GABORONE, Aug. 20 (Xinhua) -- The Botswanan government has announced plans to implement a comprehensive ban on single-use plastic bags in a phased manner, in line with a directive from President Duma Boko.
The action underscores the government's commitment to addressing environmental degradation, protecting livestock, and safeguarding public health against the growing threat of plastic pollution, particularly from single-use plastic bags, said the Ministry of Environment and Tourism in a joint statement dated Wednesday with the Ministry of Trade and Entrepreneurship.
By adopting a gradual phase-out approach, the ministry said it aims to systematically eliminate non-essential single-use plastics while giving the market sufficient time to shift to sustainable, eco-friendly packaging alternatives.
Both ministries are actively engaging with plastic bag manufacturers to facilitate industrial retooling for recyclable and biodegradable products, secure sustainable supply chains, and implement measures that directly protect local jobs and investments, said the statement.
The government encourages the business community and the public to embrace the transition as an opportunity for innovation, green job creation, and sustainable enterprise development. ■