NUTEC Plastics initiative in Asia and the Pacific Region: Insights from IAEA project RAS 7038 on the harmonization of protocols for plastic monitoring

The application of nuclear science and new technologies is the keystone strategy of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to address the global challenge of plastic pollution through the NUTEC plastics initiative. In Asia and the Pacific region, the NUTEC initiative is embodied by the project RAS 7038 focusing on the monitoring of the marine environment for enhanced understanding of the abundance and impact of marine plastic pollution. RAS 7038 is participated in by seventeen countries in the region with different technical capabilities for plastic analysis and monitoring. The major goal of the project is to improve plastic management in Asia and the Pacific Region through establishment of downstream baseline surveys, and status and trends of marine plastic pollution impacts. The objectives will be achieved by improving capacity of member states through provision of equipment complemented by continual training and access to harmonized protocols for marine plastic monitoring. The project RAS 7038 sets the stage for inter-institutional coordination mechanisms between participating countries and establishing a network of stakeholders in the Asia and the Pacific region towards monitoring of marine plastic pollution and raising regional awareness on the application of isotopic techniques for marine plastic monitoring.