Plastic Tsunami: Voices of the Pacific

The flow of plastic across the ocean to the Pacific Islands from First World and emerging nations is having untold impact. The Island Nations can’t handle the plastic waste being generated in by people in their communities including visitors. The islands land mass’ can’t accommodate landfill with plastic and other rubbish coming in from other parts of the world via ocean currents. An interesting fact-there are no words for plastic or toxic in local languages. The decision makers impacting the UN Plastic Treaty are not in agreement with terms that will reduce the amount of plastic produced or the chemical compounds it is made of. Large influential Countries are not signing the Treaty. The Islands don’t have a strong impactful voice at the decision making table and are at risk of being overlooked.
The micro-plastics in fish is 30 % higher than the International average. The Ocean is a living entity which could have rights.

Voices of the Pacific is positioned as a vital, emotional, and educational narrative that not only informs but inspires action. By spotlighting the firsthand experiences of the Pacific Island communities and their leaders in their fight against plastic pollution, the film will bind a global audience into recognising the critical state of the Pacific ocean and the urgent need for a unified response. This social impact documentary is a testament to the resilience of the people of the Pacific and a call to action for all who care about their future and the future of our planet.

The intention of the film is to turn the tide of plastic flowing into the Pacific Ocean. The film will drive awareness and educate. It will connect with the hearts and minds of decision makers in roles who can act: Governments and NGO’s that are in a position to make a difference through policy. Outside of a theatric and broadcast release, our intention is to ensure every attendee of the United Nations Plastic Treaty Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) meetings receives a copy to give voice to the impact of plastic in the Pacific and the Pacific Island nations. Those people have the power to influence policy, government and an outcome that is time critical as the final meetings INC-5 is in November. The inside knowledge about the politics going on within the INC meetings has been the catalyst for developing this film and pitching for funding to SPREP.

We have a long standing working relationship with the Pacific through the PacWastePlus (PWP) program (funded by the EU) over the past 8 years and our initial contact, Bradley Nolan, Programme Manager, PacWaste Plus over the past 18. We’ve worked in Country with representatives from the Island Nations a number of times and have witnessed their struggle with plastic as a substance but also a topic due to the fact the local languages don’t have words for toxic. We have strong personal ties to Fiji and PWP gives us diplomatic and culturally appropriate access to all Island nations, leaders, scientists and advocates, however PWP has signed an agreement to allow the film to be independent. Being an Australian with First Nation background this issue is particularly close to my heart and I have received warm inclusion from any Pacific Island community I have interacted with. They call me Sister and I am able to work alongside the communities.

Direct call for help to decision makers in boardrooms, Governments and policies which can enact change for plastic production and collection
The individual decision to minimise plastic use adds up – small acts big change
Boycott products produced by the big polluters
Sign the Change.org petition or similar (yet to be set up)
Email or direct message to decision makers