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.
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.
IslandPlas focuses on four areas of action
Strengthening source separation building community collection hubs improving logistics and supporting recovery at local level.
Supporting informal waste workers women and youth with training safer working conditions and opportunities in the circular economy.
Working with ministries municipalities and national partners to strengthen governance and move toward consistent circular practices.
Supporting governments to strengthen regulatory frameworks, align with regional commitments, and enforce evidence-based plastic governance.
IslandPlas operates across seven African island systems
Each island advances solutions that reflect its own context while contributing to a shared regional vision for reducing plastic waste leakage.
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