Reference: DEPI/FMEB/GPA/GPML/VS/yo 19 January 2015 Dear Sir/Madam

I have the honour to refer to the first United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA), which was held in June last year where more than 150 countries adopted a Resolution on marine plastic debris and microplastics (see attached). The Resolution requested the Executive Director to support countries to develop and implement national or regional action plans to reduce marine litter; and in consultation with other relevant institutions and stakeholders, undertake a Study on marine plastic debris and microplastics building on existing work and taking into account the most up-to-date studies and data.

The same Resolution invited governments, intergovernmental organizations, the scientific community, non-governmental organizations, the private sector and other stakeholders to share relevant information that is pertinent to the Study as well as to provide financial and other support to conduct the Study.

The results from the Study on marine plastic debris and microplastics are to be presented for the consideration of UNEA at its second session in May 2016. I am pleased to share herewith additional information outlining the proposed process for the development of this Study.

In order to ensure a transparent review process, with the involvement of various interested governments and other stakeholders, and to ensure the policy relevance of the Study, UNEP is ready to establish an Advisory Group to guide the Study along the attached attached Terms of Reference. The Group is to be established within the framework of the Global Partnership on Marine Litter (GPML), hosted by the Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-based Activities (GPA). To: Members of the United Nations Environment Assembly cc: Permanent Missions to UNEP Permanent Missions to the United Nations in New York and Geneva

-2-

I look forward to your support in the implementation of the UNEA resolution and invite you to consider:

contributing relevant information pertinent to the Study taking into account the proposed components;

providing financial or other support to the Study;

nominating one or more candidates to serve on the Advisory Group before 15 February 2015, taking into consideration the selection criteria listed in the Terms of Reference;

joining the Global Partnership on Marine Litter (www.unep.org/gpa/gpml) and use its communications platform: the online marine litter network (www.marinelitternetwork.org).

I am pleased to attach information on the GPML. For additional information on the

above, please contact Mr. Vincent Sweeney, GPA Coordinator, at e-mail, Vincent.sweeney@unep.org. I look forward to receiving a response at your earliest convenience.

Yours sincerely,

Achim Steiner Executive Director

Enclosures: -Resolution UN/EA-1/6. Marine Plastic Debris and Microplastics

-Criteria and Terms of Reference for an Advisory Group (including Annex 1 – Draft Structure of Study

-Factsheet on the Global Partnership on Marine Litter

ANNEX 1:

ZERO DRAFT UNEA STUDY ON MARINE PLASTIC DEBRIS AND MICROPLASTICS

The “Study on Marine Plastic Debris and Microplastics” could be presented as an interactive e-book (with a pdf for reading offline). The Study will benefit from information generated by six components:

a. A core study focusing on strengthening the evidence base (Revised GESAMP1 WG 40 led);

b. Study on impact of microplastics on fisheries and aquaculture (FAO/UNEP/IMO led – FAO is

considering options on how to manage this, including a subgroup to the GESAMP WG 40)

c. Compilation of Best Available Techniques and Best Environmental Practices;

d. Modeling component (engaging wider modeling/oceanographic community);

e. Socio-economic component (engaging researchers and universities to look at social aspects/welfare

impacts and economic effects)

f. Regional components (in collaboration with the Regional Seas Conventions and Action Plans,

including small island developing states (SIDS))

The component for which a reconstituted GESAMP working group is proposed (A and B) will focus on strengthening the evidence base concerning microplastics. For (C), (D) and (E) lead institutions have been identified who will bring together the experts and policy makers. Information generated under (F) will be used throughout the study in region specific sections. PROPOSED STRUCTURE: Sections Comments Acknowledgements (contributors, peer reviewers, etc.)

