Santo Domingo has become the epicenter of a critical environmental justice conversation as the Dominican Republic Plastics Action Platform (NPAP-RD) convened a multidisciplinary workshop to address the social dimensions of plastic pollution. The gathering brought together an unprecedented coalition of government officials, industry representatives, civil society advocates, and international organizations to examine how waste management practices disproportionately affect vulnerable populations.
The workshop featured preliminary findings from the groundbreaking Gender Equity and Social Inclusion (GESI) Report, which reveals stark disparities in how plastic pollution impacts women and marginalized communities. Unique perspectives emerged from grassroots recyclers, coastal community leaders, and representatives from informal settlements who highlighted systemic inequalities throughout the recycling value chain. These firsthand accounts provided crucial context for developing nationally appropriate solutions to environmental challenges.
Research indicates that informality remains pervasive across the recycling sector, creating significant barriers to social services, economic opportunities, and protection mechanisms for women and vulnerable workers. In response, authorities from the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and MSMEs joined industry leaders from the Association of Industries of the Dominican Republic in advocating for gender-responsive policy integration. The collaborative insights will directly inform the country’s Plastics Action Roadmap—a comprehensive 2025 initiative designed to advance circular economy principles and sustainable development goals through inclusive waste management strategies.