Global Marine Litter Information Gateway ][ Global action on marine litter

A number of agreements with global coverage are relevant to the issue of marine litter. A number of actors on the international scene are, directly or indirectly, involved in activities aimed at decreasing the generation and distribution of marine litter.

UN organizations, conventions. agreements and projects

UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
Agenda 21, UN Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD), and World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD).
UN International Maritime Organization (IMO): International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) and Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping Wastes and other Matter (London Convention).
Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD): Jakarta Mandate on Marine and Coastal Biodiversity.
Convention on Migratory Species: Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels
Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal.
UN Environment Programme (UNEP): Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-based Activities (GPA) and Regional Seas Programme.
Global Environment Facility (GEF) International Waters projects (implemented by the World Bank, UNDP and UNEP)
Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Environmental Protection (GESAMP).
UN Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO): Responsible fisheries.

Other organizations, conventions, agreements and projects

Ocean Conservancy: International Coastal Cleanup (ICC)
Clean up the World initiative (UNEP and Clean up Australia)
Small Island Developing States Network (SIDSnet).

Good examples

Good examples : Examples of global action (cases and best practices) taken to deal with and prevent marine litter pollution.



Children in Manila Bay, the Philippines, collecting litter in the harbour area (to sell). © Hartmut Schwartzbach and UNEP.

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