ED Foreword Executive summary Key messages and recommendations 1 Introduction 1.1 What is marine litter and microplastics? 1.2 Purpose and structure of this report

2 Marine litter: Identification of key sources for marine

plastic debris and microplastics

2.1 The problem of marine plastic debris and microplastics – what is known and why it is time to take action 2.2 Main sources – known and emerging (including regional variations)

GESAMP component (a): Assess the main sources and categories of plastics and microplastics entering the ocean

1 GESAMP is an advisory body consisting of specialized experts nominated by the Sponsoring Agencies (IMO, FAO, UNESCO-IOC, UNIDO, WMO, IAEA, UN, UNEP, UNDP). Its principal task is to provide scientific advice concerning the prevention, reduction and control of the degradation of the marine environment to the Sponsoring Agencies. Working Group 40 - Sources, fate and effects of micro-plastics in the marine environment – a global assessment.

3 Where does it end up – modeling marine litter movement, distribution and accumulation 3.1 Distribution – modelling (techniques, maps, gaps) 3.2 Accumulation (e.g. hot spots) 3.3 Monitoring

• Programmes (snap shot vs. long-term) • Citizen science • Opportunities (e.g. remote sensing, online databases:

modelling + observational data)

GESAMP + Modeling components Approach: Identify probable ‘hotspots’ of land- and sea-based sources for plastic and microplastics, using a combination of targeted modeling, knowledge of actual and potential sources (e.g. coastal tourism, aquaculture, fisheries, riverine inputs, urban inputs), environmental and societal data. This can help to inform the development of effective measures in other regions. A modeling workshop involving a wider group of modelers will be convened to improve current assessment methodologies (2nd quarter 2015). Approach: to include coastal-open ocean scaling, 3D circulation, varying particle properties (e.g. size, density).

4 Impacts and costs of marine plastic debris and microplastics – strengthening the evidence base

4.1 Impacts on ecosystems 4.2 Impacts on fisheries and aquaculture 4.3 Economic impacts 4.4 Social impacts 4.5 Health 4.6 Marine plastic debris as vector 4.7 Uptake by biota

GESAMP + Socio-economic components To assess the occurrence of microplastics in commercial fish and shellfish species To assess local, regional and global scales of accumulation of plastics and accompanying chemicals (additives and absorbed contaminants), including SIDS and regional hotspots. Examples of ‘hot spots’, from available evidence, include: the Bay of Bengal, Mediterranean Sea, Gulf of Mexico, Japan Sea and other far eastern seas. Approach: combined modeling and data analysis Initiate in 1st phase (by UNEA), complete in 2nd phase: To assess the effects of nano-scale plastics on marine organisms Approach: Encourage the inclusion of expertise on pharmacology (drug delivery using polymers), mammalian toxicology, nano-sciences and nano-engineering in future assessments. Critically review laboratory-based experiments examining the behaviour and potential effects of nano-plastics and assess their relevance to the natural environment. Improve sampling and detection methods for nano-sized plastic particles, particularly in biota. 2nd phase (Beyond UNEA-2): To assess the risk of physical and chemical

effects of ingested microplastics on marine organisms. Approach: Compare information from laboratory-based experiments of organism-chemical behaviour with field-based observations. Include expertise on animal behaviour and physiology for target species, including important commercial species. Take account of gut retention times and the conditions inside the gut when assessing risk. Include a consideration of particle size and shape when assessing risk of damage. 2nd phase (Beyond UNEA-2): To assess the significance of plastics and microplastics as a vector for organisms, facilitating the spread of non-indigenous (alien) species (NIS). Approach: Review the published evidence on NIS introductions and potential vectors (e.g. ship hull transfer, ballast water transfer), to estimate the relative importance of plastics and microplastics as a transport vector. Review epidemiological evidence for the occurrence of outbreaks of pathogenic disease associated with NIS. Undertake a targeted risk assessment based on existing data on NIS introductions and disease outbreaks, and utilise existing circulation models to identify key transport routes for pathogenic organisms and the conditions favourable for growth.

