Continue supporting efforts towards a binding global instrument on plastic litter
Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission (HELCOM)
(
Intergovernmental organization
)
#OceanAction48460
Description
HELCOM notes with concern the high and rapidly increasing levels of marine plastic litter and microplastics as a global environmental problem and a serious threat to the marine environment. HELCOM commits to the prevention and significant reduction of marine plastic litter and microplastics from both land- and sea-based sources, which constitutes a contribution to achieving the sustainable development goals. In particular, HELCOM finds that strengthened global action is needed to prevent further discharge and reduce levels of marine plastic litter and microplastic in the marine environment stemming from current global and market-driven consumption of plastic products. The problem of marine litter, including plastic, cannot be solved by any one country alone and effective, dedicated global governance is needed to address existing gaps and promote coherence, coordination and effective prioritization of our efforts. Therefore, HELCOM commits itself to support the development of a global binding instrument to more effectively and comprehensively deal with the issue of marine plastic litter and microplastics on a global level in an integrated manner in alignment with decisions that the resumed Fifth Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA 5-2) may make on the matter.
SDGS & Targets
Goal 14
Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
14.1
By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution
14.1.1
(a) Index of coastal eutrophication; and (b) plastic debris density
14.2
By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans
14.2.1
Number of countries using ecosystem-based approaches to managing marine areas
14.3
Minimize and address the impacts of ocean acidification, including through enhanced scientific cooperation at all levels
14.3.1
14.4
By 2020, effectively regulate harvesting and end overfishing, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and destructive fishing practices and implement science-based management plans, in order to restore fish stocks in the shortest time feasible, at least to levels that can produce maximum sustainable yield as determined by their biological characteristics
14.4.1
14.5
By 2020, conserve at least 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international law and based on the best available scientific information
14.5.1
14.6
By 2020, prohibit certain forms of fisheries subsidies which contribute to overcapacity and overfishing, eliminate subsidies that contribute to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and refrain from introducing new such subsidies, recognizing that appropriate and effective special and differential treatment for developing and least developed countries should be an integral part of the World Trade Organization fisheries subsidies negotiation
14.6.1
Degree of implementation of international instruments aiming to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing
14.7
By 2030, increase the economic benefits to Small Island developing States and least developed countries from the sustainable use of marine resources, including through sustainable management of fisheries, aquaculture and tourism
14.7.1
Sustainable fisheries as a proportion of GDP in small island developing States, least developed countries and all countries
14.a
Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer marine technology, taking into account the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Criteria and Guidelines on the Transfer of Marine Technology, in order to improve ocean health and to enhance the contribution of marine biodiversity to the development of developing countries, in particular small island developing States and least developed countries
14.a.1
14.b
Provide access for small-scale artisanal fishers to marine resources and markets
14.b.1
Degree of application of a legal/regulatory/policy/institutional framework which recognizes and protects access rights for small‐scale fisheries
14.c
Enhance the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources by implementing international law as reflected in United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which provides the legal framework for the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources, as recalled in paragraph 158 of "The future we want"
14.c.1
Number of countries making progress in ratifying, accepting and implementing through legal, policy and institutional frameworks, ocean-related instruments that implement international law, as reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, for the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans and their resources
SDG 14 targets covered
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| 14.1 | By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution |
Deliverables & Timeline
Continuous work of Pressure Working Group as well as the Expert Group on Marine Litter, resulting among others in completing the next Thematic Assessment on the Baltic Sea (HOLAS 3)
Resources mobilized
Partnership Progress
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Timeline
Entity
SDGs
Other beneficiaries
The European Union (10th of the HELCOM Contracting Parties)
Ocean Basins
Communities of Ocean Action
Website/More information
Countries
Contact Information
Rüdiger, Executive Secretary