MANILA, Philippines – NAKATAKDANG magsama-sama sa Pilipinas ang mga opisyal ng gobyerno, scientists, at industry representatives mula sa mahigit na 100 bansa.
Ito’y dahil magho-host ang Pilipinas ng first-ever International High-Level Forum hinggil sa Nuclear Technology for Controlling Plastic Pollution (NUTEC Plastics).
Sinabi ng Department of Foreign Affairs na ang event, inorganisa ng International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), ay tatakbo mula Nov. 25 hanggang 26.
Layon nito na isulong ang science-driven strategies na gagamit ng nuclear technology para sugpuin o pigilin ang plastic waste, palakasin ang recycling systems, at protektahan ang marine ecosystems.
Winika pa ng DFA na bibigyang diin sa event ang nagpapatuloy na inisyatiba ng Pilipinas na suportado ng NUTEC Plastics program.
Kabilang dito ang Post-Radiation Reactive Extrusion (PREx) project, na gumagamit ng radiation processing para i- upgrade ang low-value plastic waste sa mas ‘durable materials.’
“One of its key outputs is the PREx Prototype House, a model structure showcasing how recycled plastic products can be applied for community housing and other practical uses,” ayon sa departamento.
Pinaghuhusay din ng Pilipinas ang monitoring nito sa microplastics sa coastal waters sa pamamagtan ng IAEA-assisted laboratories na ina-apply para sa pinagsama-samang global methods.
“These efforts are expected to strengthen the country’s understanding of marine pollution and inform policies to protect vulnerable coastal areas,” ayon sa DFA.
Kabilang naman sa bibigyang diin sa forum ang paglulunsad ng NUTEC Plastics Investment and Partnership Brochure, na bumabalangkas sa mga oportunidad para sa gobyerno, research institutions, at private companies para “to scale up nuclear-enabled recycling technologies, strengthen marine monitoring, and support sustainable industrial applications.”
“Technical sessions, exhibitions, and focused discussions will guide participating countries in forging collaborations and expanding the use of nuclear science for environmental protection. A dedicated session will also spotlight youth perspectives on nuclear solutions to the global plastic waste challenge,” ayon sa DFA.
Samantala, ang two-day forum ay bahagi ng pagsisikap ng Pilipinas na iposisyon ang sarili nito bilang lider sa “adopting innovative, science-based approaches to plastic pollution’ isang usapin na nakaaapekto sa ekonomiya at “marine ecosystems worldwide” sa buong mundo. Kris Jose
