Officials across five regions gathered in London and online for the OceanLitter Programme Global Task Force Training and Workshop (12-14 November) to collaborate on solutions to address marine plastic litter from the shipping and fisheries sectors.
More than 100 participants, including government representatives, researchers, NGOs and private-sector stakeholders, exchanged insights on governance, legal and policy reforms and global best practices to address sea-based marine plastic pollution.
In his opening remarks, David Osborne, Director of the Marine Environment Division at IMO, encouraged joint action from participants: “We all understand that we need more science, more technology, better waste management systems and more money if we are to buck the trend of increasing marine litter. But these needs must not stop us acting now.”
The event underscored the crucial role women play in developing and implementing solutions to prevent and reduce sea-based plastic pollution. Presentations and an exhibition showcased emerging research and innovative technologies from industry partners and academia, allowing stakeholders to demonstrate concrete actions to combat the issue.
Gyorgyi Gurban, Head of Projects Implementation at IMO, emphasized the importance of targeted action and collective effort: “Working together in partnership, across shipping, fisheries, environment and many others, is forging a path that can make a measurable difference for our ocean, and thus our planet.”
Participants enhanced their knowledge about the ratification and implementation of the international instruments and conventions relevant to sea-based sources of marine plastic litter. Discussions highlighted the importance of science-based information while providing an opportunity to build partnerships at the national, regional and global levels.
Col. Dominique Flora Gbei Epse Kouyate from the General Directorate of Maritime Affairs of Côte d’Ivoire, said: “With all the training we have and with the help of our partners, we try to have methods to reduce plastic waste through behaviour awareness and education.”
Participating countries included: Argentina, Brazil, Cabo Verde, Colombia, Costa Rica, Côte d'Ivoire, Ecuador, Gambia, India, Indonesia, Jamaica, Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Nigeria, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Senegal, Solomon Islands, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, Tanzania, Vanuatu, Viet Nam, Sudan and Nicaragua.
OceanLitter Programme
The IMO OceanLitter Programme includes a growing portfolio of projects targeting the reduction and prevention of marine plastic litter from sea-based sources (GloLitter Partnerships, PRO-SEAS and RegLitter projects).
