The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has announced a three-year, $15 million grant from The Coca-Cola Foundation in support of plastic waste management initiatives in Asia.

Launched in India, the multi-country program will help improve plastic waste management, promote recycling, reduce plastic leakage into the environment, foster country-based solutions, and facilitate regional collaboration. By adopting and disseminating best practices across the region, the initiative aims to inspire policy changes and community-level actions to reduce and help to eliminate disposable plastic and improve the livelihoods of waste workers. The program will be expanded to include Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Maldives, Nepal, Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam.

“Across Asia, countries are combating the [waste] problem by embracing the circular economy. Through our Zero Waste and Plastics initiatives, we are helping them craft policies, attract investments, and reduce the consumption of single-use plastics,” said UNDP deputy regional director for Asia and the Pacific Christophe Bahuet. “With this initiative, we are also empowering communities to scale up solutions that will effectively reduce plastic pollution and safeguard our planet.”

(Photo credit: Getty Images/Sony Herdiana)