Regional leaders, environmental experts and development partners have gathered in Port Moresby city this week for the Melanesian Ocean Summit 2026, with discussions focused on marine pollution, climate resilience and sustainable ocean management across the Pacific.
Among the organizations participating in the summit is the Pacific Ocean Litter Project, which is working with Papua New Guinea and other Pacific nations to reduce single-use plastics and strengthen waste management systems throughout the region.
The summit, attended by representatives from 13 countries, is being hosted at the APEC Haus from May 11 to 14.
Speaking to PNG Haus Bung, Luatutu Andre Volentras, Project Manager of the Pacific Ocean Litter Project, said the initiative is funded by the Government of Australia and operates across 14 Pacific countries, including Papua New Guinea.
“Our goal is to help countries reduce their single-use plastics,” Volentras said.
He explained that one of the project’s key focuses in Papua New Guinea is supporting efforts to strengthen regulations surrounding plastic waste and improve legislation related to plastic bag bans.
“Papua New Guinea has looked at banning biodegradable bags, but there has not been much work on other single-use plastics,” he said.
As part of those efforts, the Pacific Ocean Litter Project is hosting a technical workshop at the Lamana Hotel on May 15, bringing together a technical working group alongside the Investment Promotion Authority (IPA) and other stakeholders to discuss ways to reduce single-use plastics in the country.
Volentras said the project is also collaborating with environmental authorities and local partners on coastal clean-up activities and waste audits in communities around Port Moresby.
In addition, the organization is working with the National Capital District Commission (NCDC) through school programs aimed at raising awareness about pollution and environmental protection.
The project is also encouraging local businesses and communities to develop environmentally friendly alternatives to plastic products.
Volentras said, “For example, using banana tree trunks to make paper bags. We are very interested in partnering with local communities in Papua New Guinea to do that.”
During the summit, Volentras said the organization hopes to highlight the work of the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) and strengthen partnerships with governments and organizations across the Pacific.
“We want to work with others to improve waste management and pollution control in countries like Papua New Guinea,” he stated.
The Pacific Ocean Litter Project continues to advocate for stronger regional cooperation and practical solutions to address the growing challenge of plastic pollution in pacific island nations.
