INOPOL

A team of INOPOL project partners visited Oslo last week, and the The Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA) main office as part of a training programme to learn more about cutting edge microplastics research, including sampling and analysis techniques. Field work was carried out along Oslo's Alna river for microplastics sampling with a manta trawl, before analyzing the samples in our lab facilities at NIVA. Several theory sessions by NIVA experts were also held. The week was concluded with a final event on Friday and the handing out of certificates! It was a great pleasure for NIVA and the INOPOL project to host our Indian colleagues, and we hope that the skills gained will strengthen the fight against plastic pollution. Thank you to all the participants and NIVA experts, as well as the Embassy of India, Oslo for joining for the final event, and to the Norwegian Embassy in New Delhi for support in this event! Central Institute of Plastics Engineering & Technology (CIPET), Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board - India, Toxics Link, Mu Gamma Consultants Pvt. Ltd. SRM IST Chennai Acquino Vimal, Dr.Jayanthi Murali, Andreas B. Schei Suresh Mathevan Picture credits: Sindre Haugan and Amy-Kristine Andersen

The capacity-building program: Insights and practices for reducing plastic pollution and POPs in India wrapped up successfully on Sep 30 and Oct 1, 2024. This is part of the important bilateral India-Norway Marine Pollution Initiative- Project INOPOL. Leading experts from The Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Central Institute of Petrochemicals Engineering & Technology (CIPET), Mu Gamma Consultants Pvt. Ltd., SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), and Toxics Link delivered several sessions on reducing plastic and POPs pollution in the marine environment. Key takeaways: 🔹Comprehensive insights into regulatory frameworks and international efforts, including the ongoing plastics treaty negotiations. 🔹 Innovative technologies and methods for monitoring plastics and POPs. 🔹 Sampling protocols and instrumentation techniques in identifying microplastics and various classes of POPs. 🔹 Multi-stakeholder discussions on driving policy and practice for a cleaner environment. A big thanks to Mr. Andreas B. Schei, Royal Norwegian Embassy in New Delhi, and Dr.Jayanthi Murali, Chairperson, Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board - India), Prof. Thorjørn Larssen, NIVA for your address. Thanks to all the experts from NIVA, SRMIST, CIPET, MGC, Toxics Link, and participants for making this an impactful and solution-driven event! Together, we're one step closer to tackling global pollution challenges. 💧♻️ #INOPOL #PlasticPollution #POPs #Sustainability #EnvironmentalAction #IndiaNorway #GreenFuture #PolicyAndPractice #TNPCB #microplastics Dr Girija Bharat Hans Nicolai Adam Marianne Olsen Sissel Brit Ranneklev Kine Bæk Smita Mohanty Rachel Hurley Piyush Mohapatra Emmy Nøklebye satish Sinha Paromita Chakraborty Avanti Roy Basu Anagha Krishnan Kriti Akansha, PhD Manisha Jain Neha Lakhwan alka dubey Pavithra K Ronnie Rex K Girija Prasad Amy-Kristine Andersen Vilde Kloster Snekkevik Nathaniel Bhakupar Dkhar Sonia Grover, PhD

We follow rivers to understand plastic pollution 🕵️♀️ During a recent field campaign, we traveled downstream along the Kaveri River in India. Our aim was to follow the plastic trail to understand what types of plastic dominate these river systems and ultimately accumulate in the ocean.  🙋This is the first time this type of study is being conducted along this river catchment, and adapting methodologies to the river and geographical context is crucial. 🌦️ Our next step is to explore how seasonal changes, particularly the monsoon, impact the amount and types of plastic pollution in the river. 🍃 By looking into these seasonal changes, we aim to better understand the dynamics of plastic pollution and be able to develop more effective strategies for mitigating plastic pollution in the area. As part of the INOPOL project NIVA is monitoring for plastic pollution in the riverine systems of Tamil Nadu and Uttarakhand state. Collaborating with our partners SRM Institute of Science and Technology (SRMIST), Mu Gamma Consultants Pvt. Ltd., Toxics Link, Central Institute of Plastics Engineering & Technology (CIPET) and the Norwegian Embassy in New Delhi

