Environmentally sound waste management as action

against marine litter

SOURCES: Plastic waste and abandoned fishing gear

Poor waste management and littering are the main causes of marine debris in large parts of the world. Land-based solid waste management is closely linked to urbanization and economic growth. However, limited awareness among the general public and insufficient waste management practices in coastal rural areas in many developing countries further exacerbate the mounting problem of global ocean plastics pollution.

The majority (ca. 80%) of marine litter originates from land-based sources, with the remaining 20% originating from sea-based sources such as maritime transport and the fisheries sector. It is estimated that abandoned, lost or otherwise discarded fishing gear (ALDFG) accounts for up to 10 per cent of marine debris.

Plastics typically constitute the most prevalent litter in the sea. The slow degra-dation of plastic materials and fragmentation of large plastic litter contribute to the additional challenge of micro-plastic pollution of our oceans.

EFFECTS: Marine litter impacts ecosystems, human health and economies

Waste and litter entering the marine environment is globally distributed by ocean currents, generating adverse impacts on ecosystems, human health and the economy. For example, entanglement and ingestion by marine animals cause the death of fish, seabirds and marine mammals. There are significant knowledge gaps regarding the long term impacts of micro-plastics, but concern has been expressed about the impact of micro-plastics on marine ecosystems, as well human health.

SOLUTIONS: Environmentally sound waste management

Improving waste management practices, both on land and at sea, will have a significant positive impact in reducing marine debris. Currently, at least 2 billion people worldwide do not have access to regular waste collection.

Establishing sound waste management practices is challenging for all countries. It requires involvement from multiple levels of government as well as from different actors in the private sector, civil society, local communities and households. It includes technical aspects, such as collection and treatment. However, no waste management system is stronger than its level of public awareness and participation.

High Level side event hosted by Sweden, co-president of The Ocean Conference, and the World Bank

Tuesday, 6 June 2017, 5:00 – 6:15 PMConference Room 6, UNHQ, New York

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With regards to pollution from ships and fishing vessels, the provision of affordable port reception facilities and incentives to use them is vital to the prevention of marine debris. However, it is broadly recognized that the scale, cost and capacity issues often prevent provision of adequate reception facilities, especially at small ports and harbors, many of which are fishing harbors.

Objectives

This side aims to underscore the critical importance of a sound waste manage-ment to tackle the global problem of marine litter. Despite country-specific situations, general observations can be made and experiences shared related to financial, social, environmental and institutional challenges to reducing marine litter. Public participation in collection, source separation and recycling turns waste from an environmental risk in to a valuable resource.

We welcome you to join in a rich dialogue on building environmentally sound waste management as a viable mechanism to combat marine litter.

AGENDA

Moderator: Ms. Karin Kemper, Senior Director, Environment and Natural Resources Global Practice, World Bank

Welcome Remarks by the Government of Sweden and the World Bank

Initiatives and voluntary commitments

Ms. Isabella Lövin, Swedish Minister for International Development Cooperation and Climate and Deputy Prime Minister, Sweden

Ms. Karolina Skog, Minister for the Environment, Sweden

Ambassador Arif Havas Oegroseno, Deputy Minister for Maritime Sovereignty in the Coordinating Ministry of Maritime Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia

Clean Seas initiative

Ms. Lisa Emilia Svensson, Director Ocean and Marine Programme, UNEP

Land-based waste management

Ms. Linda Gårdstam, Head of Sustainable Development Unit, Swedish Environmental Protection Agency

Sea-based waste – green ports and fisheries

Ms Anna Petersson, Chair of HELCOM MARITIME

Moderated Discussion with Session Participants

Final Keynote Speaker Remarks

Closing Remarks

A HORIZONTAL SUSTAINABILITY ISSUE: Action to combat marine litter through environmentally sound waste management is a horizontal issue to reach the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Such actions support goals 6 “Clean water and sanitation”, 11 Sustainable cities and communities, 12 “Responsible consumption and production” and especially goal 14 “Life below water”. An environmentally sound waste management system is a part of the solution to reach sub targets 14.1 on reducing marine debris and 14.7 on increasing the economic benefits to Small Island Developing States and least developed countries from the sustainable use of marine resources.