5 Most urgent actions to prevent and reduce marine litter with a focus on marine plastic debris and microplastics

5.1 What is currently being done to address marine litter? (table of relevant examples covering e.g. prevention, legislation, voluntary practices, etc.) 5.2 Limitations of current measures to address marine litter / microplastics problems (highlight main obstacles – regional / thematic / stakeholder group focus) 5.3 Summary – what is needed? (e.g. most urgent research gaps, new technologies, legislation, etc - specification of areas especially in need of more research, including key impacts on the environment and on human health;.)

Compilation of most urgent actions from the six components

6 Possible measures and best available technologies and environmental practices: availability, use and potential to prevent the accumulation and minimize the level of microplastics (litter) in the marine environment.

6.1 Risk assessment – how to identify priority areas for

BAT’s and BEP’s component summary

intervention? 6.2 What are BATs and BEPs? 6.3 Guidelines for choosing BATs and BEPs to prevent marine litter 6.4 Lessons from the application of BATs and BEPs to prevent and reduce marine litter 6.5 Steps in the process – from problem identification to evaluating the options, choosing the BAT/BEP (package) and implementation 7 Any other relevant priority areas identified in the

GESAMP assessment.

7.1 Perceptions and attitudes

TBD after launch of GESAMP report

8. Financing marine litter/microplastics – Economic tools/market-based instruments: availability, use and potential 8.1 What are market -based instruments? 8.2 What other tools are available? 8.3 Guidelines for choosing market-based strategies to prevent marine litter 8.4 Lessons from the application of MBIs to marine litter 8.5 Steps in the process – from problem identification to evaluating the options, choosing the instrument (package) and implementation

Socioeconomic component

9. Conclusions and recommendations for different stakeholders

Priority recommendations from the six components

10 Opportunities

Could include emerging technologies, collaborative platforms etc. to consider when planning for future activities beyond UNEA-2

11 Summary

References Annexes

May include summaries of the various components

N.B. The draft structure will be discussed with the Advisory Group once established. It will not be a negotiated document; rather it will serve as an information document for UNEA-2.

21

1/6. Marine plastic debris and microplastics

The United Nations Environment Assembly,

Recalling the concern reflected in the outcome document of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, entitled “The future we want”,1 that the health of oceans and marine biodiversity are negatively affected by marine pollution, including marine debris, especially plastic, persistent organic pollutants, heavy metals and nitrogen-based compounds, from numerous marine and land-based sources, and the commitment to take action to significantly reduce the incidence and impacts of such pollution on marine ecosystems,

Noting the international action being taken to promote the sound management of chemicals throughout their life cycle and waste in ways that lead to the prevention and minimization of significant adverse effects on human health and the environment,

Recalling the Manila Declaration on Furthering the Implementation of the Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-based Activities adopted by the Third Intergovernmental Review Meeting on the Implementation of the Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-based Activities, which highlighted the relevance of the Honolulu Strategy and the Honolulu Commitment and recommended the establishment of a global partnership on marine litter,

Taking note of the decisions adopted by the eleventh Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity on addressing the impacts of marine debris on marine and coastal biodiversity,

Recalling that the General Assembly declared 2014 the International Year of Small Island Developing States and that such States have identified waste management among their priorities for action,

Noting with concern the serious impact which marine litter, including plastics stemming from land and sea-based sources, can have on the marine environment, marine ecosystem services, marine natural resources, fisheries, tourism and the economy, as well as the potential risks to human health;

1. Stresses the importance of the precautionary approach according to which lack of full scientific certainty should not be used for postponing cost-effective measures to prevent environmental degradation, where there are threats of serious or irreversible damage;

2. Recognizes the significant risks arising from the inadequate management and disposal of plastic and the need to take action;

3. Encourages Governments, intergovernmental organizations, non-governmental organizations, industry and other relevant actors to cooperate with the Global Partnership on Marine Litter in its implementation of the Honolulu Strategy and to facilitate information exchange through the online marine litter network;

