Global Partnership
on Plastic Pollution
and Marine Litter

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Webinar

Life Cycle Approach to Plastic Pollution Management

In July 2024, the Life Cycle Initiative and Thailand’s National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) co-hosted a webinar aimed at strengthening capacity in managing plastic pollution through life cycle approaches. The event brought together participants from government, academia, and industry to explore the latest advancements in LCA, particularly around how it can be used to assess alternatives to plastic products and also specific chemical substances in plastics. Key discussions centred on the way in which LCA can be incorporated in policies, and included reflections on the latest advancements in environmental assessment tools such as USEtox, which allows robust chemical alternatives assessments. The UNEP team shared insights on how these tools are evolving to better capture the environmental impacts of plastic waste across its entire life cycle. Participants also explored practical applications of LCA in the industry, comparing different packaging options and their environmental footprints.

full life cyclesubstitutes and alternativesEnvironmentally Sound Management (ESM)

Online Course

Closing the Loop

This course is designed to share the latest knowledge and approaches to measuring and managing marine plastic pollution from land-based sources to achieve local, national and regional goals related to sustainable development.

citiescircular economy

Other

A Just Transition of the Informal Waste and Recovery Sector

A JUST TRANSITION of the IWRS means that the transition to sustainable production and consumption of plastic is designed in a manner that is as fair, inclusive and equitable as possible to the IWRS, generating and preserving decent work opportunities, and leaving no one behind.

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)waste managementjust transitionconsumptionINC

Online Course

Marine Litter and Plastic Pollution Course

The scale and rapidly increasing volume of marine litter and plastic pollution are putting the health of all the world’s oceans and seas at risk. Marine plastic litter has been found at all ocean depths and on the shores of even the most remote Pacific islands. Furthermore, emissions of plastic waste into aquatic ecosystems are projected to nearly triple by 2040 without meaningful action. This course begins with an introduction to marine litter and plastic pollution, including the key facts and figures, the main sources and impacts (including on human rights) and some of the applicable environmental law principles. It then outlines the relevant legal and policy frameworks at the global and regional levels, before analyzing the main regulatory approaches taken at the country level.

impacts to ecosystemsplastics and climate changemismanaged waste

Masterclass

Masterclass on Unnecessary, Avoidable and Problematic Plastic Products and Polymers

The aim of this masterclass is to provide you with essential knowledge, tools and resources to understand and address plastic pollution from these types of plastics, including in the marine environment.

communications and awarenessconsumptionpolymers of concern

Webinar

Leveraging the GPML Digital Platform for Sustainable Action on Plastic Pollution and Marine Litter

This webinar was designed to share with our community how to maximize the platform's potential in advancing global efforts against plastic pollution and marine litter. Participants gained insights into the platform’s key functionalities, including the Knowledge Hub, Data Hub, Partners Hub, and personalized workspaces. The session also explored how these tools could enhance collaboration and drive impactful action. Speakers from multiple organizations shared their experiences and highlighted how the platform supported their work. The session concluded with an interactive user consultation, providing a chance for participants to ask questions and share feedback.

mismanaged wastemonitoring and reporting

Other

Tracing the Flow CounterMEASURE for Plastic-Free Rivers

The "CounterMEASURE" project, led by UNEP with support from Japan, aims to combat plastic pollution in Asian rivers like the Mekong, Ganges, and Sri Lanka's waterways by identifying plastic leakage hotspots and implementing science-based solutions. Through hydrological modeling, AI-powered image recognition (with Google), mobile apps, and citizen science, the project mapped waste accumulation points and assessed the risks to wildlife, such as the Ganges River dolphin. Findings influenced policy decisions, including bans on single-use plastics, and contributed to long-term plastic monitoring protocols in the Mekong. By fostering cross-border cooperation, knowledge sharing, and business engagement, CounterMEASURE has laid the foundation for sustainable, plastic-free rivers in Asia.

monitoring and reportingmismanaged wasteplastics and climate changeimpacts to ecosystems

Online Course

Action-oriented course on micro- and nanoplastics in the environment - A course developed by the EU H2020 Labplas project

