All single-use plastics, such bottles and straws, have been banned from national parks, beaches, forests and other protected areas in Kenya. The ban was hailed by the United Nations Environment Programme, which said it displayed Kenya’s dedication in addressing the global menace of plastic pollution.

The ban began today, on World Environment Day.

The BBC reports that three years ago Kenya had imposed one of the world’s most strict bans on plastic bags.

The UN’s environmental body estimates that, since the 1950’s, over eight billion tonnes of plastic have been produced across the globe.

Kenya, under normal circumstances, hosts two million tourists a year.

Umm Muhammed Umar