Paragraph 163 of the Future We Want, Rio+20
Oceans and Seas
Take action to reduce the incidence and impacts of [marine] pollution on marine ecosystems, including through the effective implementation of relevant conventions adopted in the framework of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and the follow-up of the relevant initiatives... as well as the adoption of coordinated strategies to this end. We further commit to take action to, by 2025, based on collected scientific data, achieve significant reductions in marine debris to prevent harm to the coastal and marine environment.
Supporting Initiatives
IMO Pollution Prevention
International Maritime Organization (IMO)
In 1973, IMO adopted the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, now known universally as MARPOL. The MARPOL Convention addresses pollution from ships by oil; by noxious liquid substances carried in bulk; harmful substances carried by sea in packaged form; sewage, garbage; and the prevention of air pollution from ships. Other treaties address anti-fouling systems used on ships, the transfer of alien species by ships’ ballast water and the environmentally sound recycling of ships.
In support of Rio+20 outcome paragraph
163
-
Take action to reduce the incidence and impacts of [marine] pollution on marine ecosystems, including through the effective implementation of relevant conventions adopted in the framework of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and the follow-up of the relevant initiatives... as well as the adoption of coordinated strategies to this end. We further commit to take action to, by 2025, based on collected scientific data, achieve significant reductions in marine debris to prevent harm to the coastal and marine environment.
Marine pollution and microplastics
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
IOC-UNESCO efforts on microplastics include advocacy and communication as well as promotion of research and scientific assessment. In terms of advocacy the IOC is working with several foundations and civil society organizations such as PlasticsEurope, the MOAF (Multi One Attitude Foundation), FNOB (Fundacion Navegacion Oceanica Barcelona), TARA and film makers to create awareness on the impacts of plastics and microplastics in marine organisms and ecosystems. Side events are being held in parallel to, for example, the IOC Assembly and the UNESCO General Conference. Regarding the promotion of research and scientific assessment, the IOC is leading a Working Group under the Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Environmental Protection (GESAMP), tasked to conduct a global assessment of the inputs, levels, distribution and fate of micro-plastics in the ocean, and the potential role of micro-plastics as a pathway for persistent, bio-accumulating and toxic substances entering marine food-webs.
In support of Rio+20 outcome paragraph
163
-
Take action to reduce the incidence and impacts of [marine] pollution on marine ecosystems, including through the effective implementation of relevant conventions adopted in the framework of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and the follow-up of the relevant initiatives... as well as the adoption of coordinated strategies to this end. We further commit to take action to, by 2025, based on collected scientific data, achieve significant reductions in marine debris to prevent harm to the coastal and marine environment.
UNEP Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-based Activities (GPA)
United Nations Environment
The GPA is designed to be a source of conceptual and practical guidance to be drawn upon by national and/or regional authorities for devising and implementing sustained action to prevent, reduce, control and/or eliminate marine degradation from land-based activities. The GPA aims at preventing the degradation of the marine environment from land-based activities by facilitating the duty of States to preserve and protect the marine environment.
The GPA targets major threats to the health, productivity and biodiversity of the marine and coastal environment resulting from human activities on land and proposes an integrated, multisectoral approach based on commitment to action at local, national, regional and global levels. In an era when coastal communities are threatened by new and daunting challenges, e.g. climate change, the holistic ecosystem approach advocated by the GPA is even more relevant today than when first negotiated in 1995.
In support of Rio+20 outcome paragraph
163
-
Take action to reduce the incidence and impacts of [marine] pollution on marine ecosystems, including through the effective implementation of relevant conventions adopted in the framework of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), and the follow-up of the relevant initiatives... as well as the adoption of coordinated strategies to this end. We further commit to take action to, by 2025, based on collected scientific data, achieve significant reductions in marine debris to prevent harm to the coastal and marine environment.