On World Oceans Day 2021, UNEP’s Clean Seas Campaign renews its global efforts to tackle marine litter and plastic pollution, now with a focus on how individuals can use both national and international laws to push for change.
The campaign aims to break humanity’s addiction to unnecessary and avoidable plastic, nearly 11 million tonnes of which end up in the ocean annually. It was launched by UNEP in 2017 to help curb the flow of marine litter and plastic waste entering lakes, waterways, and oceans. Since then, 62 member States - covering 60 per cent of the world’s coastlines - have joined the campaign with ambitious pledges and commitments.
The right to a safe, clean, healthy and sustainable environment is legally recognized in 155 countries. Actions to protect oceans and seas must include a human rights-based approach, according to UNEP’s recent report: Neglected: Environmental Justice Impacts of Marine Litter and Plastic Pollution. The actions should also build upon the obligations and responsibilities of governments and businesses under international environmental law and human rights instruments.
The Clean Seas Campaign is calling on citizens across the world to reduce their plastic footprint and speak up for their right to a healthy environment, including pollution-free oceans using the hashtags #BeatPlasticPollution for #CleanSeas.
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