Delegates from key nations wrapped up three days of informal discussions in Tokyo on Tuesday, describing the sessions as constructive steps toward reviving a stalled global agreement on plastic pollution. A participant in the negotiations noted that the talks exceeded low expectations following breakdowns in prior rounds.
The meetings, hosted by Japan’s environment ministry, brought together representatives from about 20 countries, including major oil producers such as Saudi Arabia, Russia, and the United States, alongside smaller island nations like Antigua and Barbuda and Palau, as well as China, India, and the European Union. No formal decisions emerged, as anticipated, but the dialogue marked a potential shift after failures in South Korea in 2024 and Geneva last August.
One negotiator, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the sessions restarted conversations that had nearly collapsed. “This could open a path to agreement,” the source added, noting that outcomes might have turned out far worse given recent setbacks.
Japan’s chief negotiator, Satoshi Yoshida, mirrored the sentiment, stating that participants held solid discussions and planned additional meetings in the months ahead. The next gathering is set for Dakar in May, where delegates aim to build on this momentum.
The push for a treaty stems from mounting concerns over plastic’s environmental toll. Each year, the world produces over 400 million tonnes of plastic, with half destined for single-use products. Much of this ends up in oceans, rivers, and landfills, harming wildlife and ecosystems.
Nations remain divided on the treaty’s scope. A broad coalition seeks strict measures, including cuts to plastic production and bans on high-risk chemicals. In contrast, oil-rich countries advocate a narrower focus on waste management and recycling, avoiding limits on output.
Costa Rica, a longtime advocate for strong environmental protections, has closely followed these developments. Though not listed among the Tokyo attendees, the country has played an active role in earlier negotiations. After the Geneva talks suspended without resolution, Costa Rica’s foreign ministry reaffirmed its dedication to combating plastic pollution, pushing for binding global and national actions grounded in science.
In Geneva, Costa Rican delegates proposed procedural changes to advance discussions, aligning with the High Ambition Coalition—a group of over 60 nations calling for comprehensive curbs on plastics. Costa Rica’s efforts reflect its domestic policies, such as bans on single-use plastics in national parks and incentives for recycling, which have reduced coastal waste.
United Nations Environment Programme Executive Director Inger Andersen expressed optimism in an October interview, calling a treaty “totally doable.” She pointed out that no party has abandoned the process, signaling shared resolve despite disagreements. The informal Tokyo talks signal cautious progress, but challenges persist. Oil-dependent economies resist production caps, arguing they could harm growth, while vulnerable states highlight plastics’ role in marine debris that threatens fisheries and tourism.
For Costa Rica, a treaty holds direct benefits. Our country’s beaches and marine reserves face ongoing threats from plastic waste carried by currents from afar. Officials in San José have emphasized that global coordination is essential, as local actions alone cannot stem the tide. As negotiations head to Dakar, observers hope the constructive tone from Tokyo carries forward. With plastic production projected to rise without intervention, time presses for a deal that addresses the full lifecycle—from manufacturing to disposal.
