Closing the Loop, a project implemented by ESCAP in partnership with the Government of Japan, aims to reduce the environmental impact of four cities in ASEAN by tackling plastic pollution. This report was developed in support of the second broad objective 'to work with partner cities and develop action plans, policies and investment strategies to address marine plastic litter'. In detail it compiles verified baseline data; key socio-economic, waste sector and governance indicators; and environmental and stakeholder mapping for each partner city. It highlights ambitious city, national and international initiatives to manage plastic waste and covers a diverse range of urban environments. Each chapter addresses a different city: Da Nang, Viet Nam; Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; Surabaya, Indonesia; Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand.
This publication is targeted at local and regional stakeholders looking for a greater understanding of urban plastic waste and will inform Closing the Loop's upcoming baseline activities and action planning process. ESCAP would like to thank the Institute for Global Environmental Strategies (IGES) and all our country level focal points for their valuable contributions.
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