📢 Contribute to Research on Just Transition Towards Ending Plastic Pollution in India 🌏🌊💧 We need your insights! Participate in INOPOLs survey and help shape a common understanding of a just transition towards ending plastic pollution in India - What does it mean and for whom? Survey Link ➡ https://lnkd.in/ghxMA5pc  What does it entail: 🔬Contribute to groundbreaking research 💡 Share your views on achieving equitable solutions for plastic pollution  🌱 Join a follow-up dialogue on overcoming barriers to a just transition Why it matters:  📝 Help defining what "just transition" means in Indian contexts  🌏 Contribute to more inclusivity in global plastics treaty discussions  🌐 Support identifying local impacts of plastic pollution and ensure no one are left behind Quick and Easy:  ⏳ Survey takes 10-15 minutes Who can participate? 💧 Anyone interested in and working with plastics and justice issues in India Your input is vital for creating sustainable, inclusive solutions. Thank you for your contribution! #PlasticPollution #JustTransition #Sustainability #GlobalPlasticsTreaty #InclusiveSolutions #ClimateJustice #EnvironmentalJustice 

🌊 INOPOL at the International Conference on Plastic Pollution and Marine Litter 🙏 The INOPOL team express our gratitude to the Norwegian Embassy in New Delhi for organising an inspiring conference on Circular Economy in Marine and Riverine Ecosystems, in Chennai earlier this month! 💡 The INOPOL team were excited to participate and engage in the conference, contributing with their insights and enthusiasm to the discussions on creating sustainable solutions. 🌐 INOPOL project partner Dr Girija Bharat from Mu Gamma Consultants Pvt. Ltd. moderated a fireside chat on policy, while Emmy Nøklebye from Norsk institutt for vannforskning (NIVA) presented INOPOLs work on the role of the informal sector in contributing to solutions to end plastic pollution, including how debates around just transition fit within the ongoing #PlasticsTreaty negotiations. 🌍 We extend our heartfelt thanks to all participants for their invaluable contributions. Together, we can achieve meaningful progress in tackling plastic pollution! 🌱 We are looking forward to continuing important discussions and research to identify science-based solutions to the pressing issue of plastic pollution - Hans Nicolai Adam, Paromita Chakraborty, Smita Mohanty, satish Sinha, Marianne Olsen, Dr Girija Bharat, Nathaniel Bhakupar Dkhar, Emmy Nøklebye, Amy-Kristine Andersen, Kine Bæk, and Karoline Slettebø Arvidsson. Mu Gamma Consultants Pvt. Ltd., SRM IST Chennai, Toxics Link and Norsk institutt for vannforskning (NIVA). #PlasticPollution #MarineLitter #CircularEconomy #SustainableFuture #EnvironmentDay #WorldOceanDay #Sustainability #PlasticsTreaty #JustTransition 

June 7, 2024: International Conference on Plastic Pollution and Marine Litter, organized by the Norwegian Embassy in New Delhi It was a privilege to prepare, plan, and moderate the first session on "Leveraging Social Innovation in the Informal Waste Economy to Drive Circular Economy Solutions for Marine and Riverine Ecosystems." The session underscored the pivotal role of social innovation in transforming waste management practices, reducing pollution, and promoting sustainable economic growth in cities, urban centers, businesses, and social ventures. Some crucial insights that were shared by the panelists: Bharati Chaturvedi highlighted Chintan (Environmental Research and Action Group) 's work addressing informal sector issues, especially in Delhi, and emphasized the need for data, relevant policy frameworks, and integrated efforts. Dinithi Samarathunga from IUCN Sri Lanka discussed the crucial work under the MARESSOL project, next steps for India and Sri Lanka in addressing ALDFG (abandoned or otherwise discarded fishing gear), and how these efforts can facilitate regional learning and collaboration. Emmy Nøklebye #NIVA shared insights on key debates related to waste management and just transition, including participation in decision-making, safeguarding human and labor rights, social services, fair remuneration, and financial and technical support for sustainable reuse, repair, and recycling. She also highlighted her work on the #INOPOL project in India. Suraj Nandakumar spoke about Recity work in over 70 Indian cities, ensuring effective and transparent material recovery through automated and digitized solutions. He emphasized the importance of catalyzing actions to strengthen financing for such interventions, considering the challenges posed by a lack of funds. Siddhard Hande Kabadiwalla Connect highlighted the need to map databases of informal actors in cities (linked to his work in Chennai) to ensure their integration, focusing on enumeration, social protection, digitalized procurement, and dignified collection. My key takeaway from the panel is the need to emphasize midstream options for informal sector integration while addressing downstream challenges. I wish we had more time for these discussions. It was a pleasure to meet the Ambassador of Norway to India, May-Elin Stener, and commend her efforts in fostering collaborations among partners in Norway and South Asia on circular economy. A huge thank you to Beate Kværnes Langset, Suresh Mathevan, Manu Arya, and the team from the embassy for effortlessly organizing this conference, which saw participation from key stakeholders in the waste and circular economy sector across India. It was also wonderful to reconnect with old friends and colleagues in the sector. Thanks to my team GRID-Arendal for all the support extended. Photo credits: Aditi Ramola Kartik Kapoor Nathaniel Bhakupar Dkhar