4. Recognizes that plastics, including microplastics, in the marine environment are a rapidly increasing problem due to their large and still increasing use combined with the inadequate management and disposal of plastic waste, and because plastic debris in the marine environment is steadily fragmenting into secondary microplastics;

5. Also recognizes the need for more knowledge and research on the source and fate of microplastics and their impact on biodiversity, marine ecosystems and human health, noting recent knowledge that such particles can be ingested by biota and could be transferred to higher levels in the marine food chain, causing adverse effects;

6. Notes that microplastics may also contribute to the transfer in the marine ecosystems of persistent organic pollutants, other persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic substances and other contaminants which are in or adhere to the particles;

7. Recognizes that microplastics in the marine environment originate from a wide range of sources, including the breakdown of plastic debris in the oceans, industrial emissions and sewage and run-off from the use of products containing microplastics;

8. Emphasizes that further urgent action is needed to address the challenges posed by marine plastic debris and microplastics, by addressing such materials at source, by reducing pollution through improved waste management practices and by cleaning up existing debris and litter;

22

9. Welcomes the establishment of the Global Partnership on Marine Litter launched in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in June 2012 and the convening of the first Partnership Forum in 2013;

10. Also welcomes the adoption by the contracting parties to the Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment and the Coastal Region of the Mediterranean (Barcelona Convention) at its eighteenth ordinary meeting, held in Istanbul, Turkey, from 3 to 6 December 2013, of the Regional Action Plan on Marine Litter Management, the world’s first such action plan, and welcomes the draft Action Plan on Marine Litter for the North-East Atlantic region awaiting adoption by the Commission of the Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic at its meeting in Cascais, Portugal, and encourages Governments to collaborate through relevant regional seas conventions and river commissions with a view to adopting such action plans in their regions;

11. Requests the Executive Director to support countries, upon their request, in the development and implementation of national or regional action plans to reduce marine litter;

12. Welcomes the initiative by the Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Environmental Protection to produce an assessment report on microplastics, which is scheduled to be launched in November 2014;

13. Also welcomes the work undertaken by the International Whaling Commission on assessing the impacts of marine debris on cetaceans and the endorsement by the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals at its tenth meeting of resolution 10.4, addressing the impacts of marine debris on migratory species;

14. Requests the Executive Director, in consultation with other relevant institutions and stakeholders, to undertake a study on marine plastic debris and marine microplastics, building on existing work and taking into account the most up-to-date studies and data, focusing on:

(a) Identification of the key sources of marine plastic debris and microplastics;

(b) Identification of possible measures and best available techniques and environmental practices to prevent the accumulation and minimize the level of microplastics in the marine environment;

(c) Recommendations for the most urgent actions;

(d) Specification of areas especially in need of more research, including key impacts on the environment and on human health;

(e) Any other relevant priority areas identified in the assessment of the Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Environmental Protection;

15. Invites the secretariats of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal and relevant organizations involved in pollution control and chemicals and waste management and the secretariats of the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Convention on Migratory Species and the regional seas conventions and action plans to contribute to the study described in paragraph 14 of the present resolution;

16. Encourages Governments and the private sector to promote the more resource-efficient use and sound management of plastics and microplastics;

17. Also encourages Governments to take comprehensive action to address the marine plastic debris and microplastic issue through, where appropriate, legislation, enforcement of international agreements, provision of adequate reception facilities for ship-generated wastes, improvement of waste management practices and support for beach clean-up activities, as well as information, education and public awareness programmes;

18. Invites Governments, intergovernmental organizations, the scientific community, non-governmental organizations, the private sector and other stakeholders to share relevant information with the Executive Director pertinent to the study described in paragraph 14;

19. Invites those in a position to do so to provide financial and other support to conduct the study identified in paragraph 14;

20. Requests the Executive Director to present the study on microplastics for the consideration of the United Nations Environment Assembly at its second session.

