ABOUT THE PARTNERSHIP
The Global Partnership on Marine Litter (GPML) is a multi-stakeholder partnership that brings together all actors working to prevent marine litter and microplastics. By providing a unique global platform to share knowledge and experience, partners are able to work together to create and advance solutions to this pressing global issue.
Our mission is to protect the global marine environment, human wellbeing and animal welfare by addressing the global problem of marine litter.
- To serve as the global platform or mechanism for all stakeholders on the issue of marine litter and to stimulate, and maintain the momentum of, action on that issue;
- To facilitate cooperation between Governments, intergovernmental organizations, regional bodies, the private sector, civil society and academia, inter alia, including on:
(i) Information-sharing and improved knowledge management;
(ii) Awareness-raising;
(iii) Development and/or dissemination of new environmentally sound technologies;
(iv) Capacity-building;
(v) Preventive action;
(vi) Risk-based recovery action;
(vii) Emerging issues;
(viii) Effective communication.
- To share relevant information on projects and initiatives, including to identify and address gaps and avoid duplication of effort, as well as information on financing opportunities, and to facilitate matchmaking of projects and initiatives with funding;
- To raise awareness of GPML, identify actors and attract new members;
- To contribute to marine litter action plans at different levels as appropriate (all members);
- To communicate information and provide guidance based on the best available scientific knowledge and in accordance with the precautionary approach;
- To reduce the leakage of plastics into the ocean, through improved design; the application of the reduction, reuse and recycling (3Rs) principle; the promotion of closed-loop systems and more circular production cycles; the maximization of resource efficiency and minimization of waste generation;
- To support the implementation of relevant resolutions of the General Assembly, including resolution 70/1, by which the Assembly adopted the outcome document of the United Nations summit for the adoption of the post2015 development agenda, entitled “Transforming our world: the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”, resolutions of the United Nation Environment Assembly on, or relevant to, marine litter and microplastics, and other relevant international resolutions and decisions; and
- To support the implementation of legal, policy, institutional and other relevant frameworks that enforce international law relevant to marine litter and microplastics.
The GPML was launched at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development Rio+20 in June 2012 in response to a request in the Manila Declaration, which is an outcome of the Third Intergovernmental Review meeting of the Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-based Activities (GPA) held in January 2012.
STEERING COMMITTEE
Permanent seats in the Steering Committee are granted to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and the Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Environmental Protection (GESAMP).
Any GPML member can propose a new Steering Committee member. The Secretariat approves new members in consultation with the Steering Committee. Consideration is given to limiting the number of members in order to ensure adequate and effective communication. Steering Committee membership is subject to rotation while ensuring continuity of membership.
More information on the Steering Committee can be found in the GPML Framework Document
REGIONAL NODES
Regional Nodes provide key coordination functions and are composed by different bodies to support the implementation of Action Plans in their region. Given the different characteristics and needs, each Regional Node and Action Plan is developed and tailored to address the specific environmental challenges.
The participation of regional bodies is considered essential for the successful implementation of the GPML on a regional basis.
Regional Seas and Regional Fisheries Management Organisations provide existing networks to major relevant stakeholders and are therefore recognized as Regional Nodes of the GPML. However, other types of relevant institutions can also function as a Regional Node.
MEMBERS
With universal membership, we intend to facilitate global collaboration among all stakeholders. Our membership is therefore open to any stakeholder working to prevent and reduce marine litter.
JOIN US
NEED TO KNOW MORE?
Become a member of the GPML to join a vibrant community of environmental leaders to share experiences, coordinate activities and exchange ideas to find innovative solutions to the marine litter problem.
As a member, you will have access to exclusive webinars and other member-only events as well as the opportunity to connect with potential partners and donors.
Members must be committed to supporting the mission of the GPML and should contribute to one of the existing focus areas, or volunteer to lead a new focus area (subject to approval by the Steering Committee).
Learn more-
Reducing levels and impacts of land-based litter and solid waste introduced into the aquatic environment.
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Reducing levels and impacts of sea-based sources of marine debris including solid waste, lost cargo, abandoned lost or discarded fishing gear, and abandoned vessels introduced into the aquatic environment.
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Reduced levels and impacts of (accumulated) marine debris on shorelines, aquatic habitats, and biodiversity.
The three existing focus areas are:
Membership Application
Membership is open and free of charge for any stakeholder committed to preventing and reducing marine litter.