The MFA-SCP Waste Segregation and Plastic Recycling (WSPR) IORA Bilateral Programme was conducted to share Singapore's comprehensive approach to sustainable waste management and the prevention of marine litter. Held from 18–22 March 2024 in Singapore, the programme’s primary purpose was to provide IORA Member States with insights into circular economy frameworks and urban sustainability strategies.
Key objectives included understanding Singapore’s Zero Waste Masterplan, examining legislative frameworks for waste minimization, such as the Resource Sustainability Act (RSA) and the Environmental Public Health Act (EPHA), and exploring practical engagement strategies for the public and private sectors.
The event was organized by the Civil Service College (CSC) on behalf of the Singapore Cooperation Programme (SCP) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Participation included 17 mid- to senior-level government officials from 10 IORA Member States, specifically representing Comoros, France, India, Iran, Kenya, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates. The curriculum employed a mix of technical presentations and experiential "learning journeys".
Key sessions addressed the Singapore Green Plan 2030, the National Action Strategy on Marine Litter (NASML), and the Prevention of Pollution of the Sea Act (PPSA), which aligns with MARPOL standards. A central highlight featured visits to the Tuas South Incineration Plant to observe waste-to-energy (WTE) processes and to a fully automated recycling plant at Tuas View Square specializing in e-waste and large household appliances. Additional sessions explored innovative technologies like waste gasification and social enterprise models for textile recycling.
Main outcomes included a strengthened regional understanding of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and the necessity of robust data management for tracking waste performance. Participants emphasized the value of stakeholder consultations at all stages of waste management and identified future interests in addressing microplastics and used water management. This programme is directly relevant to IORA’s Blue Economy, advancing regional cooperation and capacity building to promote sustainable development and protect the marine environment across the Indian Ocean.
