Online platform
21 October 2021
The UN Environment Programme (UNEP), as part of its 2019-2021 International Scientific Advisory Group (SAC) Group deliverable, launched the Global Assessment of Marine Litter and Plastic Pollution Report.
Titled “From Pollution to Solution”, the report is a landmark assessment detailing and analysing the current state of scientific knowledge on marine litter and plastic pollution. It reveals the impact of marine litter and plastic pollution in the environment and their effects on the health of ecosystems, wildlife, and humans.
A screenshot of the launching.
The forum presented key findings of the global assessment, which involved key experts and stakeholders from worldwide, including MIMA. It discussed various scientific findings in the report, knowledge gaps, emerging issues, policy implications of the assessment for governments and other stakeholders, including industry players. It also provided an overview of the Global Partnership on Marine Litter (GPML)’s action tracks and activities and the digital platform to further enhance multi-stakeholder engagement and collaboration.
More than 500 participants attended online from different parts of the world. The forum encompassed two Panel Discussions, i.e., Scientific Findings and Policy Implications. Cheryl Rita, Head of the Centre for Coastal and Marine Environment MIMA, was invited to speak at Panel 1 on the sources and pathways of marine litter and associated challenges. Touching on the various aspects of marine litter data and information, Speakers at the Session also included representatives from The Pew Charitable Trusts, GRID-Arendal, the Minderoo Foundation, and experts from the academe. Speakers for Panel 2 included ambassadors and representatives from the European Commission, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), and others.
MIMA was represented by Cheryl Rita (top centre) at Panel 1 of the Session, focusing on scientific findings.
Panel 2 of the Session focusing on policy implications.
Overall, the report confirmed the need for urgent global action on marine litter and plastic pollution, heightened by the growing threats on all ecosystems from source to sea. The forum acknowledged the need for political will and urgent action by governments to tackle the crisis. Next, the report will further inform discussions at the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA 5.2) next year for global cooperation on the way forward.
Acknowledging the significance of the subject area, MIMA has had the pleasure to be involved actively in related discussions and actively shaping the national guidance policy and action plan in cooperation with the focal ministry, relevant agencies, and stakeholders. MIMA will continue to play a role in advancing efforts to address marine litter pollution at various levels.
For further information on the global launch, please refer to the following links:
https://www.gpmarinelitter.org/news/news/launch-event-pollution-solution-global-assessment-marine-litter-and-plastic-pollution
https://www.unep.org/resources/pollution-solution-global-assessment-marine-litter-and-plastic-pollution
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocJEINqDOf4&t=1s