Have a look at what the INOPOL project is doing in India👇

Tackling environmental pollution for healthier rivers 🏭 💪 The Kaveri River is one of India’s seven sacred rivers, providing drinking water, food, irrigation, electricity, and recreation. But the pressing issues of plastic and environmental pollution are clearly visible along the riverbank. 🧑🤝🧑 We are working with our partners in India to fight this pollution. An important tool in our arsenal is the monitoring of chemicals, so that we can identify the sources of pollution and take actionable measures. 🧪 On our recent visit to India, our team and local experts worked together to learn more about how to find and measure pollution in the aquatic environment, focusing on harmful chemicals known as POPs (Persistent Organic Pollutants) 👩🏽⚕️ POPs are toxic chemicals that persist in the environment, spread globally, bioaccumulate through the food chain, and pose significant risks to human health and the planets ecosystems. 🏭 By monitoring the water, sediments, and fish we get a clearer picture of the problem and it the sources. Keeping a close eye on POPs is an important step towards reducing their adverse impact on the environment and human health. Want to learn more about our work in India? Check out: niva.no/inopol 👈 A big thanks to SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Mu Gamma Consultants, Toxics Link, and Central Institute of Plastics Engineering and Technology and the Royal Norwegian Embassy in New Delhi

Today, on the International Day of Action for Rivers, let's raise our voices for the lifelines of our planet. #Rivers are vital for #biodiversity, #livelihoods, and cultural heritage. Mu Gamma Consultants Pvt. Ltd., with its partners (Norsk institutt for vannforskning (NIVA), SRM University, Central Institute of Petrochemicals Engineering & Technology (CIPET), Toxics Link) have been working tirelessly to ensure healthy rivers from the Ganga to the Cauvery for #sustainable growth. Initiatives like INOPOL are instrumental in reducing #plastic #pollution #hazardous #chemical waste that pollutes these rivers. Let's commit to protecting and restoring these precious #ecosystems for future generations. #InternationalDayofActionforRivers

India Norway Marine Pollution Initiative Could bilateral meetings at the highest level lead to tangible benefits? Yes, it has! In 2019, when the Indian and the Norwegian prime ministers met, among other things, they agreed to cooperate on the many facets of Blue Economy. One MoU was to address marine and plastic pollution. The parties were the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change & the Norwegian Embassy in New Delhi. Five projects are supported under the India-Norway Marine Pollution Initiative. The Norwegian Institute of Water Research (NIVA) and its consortium of Indian partners such as Mu Gamma Consultants, TERI, Toxics Link, REACH-SRM Institute of Science & Technology and CIPET, have assessed the microplastics and POPs entering the ocean through waterways in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. Through this project they have built capacity of state pollution control boards to sample, monitor and test samples for microplastics and POPs and develop management measures. The Centre for Science and Environment has built capacity of municipalities to sustainably handle solid waste. Two associations have been formed in this regard; Coalition of Coastal cities to combat marine litter and Forum of Cities that segregate. SINTEF demonstrates that non-recyclable plastic waste (a challenging waste stream in India) can be co-processed in cement plants. Afroz Shah Foundation shows that voluntarism is possible in preventing litter from reaching seas. UNEP India coordinates the knowledge generated from the iniitaive and it also generates knew knowledgde through alternatives for plastic, plastic recycling, EPR models etc. So whats my role in this initiative? Grant manager who focuses on results generated out of the initiative. The photo was taken during the sixth Project Steering Committee of the initiative-attended by project partners and relevant ministries from both countries. It was agreed that progress made so far was significant and substantial. The website on the initiative maintained by UNEP India has all the reports generated by partners https://lnkd.in/gPfUN6nN