In this episode, host Merrisa Naidoo (GAIA/BFFP Africa Plastics Program Manager) talks to Farima Tidjani (adansonia.green | Coordinator & GAIA Africa Reuse Campaigner), Marian Ledesma (Greenpeace Southeast Asia - Philippines | Zero Waste Campaigner), Miquel Roset (Retorna.org | Director & Spokesperson), and Mason Hines (PR3: The Global Alliance to Advance Reuse, RESOLVE | Senior Program Manager) about implementable solutions — reuse at the heart of a robust plastics treaty.

Globally, over 300 million tons of plastic is produced, and a lot of it is for single use. We cannot escape plastic pollution, nor can we recycle our way out of this global crisis. Our planet, our economies, our health, and our communities require urgent action through long-lasting systemic approaches such as REUSE & REFILL, in order to reduce plastic production, meet our climate goals, stay within our planetary boundaries, create green jobs, and honour local knowledge. Africa for Zero Waste Facebook · Follow Africa for Zero Waste on Instagram

In this episode, Merrisa Naidoo (Africa Plastics Manager at GAIA and Break Free From Plastic (BFFP)), hosts a powerful conversation with leading voices from the global movement against plastic pollution.

She is joined by: Dr. Jamala Djinn, Science Policy Advisor at Break Free From Plastic and the Center for Coalfield Justice; Mohamed Kamal, Executive Director of the Greenish Foundation in Egypt and GAIA/BFFP Africa member; Kabir Arora, General Secretary of the International Alliance of Waste Pickers; and Sirine Rached, Senior Policy Advisor at GAIA.

Together, they unpack the critical question: What will it take to break the consensus deadlock at INC-5.2?

Right now, the world is working on a Global Plastics Treaty — a landmark agreement that could help tackle the plastic pollution crisis. But the process is facing major roadblocks.

Tune in as they explore the political dynamics and frontline perspectives shaping the future of global plastics negotiations. Africa for Zero Waste Facebook · Follow Africa for Zero Waste on Instagram

In this special 25th anniversary episode, Weyinmi Okotie, Program Manager for Clean Air at GAIA/BFFP Africa, sits down with Richard Benin, Executive Director of CODAF, and Maimoni Ubrei-Joe, Director of Campaigns and Administration at CODAF.

Together, they reflect on CODAF’s journey and explore how being a GAIA has strengthened and supported their mission.

[Recorded in April 2025]. Learn more about CODAF · Africa for Zero Waste Facebook · Follow Africa for Zero Waste on Instagram

In this special 25th anniversary episode, Andrea Dixon (GAIA/BFFP Africa Plastics Associate) is joined by Maditlhare Koena, Deputy Chairperson of the South African Waste Pickers Association (SAWPA). They discuss the vital role of women waste pickers in the global Zero Waste movement, reflect on GAIA’s 25-year journey, and explore the power of grassroots leadership in driving environmental justice.

[Recorded in March 2025] Learn more about SAWPA's work · Africa for Zero Waste Facebook · Follow Africa for Zero Waste on Instagram

In this episode, Dominic Coppens (Senior Managing Associate at Sidley Austin in Brussels and Professor of International Economic Law at Maastricht University in the Netherlands); Doun Moon (Policy and Research Officer at GAIA Global); Hibaa-Haibado Ismael (Djibouti INC Focal Point, Third Counsellor, and Deputy Permanent Representative to UNEP and UN-Habitat at the Embassy of Djibouti); and Mohamed Kamal (GAIA Africa Member and Executive Director at the Greenish Foundation in Egypt) talk to host Niven Reddy (Regional Coordinator of GAIA & BFFP in Africa) about why a dedicated fund is essential for effectively implementing the Global Plastics Treaty.

We’ll unpack the crucial role of dedicated funding in facilitating meaningful progress and ensuring the treaty’s ambitious goals are met. Africa for Zero Waste Facebook · Follow Africa for Zero Waste on Instagram

Needs for Global Production Reduction Targets Aligned with National Pledges.

In this episode, we'll be discussing Plastic Is Pollution: Why Global Production Reduction Targets Aligned With National Obligations Are Needed For The Effective Implementation Of The Global Plastics Treaty.

Join us as we explore the critical need to set global reduction targets for plastic production and how this can help fight plastic pollution, especially in Africa. Africa for Zero Waste Facebook · Follow Africa for Zero Waste on Instagram

In this episode, host Niven Reddy sits down with Mafoko Phomane (groundWork | Environmental Health Campaigner), Rico Euripidou (groundWork | Campaign Coordinator), Azeeza Rangunwala (groundWork | Global Green and Healthy Hospitals (GGHH) Coordinator), and Wassiana Trésor AVOMO ONDO (Gabon | Head of Regulatory Department, General Directorate of Environment and Sustainable Development) for an insightful conversation on Adjusting the Lens on Plastic & Healthcare.

Together, they debunk common myths and explore the real impact of plastic use in the medical field, shedding light on its environmental and health implications. GAIA/BFFP Africa Blog on Adjusting the Lens on Plastics & Healthcare · Africa for Zero Waste Facebook · Follow Africa for Zero Waste on Instagram

In this episode, Kenza Sara Elazkem (GAIA Africa’s Movement Building Program Manager) discusses GAIA's new work on Electric Vehicle (EV) batteries and their end of life, with host Niven Reddy. They explore the challenges and opportunities that EV batteries present, their management at the end of life, and what this means for the energy transition.

They also delve into GAIA’s mission to transition from our current linear and extractive economy to a circular system that ensures a safe and healthy environment for all. They share insights on fighting pollution, building regenerative solutions in cities, and the importance of local campaigns, policy shifts, research initiatives, and movement building. Check out GAIA's Renewable Energy Storage: Batteries Page! · Africa for Zero Waste Facebook · Follow Africa for Zero Waste on Instagram

In this episode, Niven Reddy (GAIA | Africa Regional Coordinator) talks to Ana Rocha (GAIA | Global Plastics Policy Director & Nipe Fagio | Executive Director), Mariel Vilella (GAIA | Global Climate Program Director), and Desmond Alugnoa (GAIA Africa | Zero Waste & Climate Program Manager) about the International Zero Waste Cities Conference (IZWCC) and the Methane Action and Environmental Justice Summit, both held in Dar es Salaam.

They delve into the goals and highlights of the IZWCC, the history of GAIA's partnership with Nipe Fagio, and the next steps for advancing zero waste initiatives. They also explore the relevance of methane mitigation and climate justice, share key outcomes of the Methane Summit, and discuss Africa's unique challenges and opportunities in zero waste and methane reduction. Plus, hear their insights on how these events shape the future of environmental action in Africa. Visit GAIA's conference webpage to learn more · Watch the discussions from IZWCC here · Africa for Zero Waste Facebook · Follow Africa for Zero Waste on Instagram

In this episode, podcast host Niven Reddy engages in a conversation with a panel of experts including Daniela Duran (Center for International Environmental Law - CIEL), Weyinmi Okotie (Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives and Break Free From Plastics Africa), Sam Adukumi (EnviroHealth Consult and part-time senior lecturer at University of Ghana), Mohamed Kamal (Greenish Foundation), and Alexandra Caterbow (Health and Environment Justice Support - HEJSupport).

They discuss the critical importance of addressing the full lifecycle of plastics within the framework of the Global Plastics Treaty. Africa for Zero Waste Facebook · Follow Africa for Zero Waste on Instagram