2nd National Workshop The Coalition of Coastal Cities to Combat Marine Litter

ATTENDANCE AT THE EVENT IS BY INVITATION ONLY

Marine litter stands as a global challenge, with studies revealing a staggering 8-14 million tonnes of plastic infiltrating our oceans. A significant 80% of this marine litter originates from poorly managed solid waste on land, finding its way into the ocean through land-to-sea pathways. Waterbody activities contribute an additional 20% to this alarming statistic. Shockingly, 80-90% of the waste in the marine ecosystem comprises various types of plastics.

India, with its expansive 7517 km coastline, 486 census towns, and 36 class I towns with populations exceeding 100,000, is at the forefront of this challenge. Endowed with rich biodiversity and a significant fishing industry, the extent of marine litter in India is a pressing issue that demands urgent attention.

The Centre for Science and Environment created the Coalition of Coastal Cities to facilitate a multistakeholder dialogue towards creating an evidence-based advocacy instrument to engage with the policy makers. CSE is going to organize the 2nd National Workshop of the Coalition to discuss the draft strategy paper on Marine Litter in India. Hosted by CSE, the three-days’ workshop will bring together practitioners, including state and city governments, regulators, administrators, and civil society organizations from the 9 coastal states and 4 union territories in India.

The workshop aims to discuss critical concerns, fostering a platform for collaboration and strategic planning. The agenda includes addressing the substantial impact of abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear (ALDFG), posing a threat to marine biodiversity and animal life. The role of tourism, beach litter, municipal waste, fishing communities, and industrial activities in contributing to marine litter will also be explored.

In the pursuit of sustainable solutions, the workshop will underscore the need for coordinated efforts, research-backed strategies, and policy enforcement. This includes advocating for and strengthening measures by reducing leakage and removing existing marine litter. Achieving this involves changing public behavior and enhancing monitoring at the local, regional, and national levels.

The outcomes of this consultation will serve as the foundation for the proposed marine litter policy in India by the coalition of coastal cities. This coalition unifies stakeholders in a collective endeavor to combat marine litter, acting as a community and platform for continued research, capacity building, and advocacy toward a cleaner and healthier marine ecosystem.

Participation in this significant event is by invitation only, and we eagerly anticipate welcoming key stakeholders, experts, and practitioners committed to charting a sustainable and impactful roadmap to combat marine litter.

FOR FURTHER INQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT:

KULDEEP CHOUDHARY
Programme Officer
Email: Kuldeep.choudhary@cseindia.org
Mobile/Whatsapp: 8377030507