Study on Marine Plastic Debris and Microplastics

Terms of Reference for the Advisory Group

Rationale of the Project The UN Environment Assembly (UNEA) at its first universal session, adopted resolution UN/EA.1/6 on Marine Plastic Debris and Microplastics, which, amongst other things, requested the Executive Director of UNEP to present a study on marine plastic debris and microplastics to its next session in May 2016. Objectives, Purpose, Scope and Timelines for the Study The aim of this initiative, which responds to the above request, is to develop a Study on Marine Plastic Debris and Microplastics. This Study is intended to be global in scope and relevance, although region specific information and recommendations will be included. The Study will be science-based, take into account all relevant and the most up to date existing information, and integrate, as appropriate, relevant aspects of waste management from a prevention perspective, and provide a set of recommendations for the consideration of the second session of UNEA. The following is the envisaged process and timelines for the Study:

• Phase 1: Implementation of Study components as outlined in Annex 1 by September 2015; • Phase 2: Compilation of the “Zero Draft Study” for review by the Advisory Group (October

2015); • Phase 3: Preparation of the “First Draft Study” to be used for International and Regional

consultations (4th quarter of 2015 and in early 2016) and produce a “Final Study” (by March 2016) for submission to the second session of UNEA by May 2016.

• Phase 4: Presentation of the Study and policy recommendations to the UN Environment Assembly of UNEP (May 2016)

• Phase 5: Dissemination, implementation of recommendations (post 2016) to inform the development/revision of regional / national marine litter action plans.

The Study, up to approval process, is expected to take 15 months: 11 months for developing the draft Study and 4 months for consultations and finalization. The Advisory Group is expected to be in place by February 2015. Organization of the Study According to resolution UN/EA. 1/6, the Executive Director has been requested, in partnership with Governments, scientific institutions, United Nations agencies and other relevant stakeholders, to undertake and present a Study on Marine Plastic Debris and Microplastics. UNEP will work closely

with the members of the Global Partnership on Marine Litter (which in itself is a multi-stakeholder group of partners, including governments, NGOs, IGOs and the private sector) and the lead authors/contributors for the Study components in the initial drafting of the Study. UNEP will draw scientific input from the various components and will establish an Interdivisional Drafting Group, which will lead the compilation of the Study. An Advisory Group will be established by the UNEP Secretariat to support the drafting of the Study through the provision of information, data, experiences, reviews and advice including suggesting various perspectives during the process. This Group will consist of selected policy makers and experts drawn from the various UN geographical regions, including also representation from civil society. The Drafting Group will use the results of the components, undertake additional literature reviews where necessary, develop the conceptual approach, establish possible parameters, extract policy recommendations etc., and compile a “Zero Draft Study” for review by the Advisory Group. Further, after incorporating the comments and input from the Advisory Group, the “First Draft Study” will be used as a basis for broad consultations with Governments, the UN system and other intergovernmental organizations, NGOs, the scientific community and other stakeholders, after which the Drafting Group, in consultation with the Advisory Group, will produce a “Final Study” which will be presented to the second session of UNEA. The Advisory Group’s overall task will be to ensure that the “First Draft Study” and the “Final Study” will be of the highest scientific quality; link with and complement related international, regional and national policy frameworks; provide adequate advice and be responsive to regional and country needs regarding improving marine plastic debris prevention and reduction. The Committee of Permanent Representatives to UNEP (CPR) will be informed and kept updated regularly by the UNEP Secretariat and will constitute a mechanism for obtaining feedback from countries to the process on an on-going basis. The “Final Study” presented to the second session of UNEA will not be a negotiated document. It will serve as a technical information document, complementing policy recommendations put forth for consideration of the second session of UNEA. It will facilitate and support, through the UNEA Bureau, global and regional consultations on the Draft Study, following which, UNEA will consider and approve the policy recommendations. Subsequent to this, it is expected that the UNEA will promote the implementation of the recommendations of the Study. Specific Tasks of the Advisory Group:

• Provide policy and technical advice and perspectives from the UN regions to UNEP and the Drafting Group throughout the development process of the Study;

