CALL TO ACTION: The Plastic Initiative Award

The Plastic Initiative Award

There is growing momentum to implement sustainable plastic-management strategies and prevent plastic waste from entering the marine environment. In the Asia-Pacific, countries have enacted or are considering bans on single-use plastic, while countries such as China, Thailand, Viet Nam and most recently the Philippines have announced that they will cease to import plastic waste from other countries. Such developments are in line with the Basel Convention Ban Amendment to control the import of hazardous and other wastes into developing countries.

The Ban Amendment is a crucial move to lead countries to find environmentally friendly solutions to manage hard-to-recycle mixed and non-recyclable plastics on their own, instead of exporting their problems abroad. Such national-level strategies are essential, particularly as countries are more likely to clean up their act closer to home.

More needs to be done. With about 8 million tonnes of plastic contaminating the oceans every year, there is urgent need for innovative and data-based solutions implemented at every level. To that end, UNESCO Bangkok has launched the Plastic Initiative to support countries in Asia-Pacific to improve environmental studies programmes for young people and help governments to develop environmental policies. The Thai government sector, private sector and UN agencies have shown strong support for the Initiative. We are also planning to organize a Donor and Fundraising event to support the Plastic Initiative on 27–29 September 2019 at the National Science Museum in Pathum Thani. 

The Plastic Initiative Award, developed by UNESCO Bangkok, is an opportunity for schools, universities and other institutions doing work related to reuse/reduce/recycle, plastic waste management, and innovation to solve plastic pollution issues, with proven track records of implementation to come together and be recognized for their work. The event is also a chance to network and join UNESCO as a part of The Plastic Initiative, with their work rewarded in a recognition ceremony at a Donor/Fundraising event. The winner will be invited to the Donor/Fundraising event on 27 September 2019 at the National Science Museum of Thailand to give a presentation. Stories from all the applicants will be featured on The Plastic Initiative website and used for further outreach efforts to inspire communities about plastic waste management.

Timeline

• 5 June: Event launch inviting participants to submit their projects through the application system. 

• 31 July: Deadline for applications.

• 30 August: Announcement of the winner of The Plastic Initiative Award on the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Facebook page and at www.theplasticinitiative.org.

• 27  September: Donor/Fundraising event including the award ceremony for the winner.

Prizes

• First prize: The winner will receive The Plastic Initiative trophy as well as be given a platform to publicize their projects and contributions. The winner’s story will be also be featured in the museum’s Hall of Fame. Flight tickets and accommodation will be provided to join The Plastic Initiative Donor/Fundraising event at the National Science Museum of Thailand on 27 September.

• Second prize: The second-prize winner will receive The Plastic Initiative trophy and be featured on related platforms to publicize their projects and contributions.

• Popular vote: The winner of the popular vote will receive The Plastic Initiative trophy.

 *For popular vote, all projects will be posted on Facebook UNESCO Asia Pacific. The project that has the highest like or reaction score is considered as the popular vote winner.

The jury and scoring criteria

The jury will comprise five experts with experience in Asia-Pacific environmental issues.

Scoring criteria for UNESCO’s Plastic Initiative Award are separated into three parts which consist of benefits for communities and the environment, education and plastic waste eliminating capacities. Both benefits communities and environment and benefits for education contribute 25 percent to each section, while plastic waste eliminating capacity contributes 50 percent.

Who is eligible?

Educational institutions that are doing work related to reuse/reduce/recycle, plastic waste management and innovation to solve the plastic pollution issues, with a proven track record of implementation. Eligible participants must be from UNESCO Member States in the Asia-Pacific.

How to apply?

Interested participants should file their applications with the Award Secretariat at UNESCO Bangkok by 31 July 2019 via the official Award Application Form or sc.bangkok@unesco.org available at the UNESCO Bangkok or The Plastic Initiative websites.

*More details about the Award, including evaluation criteria, application process and conditions of entry are also available at the website

For more information, please visit the website: www.theplasticinitiative.org

The Plastic Initiative Photography Contest

The Award will be complemented by the Plastic Initiative Photography Contest, with photo submissions accepted via this online form. Submitted photos needs to be related to the theme of World Environment Day: “Beat Plastic Pollution!” Twenty selected photos will be exhibited at the Donor/Fundraising event. 

Criteria

• The Photo resolution must be at least 1920 x 1080

• The Photos must have description that relate to the theme “beat plastic pollution”

• The submitted photo can be any the picture that was taken by DSLR, Mirrorless, Compact, Drone, Action Camera and Smartphone no longer than one year ( from 31 July 2018 – 31 July 2019 )

• The submitted file type must be .jpg

• The submitted photo must not be published in any photo contests or advertisements

Prizes

• First prize: The winner will receive The Plastic Initiative trophy as well as be given a platform to publicize their projects and contributions. The winner’s story will be also be featured in the museum’s Hall of Fame.

• Popular vote: The winner of the popular vote will receive The Plastic Initiative trophy.

*For popular vote, all photos will be posted on facebook UNESCO Asia Pacific. The Photo that has the highest like or reaction score is considered as the popular vote winner.

How to apply?

Interested participants should send their photos by 31 July 2019 via the official Photo Contest Application Form or email: sc.bangkok@unesco.org available at the UNESCO Bangkok or The Plastic Initiative websites.
*More details about the Award, including evaluation criteria, application process and conditions of entry are also available at the website

For more information, please visit the website: www.theplasticinitiative.org