Officials from five regions met in London and online for the OceanLitter Programme Global Task Force Training and Workshop held on 12–14 November, aiming to develop solutions to reduce marine plastic litter originating from the shipping and fisheries sectors, IMO said in a news release.
More than 100 participants attended, including government officials, researchers, NGOs and private-sector representatives, who discussed governance, legal and policy reforms, as well as international best practices.
David Osborne, Director of the Marine Environment Division at IMO, urged coordinated action, stating: “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.”
Gyorgyi Gurban, Head of Projects Implementation at IMO, said: “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.”
Participants also worked to strengthen their understanding of ratifying and implementing international instruments relevant to sea-based sources of marine plastic litter. Representatives emphasized practical approaches. Col. Dominique Flora Gbei Epse Kouyate from the General Directorate of Maritime Affairs of Côte d’Ivoire stated: “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.”
Countries taking part 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.
The International Maritime Organization is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for setting global standards for the safety, security and environmental performance of international shipping. It develops and maintains a comprehensive regulatory framework governing the maritime sector, including conventions, codes and guidelines applicable to member states.
