At UNEA 1 in June 2014, the parties passed a resolution that noted the growing problem of plastics and microplastics in the marine environment, where the pollution negatively affects ecosystem services, natural resources, fisheries, tourism, and economies, as well as posing risks to human health. The resolution recognized that the problem is growing because plastic is so heavily used and is not properly managed or disposed of. The resolution also highlighted that microplastics could potentially contribute to the transfer in marine ecosystems of “persistent organic pollutants, other persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic substances and other contaminants which are in or adhere to the particles”.
The resolution stressed the importance of the precautionary approach, and pointed to the need for more knowledge and research on the source and fate of plastics and their impacts. It urged action to improve waste management practices and clean up marine debris and litter already in the ocean, as well as promote efficient use and sound management of plastics and microplastics.
The UNEA 1 resolution asked UNEP to support countries to develop national and regional action plans to reduce marine litter. It also charged UNEP with compiling a report on marine plastic debris and microplastic. That report – “Marine Plastic debris and microplastics: Global lessons and research to inspire action and guide policy change” – was released at the UNEA 2 meeting.
You can read the full UNEA 1 resolution on “Marine plastic debris and microsplastics” in PDF
Recalling the concern reflected in the outcome document of the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development, entitled “The future we want”,1 that the health of oceans and marine biodiversity are negatively affected by marine pollution, including marine debris, especially plastic, persistent organic pollutants, heavy metals and nitrogen-based compounds, from numerous marine and land-based sources, and the commitment to take action to significantly reduce the incidence and impacts of such pollution on marine ecosystems,
Noting the international action being taken to promote the sound management of chemicals throughout their life cycle and waste in ways that lead to the prevention and minimization of significant adverse effects on human health and the environment,
Recalling the Manila Declaration on Furthering the Implementation of the Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-based Activities adopted by the Third Intergovernmental Review Meeting on the Implementation of the Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-based Activities, which highlighted the relevance of the Honolulu Strategy and the Honolulu Commitment and recommended the establishment of a global partnership on marine litter,
Taking note of the decisions adopted by the eleventh Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity on addressing the impacts of marine debris on marine and coastal biodiversity,
Recalling that the General Assembly declared 2014 the International Year of Small Island Developing States and that such States have identified waste management among their priorities for action,
Noting with concern the serious impact which marine litter, including plastics stemming from land and sea-based sources, can have on the marine environment, marine ecosystem services, marine natural resources, fisheries, tourism and the economy, as well as the potential risks to human health;