About IslandPlas
IslandPlas is a multi year initiative led by IUCN with support from The Coca-Cola Foundation. The programme strengthens circular solutions to plastic waste across seven African island states. IslandPlas works with governments, communities, innovators and enterprise actors to design practical systems that reduce leakage, improve recovery and support livelihoods. The approach focuses on what works for islands where land space, infrastructure and transport challenges make plastic waste management uniquely complex.
Across Cabo Verde Comoros Madagascar Mauritius Sao Tome and Principe Seychelles and Zanzibar IslandPlas promotes local action and practical collaboration to keep plastic waste in the economy and out of nature.
The Island Challenge
Island nations face limited landfill space high import dependency mixed waste flows and the high cost of transport. These pressures make plastic waste difficult to manage and increase the risk of leakage into coastlines water bodies and communities. IslandPlas addresses these challenges through locally designed solutions that connect households municipalities and community networks to simpler and more reliable systems.
Our Approach
IslandPlas focuses on four areas of action
1. Waste Reduction
Strengthening source separation building community collection hubs improving logistics and supporting recovery at local level.
2. Livelihood Enhancement
Supporting informal waste workers women and youth with training safer working conditions and opportunities in the circular economy.
3. Policy Alignment
Working with ministries municipalities and national partners to strengthen governance and move toward consistent circular practices.
4. Circular Innovation
Supporting governments to strengthen regulatory frameworks, align with regional commitments, and enforce evidence-based plastic governance.
Where We Work
IslandPlas operates across seven African island systems
- Cabo Verde
- Sao Tome and Principe
- Comoros
- Madagascar
- Mauritius
- Seychelles
- Zanzibar
Each island advances solutions that reflect its own context while contributing to a shared regional vision for reducing plastic waste leakage.
