Strengthening Plastic Pollution Management in Asia and the Pacific (Mekong River Basin) - Terminal Review

This report is a terminal review of the United Nations Environment Programme project, Strengthening Plastic Pollution Management in Asia and the Pacific, which was implemented between 2023 and 2025. The project aimed to enhance national and local waste management systems for plastic pollution across Asia and the Pacific Islands through the development of tools and protocols for assessment and monitoring. The review assessed performance across nine criteria using data collected through in-depth interviews, focus group discussions, and document reviews, analysed against a reconstructed theory of change. Findings indicate the project achieved highly satisfactory results, successfully validating standardized monitoring protocols, strengthening technical capacities for diverse stakeholders, and establishing regional knowledge exchanges. Recommendations focus on sustained financing, regional coordination, and integrating these protocols into existing platforms.