• Review the “Zero Draft Study” and specifically provide comments on the conceptual approach, proposed outline, scope, and content of the Study;

• Advise UNEP on emerging Marine Litter issues, in particular as it refers to microplastics, for consideration in the development of the Study;

• Provide relevant information on priorities and processes of Governments and civil society groups (i.e., gaps, strengths and weaknesses, relevant experiences) for consideration in the development of the Study;

• Provide additional policy and technical information sources on relevant marine litter/microplastics themes, including on gender and regional issues and priorities, for the review and analysis by the Drafting Group;

• Participate and contribute actively during brainstorming and review meeting(s) which will take place throughout the Study, as necessary and requested;

• Review and provide comments on the “Zero Draft Study” prior to its release for consultations/peer review;

• Review and provide comments on the draft “Final Study”; • Support the organization by UNEP of regional consultations and actively participate and

contribute during these consultations in their respective regions; • Promote the Study and support the dissemination and use of the findings of the Study and

policy recommendations.

Minimum time allocation by nominated experts • Attendance online webinars of (1-2 hours each on a quarterly basis leading up to March

2016); • Attend a Review Meeting (in person, 2-3 days, 4th quarter of 2015 / 1st quarter 2016)1; • Review of Zero Draft Study and the Second Draft study and provide comments and

recommendations to UNEP (estimated length of documents 60-80 pages).

Advisory Group membership and selection criteria: The Advisory Group will have a maximum of thirty (30) members drawn from the five UN regions. Ten members will be policy makers, five will be representatives of civil society or Major Groups and Stakeholders, while the other fifteen will be technical/scientific experts from the different regions invited in their personal capacity. An effort will be made to have regional and gender balance in the Advisory Group. The following criteria will be used to select the members of the Advisory Group: Policy Makers:

• Relevant professional qualification and record. • Broad experience with national or international policy formulation and implementation

including frameworks/guidelines for waste/marine litter and ecosystems, fisheries, nature and/or environmental management and protection, health, socioeconomics, and modelling.

• Proven active or preceding linkages to national institutions dealing with waste/marine litter issues, and environmental management and protection.

1 UNEP will sponsor participants from developing countries and countries with economies in transition to attend meetings. Non-government participants from developed countries who are not supported through their affiliation will be provided with sponsorship upon request and in accordance with UN rules and regulations.

• Understanding of monitoring and reporting in intergovernmental and multi stakeholder settings, and/or in management of land-based sources of pollution (with a focus on waste).

Civil society/Major Group & Stakeholder representatives: • Professional or good working knowledge of waste management issues and the impacts of

waste/marine litter on the environment and people. • Ability to call attention to emerging environmental problems and reach out to local and

national societies and the public at large. • Accredited to UNEP2

Technical/scientific Experts: • Relevant academic qualifications and record in water quality or in other related themes:

ecology, ecotoxicology, health, environmental economics, sociology, governance of natural resources, etc.

• Broad and in-depth experience related to waste/marine litter management and/or resource efficiency over a minimum period of ten years at national and regional level dealing with monitoring/observation, research, planning, administration/maintenance, etc.

• International standing as might be documented in invitations and memberships (keynote presentations, international research consortia, working group member and/or advisor of UN agencies and/or international scientific associations and similar).

• Understanding of international projects on resource efficiency, waste/marine litter within and outside the UN system.

Advisory Group selection process:

• The UNEP Secretariat hereby invites the Government members of the UN Environment Assembly of UNEP and accredited Major Groups and Stakeholders to submit by 13 February 2015 nominations of candidates for each of the respective categories of members of the Advisory Group (maximum number of nominees per country or organization is two, however only one representative per country or organization will be selected for the AG). Nominations in the form of a nomination letter and the curriculum vitae of the nominee(s) should be sent to gpa@unep.org. Self-nominations will not be accepted.

