- 179 countries, including Australia, commenced 10-days of negotiations for a Global Plastics Treaty in Geneva overnight
- Courage, not compromise, needed to secure a strong, legally binding Global Plastics Treaty that cuts plastic at the source
- AMCS is attending the INC-5.2 negotiations with Dhimurru Rangers who have just removed over 6 tonnes of plastic pollution from the Northeast Arnhem Land coast
The Australian Marine Conservation Society (AMCS) and Dhimurru Aboriginal Corporation call for a strong, legally binding Global Plastics Treaty to end the plastic pollution crisis.
Representatives from 179 countries have gathered in Geneva for the resumed fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5.2), running from 5-14 August. Despite loud and growing calls to cut plastic production echoing around the world, previous negotiations have failed to deliver a strong Global Plastics Treaty after a handful of low-ambition nations with a vested interest in producing plastics stalled proceedings and pushed for a weak treaty by consensus.
AMCS Plastics Campaign Manager Cip Hamilton said: "These ten days are a tipping point for the plastic pollution crisis. We need urgent global action to put an end to this preventable catastrophe. There is no time for compromise.
"Without global action, plastic production is projected to triple by 2060 which would send plastic pollution spiralling out of control.
"Our oceans are inundated with plastic that is entangling turtles, starving seabirds, and getting into the seafood we eat. The world is watching. Nature is suffocating.
"The only way to end plastic pollution is through a bold, robust and effective Global Plastics Treaty that cuts production and consumption, and takes a full lifecycle approach to plastics - including plastic fishing and aquaculture gear. At INC-5.2, countries must finalise a strong Global Plastics Treaty that lives up to public expectations and halts the escalating harm to our oceans, marine life and ecosystems before it's too late.
"Our oceans cannot afford a weak Global Plastics Treaty, watered down to the narrow interests of a few countries that are pushing for waste management and voluntary commitments only. Recycling alone will not end plastic pollution. Voluntary pledges have failed. The only path forward is a strong and robust Global Plastics Treaty with ambitious and enforceable rules to end plastic pollution.
"The Albanese Government has talked-the-talk with repeated commitments to support a strong Global Plastics Treaty, but now is the time to act. Australia must show courage, using all diplomatic means to finalise a strong, legally binding Global Plastics Treaty at these international negotiations."
Dhimurru Ranger Team Leader Shanita Yunupingu said: "We need a strong Global Plastics Treaty so we can stop the plastics that keep washing up everyday on our beaches"
"It's sad, makes me frustrated and emotional to see the impacts of plastics. We want to see an end to plastic pollution to protect our sea animals and protect our Sea Country. Country needs us and we need Country."
Dhimurru Rangers Coordinator Wanga Mununggurritj said: "We need a plastics treaty to stop plastic because our land is hurting so much. We need to stop plastic pollution because it's killing our marine animals and hurting Rangers.
"Everytime we go to the beach we see lots and lots and lots of marine debris and plastic. It needs to stop. It is hurting Yolŋu people and Traditional Owners.
"Land needs freedom from plastics. We want and need countries to finalise a strong plastics treaty in Geneva for our future generations."
Dhimurru Rangers Facilitator Grace Wunungmurra said: "We are here in Geneva for two weeks for the plastics treaty negotiations. We want a strong plastics treaty now for our Country and community. Dhimurru Rangers are standing firm for the land and sea, but we don't want to keep cleaning up marine debris.
"The less plastic we have, the less work we have to do to clean up along the beaches. I don't want the next generation to have to be still cleaning up along our beaches.
"Plastic pollution is stopping the turtles from nesting. Seeing an end to plastic pollution and having more turtles come lay on the beach would be amazing to see."
AMCS Plastics Campaign Manager Cip Hamilton and members of the Dhimurru Ranger team are at INC-5.2 negotiations in Geneva, Switzerland, and have limited availability for comment. Audio grabs related to this media release are available via Hightail.
Images of plastic pollution on Victoria's southern coast are available via Hightail.
Feature image: Sea turtle tracks through plastic pollution on a beach in Northeast Arnhem Land, 2025. Photo by Sea Shepherd Australia.
