OceanLitter Programme Global Task Force Training and Workshop

Officials across five regions of the globe dedicated to tackling marine plastic litter from the shipping and fisheries sectors gathered for the OceanLitter Programme Global Task Force Training and Workshop at IMO Headquarters in London and online.

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 also underscored the crucial role women play in developing and implementing solutions to prevent and reduce sea-based plastic pollution. By targeting marine plastic litter from the shipping and fisheries sectors, the gathering enabled participants to advance and share their knowledge on this issue towards coordinated solutions.

Presentations and an exhibition showcased emerging research and innovative technologies that allowed stakeholders to demonstrate concrete actions and initiatives underway 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.”

The event advanced participants’ knowledge on the ratification and implementation of the international instruments and conventions relevant to sea-based sources of marine plastic litter and increased their understanding of the importance of science-based information relating to sea-based sources of marine plastic litter.

Delegates enhanced their expertise in the effective engagement of women in decision-making processes to address the global challenge of marine plastic litter, taking advantage of the opportunity to build partnerships at the national, regional, and global levels.

As one participant expressed: “Being part of this project really helps us to develop more policies and action plans for future preferences.”

Col. Dominique Flora Gbei Epse Kouyate from the General Directorate of Maritime Affairs of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, expressed: “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.