• The UNEP Secretariat will establish an inter-divisional panel to be chaired by the Director, Division of Environmental Policy Implementation (DEPI), to review the nominations and select the 30 members constituting the Advisory Group, by 3 March 2015.

• The Secretariat will communicate to the Government members of the UN Environment Assembly of UNEP the final selection by the mid-March 2015.

2 More information on accreditation to UNEP please see : http://www.unep.org/civil-society/UNEAUNEPAccreditation/tabid/52182/Default.aspx. See also list of currently accredited major groups at UNEP: http://www.unep.org/civil-society/Portals/24105/documents/Accreditation/List%20of%20Accredited%20Organsiations%20for%20Website-%205.11.2014,%20lz.pdf

• Nominees not selected to be included in the Advisory Group will be invited as peer reviewers for the Study.

• UNEP will not provide any remuneration to Advisory Group members or peer reviewers from UNEP .

Conflict of Interest: Advisory Groups members will be expected to act in accordance with these terms of reference and the relevant Rules of Procedure for any meeting which they attend. Advisory Groups members must adhere to principles of transparency, responsibility and accountability, and respect the diversity of views existing among members on numerous issues. Any Advisory Group member who feels that he or she may have a potential or real conflict of interest should immediately inform UNEP of such conflict in order for the DEPI Director to make a determination of the suitability of such member to continue as a member of the Advisory Group. Should any member need to be replaced under such circumstances, a suitable replacement will be selected from among the existing nominees.

Global Partnership on Marine Litter

…preventing our oceans from becoming dumps

Background

The Global Partnership on Marine Litter (GPML) launched during the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development , Rio + 20 in June 2012, is a voluntary open-ended partnership for international agencies, Governments, businesses, academia, local authorities, nongovernmental organizations and individuals.

The Third Intergovernmental Review of the Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-based Activities was convened 25-26 January 2012. Here, 64 Governments and the European Commission recommended the establishment of a global partnership on marine litter. At the launch, key stakeholders working in the field of marine litter/debris discussed how to coordinate their activities and pool resources to develop and implement a concrete international partnership, which advances, inter alia, the Honolulu Strategy. At the conclusion, a number of statements of support for the Global Partnership on Marine Litter (GPML) were made, including from the Governments of the Netherlands and the USA, as well as from FAO, IMO, UNEP/IETC, the Natural Resources Foundation (NRDC), and the Plastics Pollution Coalition.

This launch complemented paragraph 163 of the Rio Outcome document “The Future We Want” which, inter alia, noted with concern that the health of oceans and marine biodiversity are negatively affected by marine pollution, including marine debris, especially plastic and committed to take action to reduce the incidence and impacts of such pollution on marine ecosystems, including through the…. follow up of the relevant initiatives such as the Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-based Activities (GPA), as well as the adoption of coordinated strategies to this end. Paragraph 163 further committed to take action to, by 2025, based on collected scientific data, achieve significant reductions in marine debris to prevent harm to the coastal and marine environment.

Objectives

Besides being supportive of the Global Partnership on Waste Management, the GPML seeks to protect human health and the global environment by the reduction and management of marine litter as its main goal, through several specific objectives:

a. To reduce the impacts of marine litter worldwide on economies, ecosystems, animal welfare and human health.

b. To enhance international cooperation and coordination through the promotion and implementation of the Honolulu Strategy - a global framework for the prevention and management of marine debris, as well as the Honolulu Commitment – a multi-stakeholder pledge.

c. To promote knowledge management, information sharing and monitoring of progress on the implementation of the Honolulu Strategy.

d. To promote resource efficiency and economic development through waste prevention (e.g. 4Rs (reduce, re-use, recycle and re-design) and by recovering valuable material and/or energy from waste.

e. Increase awareness on sources of marine litter, their fate and impacts.

f. To assess emerging issues related to the fate and potential influence of marine litter, including (micro) plastics uptake in the food web and associated transfer of pollutants, and conservation and welfare of marine fauna.

