deal with it safely and properly without putting you, your family, and your neighbors at any risk. 

 

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PacWastePlus Project Snapshots is a series of publications on each of the 15 participating countries highlighting country features and details of the EU investment from the initial PacWaste and current PacWastePlus programme.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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The Assessment of Small-Scale Technology Suitable for Waste Management in the Pacific and Timor-Leste report provides details of available small-scale waste management technology options that are suitable for use in the Pacific region and remote communities to manage waste and the viability of each technology in the project countries given the unique geographical settings.

 

The Waste Technology Management Options: Organic Material publication provides details on some of the most appropriate waste management technologies identified for Organic Materials - with consideration to the inherent constraints of the Pacific island region.

 

The Waste Technology Management Options: Plastic Material publication provides details on some of the appropriate plastic waste management techniques identified during a research project - with consideration to the inherent constraints of the Pacific island region.    

 

The Waste Technology Management Options: Healthcare waste publication provides details on some of the most appropriate waste management technologies identified for the PacWastePlus programme priority waste of Healthcare Waste with consideration to the inherent constraints of the Pacific island region.  

 

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Pacific Island Countries and Territories (PICTs) have amassed a huge amount of waste, much of it hazardous, including large amount of plastics. These are wastes are washed into the surrounding seas when tropical cyclones and floods occur. Marine litter continually enters the region on ocean currents from stormwater, fishing vessels, cruise ships and container ships.  The Moana Taka Partnership helps alleviate the burden of waste on islands in the Pacific by enabling Swire Shipping vessels to utilise empty shipping containers to transport non-commercial recyclable waste from islands. This waste is transported to countries with appropriate waste disposal facilities, ensuring that everything from oil to plastics to aerosols are properly recycled. The PacWastePlus programme with this publication seeks to increase participation in the Moana Taka Partnership by participating countries and encourages members who are serviced by Swire Shipping to investigate possibility of using MTP to move stockpiles of non-commercial waste.

 

Natural disasters, such as tropical cyclones, hurricanes and floods, can generate large quantities of waste, including building debris, fallen trees, and hazardous waste. Disaster waste is a threat to community health, safety, and the environment. However, it is often managed in an ad hoc manner and can be a major obstacle to the much-needed emergency relief operations and cause delay to humanitarian efforts by blocking access to affected communities. This community factsheet is a basic guide for the safe handling and management of waste generated from natural disasters.

 

 

Advanced Recovery Fee & Deposit Systems are legislative instruments designed to create a way to sustainably finance waste management and recycling. In the Pacific, Advanced Recovery Fee & Deposit systems currently operating are called a Container Deposit, Beverage Deposit, Advanced Disposal Fee, or a Waste Levy. 

 

National Education and Awareness Plans or NEAPs are an easy to understand yet effective plans designed to coordinate the development and implementation of targeted and empowering education and awareness activities at a national level and are focused on encouraging the adoption of good practices and positive behaviour change in terms of sustainable waste management.

 

During this pandemic, many types of additional medical and hazardous wastes will be generated, including infected masks, gloves, and other personal protective equipment (PPE). The increased number of first responders being sent out to enforce emergency orders will also lead to a higher volume of non-infected items of the same nature. Government officials in charge of managing this emergency must consider the importance of the safe handling, transportation, and final disposal of this waste as they can cause unforeseen “knock-on” effects. The Medical Waste Alert is an easy to read, practical guide for the Pacific setting with additional links to more resources.

 

The intensity and frequency of natural disasters such as tropical cyclones are evidently increasing in the Pacific. When these natural disasters occur large amounts of waste are generated from damage to both the natural and man-made environment. Inefficient or ineffective management of clean-up efforts following a disaster often results in the slow and costly recovery of a community, potentially risking public and environmental health.

 

Natural disasters such as cyclones and floods can damage asbestos-containing materials and lead to asbestos exposure among first responders, clean-up crews and nearby residents. This document is designed to provide guidance on response and management, and to supplement knowledge and skills-utilising this guide does not imply qualifications, and we strongly recommend undertaking appropriate training and employing necessary protective measures prior to handling asbestos containing materials.

 

This publication is designed to provide clear and concise information on the various MEAs developed to reduce the impacts of waste and chemicals by establishing agreed international frameworks that significantly reduce pollution of the air, water and soil in order to minimise adverse impacts on human health and the environment. MEAs provide strong foundations to support and guide Pacific islands in management of impacts from waste, controlling the transboundary movement of waste, and supports countries to implement the SDGs and a secure a healthier environment for their people.

 

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PacWastePlus Programme Newsletter - The Connection

 

 

 

 

 

       

              

 

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Videos

National Education and Awareness Plan Capacity Development Workshop - Message from EU
PacWastePlus Steering Committee Meeting - Video message from EU

 

You will also be able to view the videos via the SPREP YouTube channel

 

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PacWastePlus Tenders

Current

1. ^{Development a Code of Practice on how to manage, control and if needed safely remove asbestos and asbestos-containing materials in the workplace, tailored for use in the PacWastePlus participating countries}
2.  _{Removal And Disposal Of Asbestos Contaminated Material (ACM), Asbestos Lagging, From Six (6) Bitumen Tanks And Other Stored ACM As Part Of Niue's Asbestos Pilot Project}

 

Closed

1. Request For Tenders: Website Development For The PacWastePlus Programme

2. Development of An Asbestos and Asbestos Containing Materials Legislative Ban Policy Note for Use in PacWastePlus Participating Countries
3. Technical Assistance to Support the Expansion of The Existing Deposit Legislation for The Republic of Marshall Islands
4. Technical Assistance to support the development of a Waste Deposit Levy for Samoa

5. Assessment of Healthcare Incinerators in Kiribati (Kiritimati Island) and Timor-Leste

6. Monitoring and Evaluation System Development for the PacWastePlus Programme

7. Technical Assistance to Support the Development of An Advanced Disposal Fee/Waste Deposit Regulation for The Cook Islands
8. Literature review on environmental leakage and management issues from lined and unlined landfills
9. Development of Decision Support Tool for The Improvement of Waste Management In The Pacific Region
10. Literature Review and Assessment of Small-Scale Waste Management Technology Options
11. Conduct Baseline Data Assessment Through Waste Audits In Niue, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands And Timor-Leste For The PacWaste Plus Programme
12. Legislative Review and Assessment of Environmental and Waste Legislative Environment in 15 Pacific island countries for the PacWastePlus Programme    
13. National Capacity Needs Assessment for Waste in 14 Pacific Island Countries and Timor-Leste for the PacWastePlus Programme 
14. Timor-Leste Healthcare Management Training for the PacWaste Programme                                                                              
15. Healthcare Incinerator Repair Maintenance for the PacWastePlus programme
16. Technical Assistance
17. Situational Analysis of Human Rights Issues in The Waste Management Sector for The PacWastePlus Programme