Led by Dr Caroline Fassina, co-authored with Dr André Pardal, Dr Leandra Gonçalves, CPF's Associate Professor Pedro Fidelman and Professor Ronaldo Christofoletti, published a new article in Marine Pollution Bulletin: “Extending Responsibility: Port-Based Downscaling Targets for the Global Plastic Treaty”.
This study highlights ports as strategic governance nodes to bridge global commitments with enforceable local policies to implement the Global Plastic Treaty (GPT). The GPT aims to tackle plastic pollution, but effective implementation requires actionable strategies at key leverage points.
This paper examines the strategic role of the Port of Santos (SE Brazil), the busiest in the South Atlantic, in advancing GPT implementation through midstream port-based governance. By analysing 19 years of bulk cargo data, the researchers identified four chemical cargoes - naphthas, other naphthas, styrene, and vinyl acetate - as indicators of plastic production. These cargoes, totaling over 7 million tons, are largely managed by four operators.
The findings suggest that targeting these actors through port-based governance can accelerate national GPT implementation. The paper underscores the strategic value of ports as governance nodes that translate global commitments into effective, local action.
The researchers recommend a new governance model such as Connected Producer Responsibility to integrate ports into extended producer responsibility frameworks and enable measurable reduction targets.