The "Action-oriented Course on Micro- and Nanoplastics in the Environment" is a free, self-paced program developed by the EU Horizon 2020 LABPLAS project, offered through the Open Universiteit. It aims to equip participants with the knowledge and tools to address micro- and nanoplastic pollution in aquatic environments. The course comprises seven learning units, ranging from samping and monitoring to mitigation and stakeholder participation.

consumptionlegacy plasticswaste management

Webinar

End plastic pollution – traditional, indigenous and local knowledge

The event focused on discussing how traditional, indigenous, and local knowledge systems can play a crucial role in tackling plastic pollution, particularly in marine environments. It aimed to highlight the UNEA resolution 5/14, which emphasizes the integration of these knowledge systems into efforts to create an international legally binding agreement on plastic pollution. The event also invited participants to contribute their insights and solutions, particularly from indigenous knowledge and nature-positive approaches, to support the ongoing development of this global treaty. Additionally, a survey was mentioned to collect information on how indigenous knowledge can be used to address marine litter and plastic pollution.

communications and awarenessINCfull life cycle

Webinar

Sea-based Sources of Plastic Pollution and Marine Litter

Watch the Global Partnership on Plastic Pollution and Marine Litter (GPML) webinar for a comprehensive overview of sea-based sources of plastic pollution and marine litter.

sea-based sources

Webinar

Marine Litter Spills & Emergency Response

In the wake of Sri Lanka's devastating June ship disaster, this GPML Members Webinar is led by our South Asia Regional Node (SACEP) for a discussion on marine litter spills and emergency response.

impacts to ecosystemssea-based sourceswaste disposal

Webinar

Ocean Action for Sustainability – Building a global vision to tackle plastic pollution

An open high-level event was hosted by the Government of Kenya and UNEP on 17 February 2021, in the lead-up to UNEA. The event focused on the three major crises facing the planet: climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. Using an ocean lens, the discussions centered on the issue of marine litter and plastic pollution.

impacts to ecosystemsplastics and climate change

Online Course

Agreement under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction

Areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ) are home to rich biodiversity and provide us with many goods and services, from the fish we eat to the regulation of the global climate cycle. Yet, they suffer from cumulative anthropogenic pressures, such as overfishing and destructive fishing practices, the effects of climate change and pollution from various sources. States began a process in 2004 and, following nearly two decades of negotiations, adopted the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement). This course provides an overview of this process, a detailed synopsis of relevant provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), as well as an overview of the issues addressed by the BBNJ Agreement.

impacts to ecosystems

Online Course

International Legal Framework on Freshwater Resources

The emergence of environmental protection obligations and of the principle of sustainable development, as well as the increased awareness that water resources have to be managed in a holistic approach, have highlighted the need to integrate existing water regulation regimes with rules and principles concerning the environmental aspects of freshwater resources, and to regulate the quantitative and qualitative aspects in an integrated manner. This course introduces you to the international legal framework on freshwater resources, which covers global and regional agreements.

impacts to ecosystemsEnvironmentally Sound Management (ESM)

Online Course

Mediterranean Action Plan and the Barcelona Convention

This Course will introduce you to the Mediterranean Action Plan and the Barcelona Convention and its Protocols. It will provide you with an overall overview of how the 22 Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention take action to protect the marine environment and the coastal region of the Mediterranean, thus contributing to the vison of a healthy Mediterranean, sustainable managed and preserved for the present and future generations.

impacts to ecosystemssustainable production and consumption

Online Course

The "Greening" of Water Law: Implementing Environment-Friendly Principles in Contemporary Water Law

This course explores the implementation of international water law principles through Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs). Aimed at policymakers, water authorities, and Basin Organizations, it enhances understanding of international and domestic water law. It also benefits technocrats, water managers, and graduate students by building capacity for sustainable water management and transboundary cooperation.

impacts to ecosystems

Online Course

SDG 14 and Ocean Governance

SDG 14 aims to "Conserve and sustainable use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development." The Goal provides a unifying framework for all the interventions we need to make to conserve and continue using the many resources the ocean provides. This course outlines international environmental law's (IEL) contribution towards achieving SDG 14 by examining how, alongside UNCLOS, Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) form the bedrock of international cooperation to protect and preserve the marine environment and conserve and sustainably use biodiversity. This is a survey course, covering the MEA and IEL framework of oceans governance through each SDG 14 Target. Material primarily draws from existing UN sources (in particular the 2006 UNEP Training Manual, as updated, and GEO 6), compiled and edited by UNEP and the One Ocean Hub at Strathclyde University, and with inputs from a number of MEAs.

