New project to help 30 developing countries tackle marine litter scourge
The GloLitter Partnerships Project will support 30 developing countries in preventing and reducing marine litter from the maritime transport and fisheries sectors, which includes plastic litter such as lost or discarded fishing gear.
The project was launched on Thursday by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO), with initial funding from Norway.
Protecting oceans and livelihoods
“Plastic litter has a devastating impact on marine life and human health", said Manuel Barange, FAO's Director of Fisheries and Aquaculture. “This initiative is an important step in tackling the issue and will help protect the ocean ecosystem as well as the livelihoods of those who depend on it.”
Protecting the marine environment is the objective of Sustainable Development Goal 14, part of the 2030 Agenda to create a more just and equitable future for all people and the planet.
The GloLitter project will help countries apply best practices for the prevention and reduction of marine plastic litter, in an effort to safeguard the world’s coastal and marine resources.
Actions will include encouraging fishing gear to be marked so that it can be traced if lost or discarded at sea. Another focus will be on the availability and adequacy of port reception facilities and their connection to national waste management systems.
"Marine litter is a scourge on the oceans and on the planet”, said Jose Matheickal, Head of the IMO's Department for Partnerships and Projects. “I am delighted that we have more than 30 countries committed to this initiative and working with IMO and FAO to address this issue.”
Five regions represented
The nations taking part in the GloLitter project are in Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America and the Pacific.
They will also receive technical assistance and training, as well as guidance documents and other tools to help enforce existing regulations.
The project will promote compliance with relevant international instruments, including the Voluntary Guidelines for the Marking of Fishing Gear, and the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), which contains regulations against discharging plastics into the sea.
© UN News (2021) — All Rights ReservedOriginal source: UN News
Where next?
Browse related news topics:
Read the latest news stories:
- Navigating Global Climate Challenges: Perspectives from China's COP29 Delegation Saturday, November 23, 2024
- COP29 climate talks conclude with $300 billion annual pledge, but developing nations call deal ‘an insult’ Saturday, November 23, 2024
- Gaza update: Fleeing families just have ‘the clothes on their back’ Saturday, November 23, 2024
- ICC issues arrest warrants for Israel, Hamas leadership: what happens next? Saturday, November 23, 2024
- The trial that brought down a warlord Saturday, November 23, 2024
- Preparing for climate chaos in Timor-Leste, one of the world’s most vulnerable nations Saturday, November 23, 2024
- Insights From Negotiator into How COPs Move Needle Towards Healthy, Liveable Planet Saturday, November 23, 2024
- AI-powered Weapons Depersonalise the Violence, Making It Easier for the Military to Approve More Destruction Friday, November 22, 2024
- Climate Change in Azerbaijan is Putting Women at Increased Risk of Gender-Based Violence Friday, November 22, 2024
- Once in a Blue Moon, Things Dont Fall Apart Friday, November 22, 2024
Learn more about the related issues: