Video conference, 3 June 2025: The SEA-MaP Regional Project organized the First Technical Consultation for the Development of the Regional Behavioral Change Communication (BCC) Strategy Playbook via video conference.

This workstream supports the implementation of Action 11 of the ASEAN Regional Action Plan for Combating Marine Debris (RAP) in the ASEAN Member States which calls for the development of the Playbook for plastic and plastic waste, focusing on three key behaviors: littering, usage of single-use plastics, and sorting and recycling.

The Consultation featured two participatory sessions that focused on seeking inputs, guidance, and validation on two key activities:

1. Findings and recommendations based on a needs assessment and stocktaking exercise that focused on five main areas: (i) needs assessment review, (ii) stocktaking and best practices review, (iii) target groups analysis, (iv) vulnerable groups and women, and (v) country context in the ASEAN region, and
2. Proposed key principles, methodologies, and the overall approach and structure for the development of the Playbook. The second session also tested three mock-up Playbook alternatives through visual designs which highlighted differing engagement approaches, such as options for storytelling or the use of extensive text to allow room for more analytical depth.

Participants included representatives from the ASEAN Member States, the ASEAN Secretariat, the Project Management Unit (PMU), and observer participants from the World Bank and SEA-MaP Regional Implementation Support Unit (RISU) within the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS). The Consultation was facilitated by Making Oceans Plastic Free (MOPF)/PT Ini Solusi Hijau, the consulting firm contracted to support the development of the Playbook.

A second consultation, tentatively in October 2025, will be organized by SEA-MaP to further guide the development of the Playbook. Both the first and second consultations are organized to ensure the Playbook’s contextual applicability and alignment with the priorities and needs of stakeholders in the ASEAN region. Subsequently, a capacity building activity through a Regional Workshop is also scheduled to accompany the Playbook’s dissemination and rollout.