communications and awarenessmonitoring and reporting

Webinar

Trash-Free Waters Webinars

The goal of the Trash-Free Waters Webinar Series is to promote increased knowledge and understanding of existing TFW place-based efforts, innovative solutions to addressing marine litter, and the sources, distribution and impacts of plastics and microplastics in the environment. The featured presenters are experienced stakeholders and researchers in this field.

communications and awarenessimpacts to ecosystemsmicro- and nano- plastics

Online Course

International Legal Framework on Marine Pollution

Land-based sources account for the 82% of the total marine pollution. Pollution from vessels can take the forms of oil, chemicals, lost cargo and equipment, sewage, garbage, fumes and invasive exotic species. Dumping is the deliberate disposal of wastes at sea. Offshore activity generates minor pollution primarily through the use of oily drilling muds and by production blow outs. This course introduces you to the international legal framework on marine pollution, which covers global and regional legally binding and non-legally binding agreements addressing different sources of pollution.

impacts to ecosystemssea-based sourceswaste disposal

Other

Geneva Beat Plastic Pollution Dialogues

The Geneva Environment Network (GEN) is a cooperative partnership of more than 100 environmental and sustainable development organizations based at the International Environment House in Geneva and at other locations in the surrounding region. They include United Nations offices and programmes, intergovernmental organizations, NGOs, local governmental authorities and academic institutions.

circular economyINChealth impactsplastics and climate change

Webinar

The International Alliance of Waste Pickers Position on EPR

A series of webinars on the International Alliance of Waste Pickers Position on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR).

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)just transitionwaste management

Other

Leaving No One Behind – Jacob Kirkegaard

A video compilation by Jacob Kirkegaard focusing on the voices and real-life stories of waste reclaimers highlighting their journeys, challenges and aspirations. All films were made by Jacob Kirkegaard and produced by UN-Habitat, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and The Circulate Initiative. South Africa, Nigeria, Vietnam and India, 2023 The videos were premiered in November 2023 for an event focused on the voices of waste reclaimers. It was co-hosted by The Circulate Initiative and UN-Habitat in Nairobi during the third session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-3) to develop an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment.

waste managementINCjust transition

Other

Voices of the unheard - African Clean Cities Platfrom [ACCP]

Millions in Africa, including women, youth sometimes children are making their daily ends by waste picking from dumpsites, streets and public spaces. Let us listen to their voices and think of what can be done for just transition of those people to have a decent job and life.

Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)just transition

Online Course

From Data to Tangible Impact: Achieving Waste SDGs by 2030

By UN-Habitat, supported by Avfall Norge and International Solid Waste Association, through Clean Ocean Through Clean Communities project, and by Vanke Foundation. The course will introduce you to the first steps to develop in a participatory and inclusive manner municipal solid waste management strategies and action plans based on data. This will help your city to achieve waste related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 and move towards a circular economy. The course is open for registration anytime and self-paced!

waste management

Online Course

E-learning course on sea-based sources of plastic pollution and marine litter

Developed by Open Universiteit, in close collaboration with UNEP, IMO, GESAMP and FAO, within the framework of the Global Partnership on Plastic Pollution and Marine Litter (GPML), this course promises to equip participants with invaluable knowledge and resources to address one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. This course addresses key sources of plastic pollution and marine liter with a sea-based origin and in particular Abandoned, Lost or otherwise Discarded Fishing Gear (ALDFG) and garbage from ships. It explores the causes of these types of pollution, their impacts, governance and solutions. The intention is to teach participants through action-oriented learning how they can apply successful and inspiring activities to their own local context, regardless of their profession or location. It will provide examples and case studies that will inspire leadership at different levels, thereby increasing awareness and stimulating creative solutions.

Abandoned-Lost-and Discarded Fishing Gearfull life cyclelegacy plastics