The United Nations Environment Programme provides the Secretariat for the GPML in line with the mandate received in the “Manila Declaration on Furthering the Implementation of the Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-based Activities’. UNEP

GPML Global Partnership

on Marine Litter

For more information on the Global Partnership on Marine Litter, please contact:

Heidi SavelliProgramme Officer, GPA UNEP, UN-Gigiri, P.O. Box 30552, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya Phone: +254-20 762 5187Fax: +254-20 762 3944heidi.savelli@unep.orggpml@unep.orgwww.unep.org/gpawww.marinelitternetwork.org

How does it work?

The GPML is guided by the ‘Honolulu Strategy – a global framework for prevention and management of marine debris’ and works as a “coordinating forum” for all stakeholders working in the area of marine litter prevention and management, thereby assisting stakeholders to complement each other’s efforts, to avoid duplication and to optimize the efficiency and efficacy of their resources.

The current focal areas are:

• Goal A: Reduced levels and impacts of land-based litter and solid waste introduced into the aquatic environment;

• Goal B: Reduced levels and impact of seabased sources of marine debris including solid waste, lost cargo, ALDFG, and abandoned vessels introduced into the aquatic environment;

• Goal C: Reduced levels and impacts of (accumulated) marine debris on shorelines, aquatic habitats, and biodiversity.

Other focal areas may be added in future. UNEP/GPA has agreed to take the lead on Focal area A related to Land-based Sources of marine litter. Focal Area B related to Sea-based Sources of marine litter is co-led by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN (FAO is focusing on Abandoned, Lost or Otherwise Discarded Fishing Gear). What’s next?

The first partnership forum for the GPML was held during the Second Global Conference on Land-Ocean Connections (GLOC-2), 2-4 October, 2013, Montego Bay, Jamaica. At this forum, partnership documentation such as framework document was discussed and the initial Steering Committee established. Focal area workplans were presented and discussed and priority activities identified. Acknowledging the importance of bringing the GPML to regional and national levelt, the secretariat will continue to use regional marine litter related meetings to promote the partnership and the online network, seek feedback on the further development of the GPML while catalysing the development of regional networks. The steering committee will be the governing body of the GPML and comprise core GPML participants to provide guidance, review the overall work plan of the GPML and the progress made.

A resolution on marine plastic debris and microplastics adopted at the first UN Environment Assembly in June 2014, noted with concern the impacts of such materials on the marine environment, fisheries, tourism and development calling for strengthened action, in particular by addressing such materials at the source. The resolution encouraged stakeholders to collaborate with the GPML and called for the strengthening of information exchange mechanisms, requesting UNEP to present a study on marine plastic debris and microplastics for consideration by the next session of the Assembly (May 2016).

Activities

Specifically, the GPML has structured its support in the following components:

1. On-line Marine Litter Network: a web-based tool designed to enable the global marine debris community to monitor progress on implementing the Honolulu Strategy; sign on to the Honolulu Commitment, interact and share information, lessons learned, and tools. It will promote the GPML and facilitate access to other online resources and initiatives without trying to substitute them, thereby enhancing coordination and resource efficiency.

2. Regional activities designed to introduce the GPML and the online platform through “regional nodes”: This could include support to implementation of the Honolulu Strategy through e.g. the Regional Seas Conventions and Action Plans (RSCAP), with the view to facilitate the development of regional policy instruments aligned with the Honolulu Strategy framework.

3. Demonstration projects: facilitate development and implementation of high-impact, practical demonstration projects under the GPML together with partners within three main areas: Reducing the inflow of solid waste into the marine environment; Life cycle approach; Plastics recycling/re-design.

4. Public-private partnerships: UNEP will seek, through the GPML, to build functional partnerships with the private sector, to promote practical plastics reduction measures and support complementary policies. Source reduction and corporate social responsibility will be promoted, through measures such as plastics disclosure and greater manufacturer responsibility.

© G

alat

ee F

ilms