Litter-free oceans

Context

Litter in the oceans has reached dramatic levels. According to studies, between four and twelve million tonnes of plastic alone end up in the world’s oceans every year. This threatens marine animals and habitats, but also human health.

Most waste enters the oceans via rivers. Inadequate waste management in many developing countries and emerging economies is a major cause of this. However, the rapidly growing global production of plastics and the increasing export of plastic waste from industrialised nations to developing countries and emerging economies are also contributing. Marine litter has long since grown from a local to a global problem.

Germany is committed to combating marine litter under the leadership of the Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV). Among other measures, it has set up the ‘Marine Debris Framework – Regional hubs around the globe’ (Marine:DeFRAG) funding programme for this purpose. The programme helps developing countries and emerging economies avoid marine litter and establish effective waste collection and recycling systems.

Objective

Partner organisations in developing countries and emerging economies implement effective plastic management strategies and avoid marine litter. The strategies are given international visibility and encourage the sharing of experience.

Approach

The project advises BMUV and provides country-specific information and expertise. Based on this, it develops effective strategies for waste management – for example the prevention, reuse, recycling and disposal of waste – and for combating marine litter. The project also supports partner organisations in developing such strategies and incorporating them into international processes – for example through workshops or training sessions.

In all its activities, the project focuses on equality and eliminating gender-based discrimination.

Last update: December 2023