Dear friends and colleagues,

More than a year after the outbreak of the global chain of infection, it still takes a lot of courage, solidarity, creativity, and innovation to address the limitations of everyday life and the health and existential concerns and needs of many people. Many social and economic imbalances are becoming clearer than ever. 

Lockdowns and restrictions on in-person meetings continue to be the norm across Asia. Many BFFP members have gone beyond their typical work to working in the frontlines to provide food and medical support to communities. A few have open or ongoing fundraising campaigns to support their COVID-19 response that we invite you to contribute to. Many of our members continue to explore ways to continue activities while taking all precautions to keep their teams safe. We will continue to support these while creating opportunities for more digital formats and hybrid events. 

In addition, we will soon roll out a mindfulness training programme for BFFP AP members so that our movement sustains and flourishes. The pandemic has increased dependence on single-use plastics and cancelled travel and in-person meetings, making the work of BFFP members simultaneously lonelier and more difficult. This has widened what was, for many members, an already-existing gulf between a life of environmental work and a life of personal growth, balance, and joy. The programme will help us guard against burnout and anxiety, while also enhancing the capacity to think longer-term and strategically about solutions.

We are grateful for your continued efforts in the fight against the plastic pollution crisis, and welcome your suggestions on how the BFFP AP team can support you in these difficult times.

In solidarity,

Satyarupa Shekhar

Coordinator - BFFP Asia Pacific