The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and GIZ Thailand have formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under which they will collaborate in implementing upstream measures to cut down single-use plastic consumption in Bangkok city within the framework of the Collaborative Action for Single-Use Plastic Prevention in Southeast Asia (CAP SEA) project. This collaboration, the MoU for which was signed at Bangkok City Hall (Sao Chingcha), is poised to improve the environment in Bangkok, make it a livable and sustainable capital, and significantly enhance the well-being of its residents.
The CAP SEA project aims to reduce single-use plastic waste in Southeast Asia, with a clear focus on upstream strategies of prevention and preparation for re-use. The project has successfully supported Thailand in developing policy recommendations, action plans and start-up initiatives to prevent and reduce single-use plastics and packaging waste. The collaboration with BMA focuses on a collaborative effort to combat single-use plastic pollution. Through the sharing of knowledge, resources and innovation, the project aims to support BMA in its waste management and pollution control efforts while aligning with the city’s Sustainable Environmental Development and Climate Change Strategy No. 2, as part of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s 20-year development plan, Phase 3 (B.E. 2566 – 2570).
Based on this agreement, BMA and GIZ will collaborate on the following 4 initiatives:
- Developing guidelines to set up a Reuse and/or Deposit Return Scheme (DRS) for reusable packaging at events and festivals.
- Conducting a study to prepare suitable preconditions for establishing a DRS at the city level, specifically for PET bottle packaging, through automated Reverse Vending Machines.
- Developing recommendations for the use and maintenance of refill systems to enhance the efficiency of water refill station systems and promote public confidence in terms of hygiene standards.
- Promoting awareness and actions to reduce single-use plastic consumption in BMA schools.
The success of these initiatives will be measured and evaluated through the active participation of staff members and international and Thai experts, ensuring a comprehensive and effective approach to tackling the single-use plastic issue in Bangkok.
Hans-Ulrich Südbeck, Chief of Mission and Head of the Economic Department of the German Embassy, highlighted the long-lasting and fruitful collaboration between Thailand and Germany, saying: “Last year, in 2022, Thailand and Germany celebrated their 160th anniversary of diplomatic relations under the motto “Partners for Sustainable Development”. This bilateral partnership between Thailand and Germany has proven to be successful and long-lasting in various fields, for instance, economics, education, tourism, public health, climate change, environmental topics, waste management, sustainable consumption and circular economy.”
Wantanee Wattana, Deputy Permanent Secretary and Acting Permanent Secretary of the BMA, stated that the BMA is committed to achieving the city’s Sustainable Environmental Development and Climate Change Strategy with support from GIZ. “The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding for the Collaborative Action for Single-Use Plastic Prevention in Southeast Asia (CAP SEA) project represents an expansion of environmental cooperation, particularly in managing plastic waste. It aims to enhance the efficiency of Bangkok’s operations, which pose a challenge in addressing the city’s plastic waste issue. The ultimate goal is to transform Bangkok into a sustainable and livable capital city.”
Reinhold Elges, Country Director of GIZ Thailand, expressed gratitude to the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany for their ongoing partnership and emphasised the collaboration between Bangkok and GIZ in addressing the environmental crisis. “With over 60 years of experience in Thailand, GIZ has a strong presence in the country. The signing of this MoU marks a significant milestone in GIZ’s efforts to enhance its engagement at the city level. Through the exchange of approaches, policies, business models and best practices, the BMA will gain valuable insights and strengthen its capacity by deepening its knowledge, information, practical skills and experience.”
The CAP SEA project is a part of the global project, Export Initiative Environmental Protection, which aims to improve the enabling environment and develop markets for the introduction and long-term application of innovative, integrated environmental and climate change mitigation technologies, as well as the development of innovative green infrastructure in its partner countries. It is funded by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety, and Consumer Protection (BMUV) from May 2020 until March 2023. Building upon achievements, the project will maintain its efforts to reduce single-use plastic waste with a clear focus on upstream strategies of prevention and preparation for re-use at city level until March 2025.
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