United Nations Environment Programme NOWPAP

Northwest Pacific Action Plan

Distr.: RESTRICTED UNEP/NOWPAP IG. 22/8 30 October 2017 Original: English

Twenty second Intergovernmental Meeting of the Northwest Pacific Action Plan Toyama, Japan 19-21 December 2017

Proposal for the Northwest Pacific Regional Node of the Global Partnership on Marine Litter

For reasons of economy, this document is printed in a limited number. Delegates are kindly

requested to bring their copies to meetings and not to request additional copies.

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1. The Global Partnership on Marine Litter (GPML) serves as a coordination forum aiming to

harness the collective knowledge and resources of governments, practitioners, donors and

other international organizations in strengthening and scaling up the implementation of

the Honolulu Strategy – a global framework for prevention and management of marine

debris, which was adopted in 2012. The GPML is the foremost international effort for

cooperation between authorities, industry and civil society to address the issue of

marine litter on a global scale. It should serve as a critical source of information to guide

action at the global, regional, national and sub-national level to help prevent and reduce the

amount of marine litter in the global ocean. The involvement of the private and public sectors

and civil society is vital for the GPML to meet its ambition.

2. The GPML aims at achieving six major goals through strategic engagement and action:

1. Provide a global multi-stakeholder support mechanism for reducing the input and

impacts of macro-plastics and microplastics in the ocean.

2. Advance three main pillars for marine litter reduction dealing with: A - sea-based

sources and inputs; B - land-based sources and inputs and, C - accumulation of litter

on shorelines, seabed and water column.

3. Help coordinate litter reduction initiatives at local, national, regional, inter-

governmental and global scales, within and across relevant social and economic

sectors.

4. Strengthen partnerships with Regional Seas Programmes and other regional bodies,

both formal and informal.

5. Act as a focal point for the exchange of information and guidance, by means of the

Marine Litter Network.

6. Support the work of the Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine

Environment from Land-based Activities (GPA) with respect to marine litter, under the

2012 Manila Declaration.

3. GPML online presence on various platforms aims to (i) increase awareness on marine litter,

(ii) facilitate information sharing and disseminate research findings, (iii) showcase best

available technologies and best environmental practices in preventing and mitigating marine

litter, (iv) provide information on the work of partnership, and (iv) increase the number of the

partnership participants by facilitating sign ups to the partnership.

4. Currently, three major platforms are employed by the GPML: the Marine Litter Network

serving as a global hub for marine litter information; #CleanSeas Campaign site aiming to

engage general public, countries and private sector to improve their plastics management

through the phase out of non-recoverable plastics and drastic reduction of single-use

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disposable plastics; and the UNEP GPA website that provides background information about

GPML and its activities.

5. This open and collaborative environment allows actors to explore opportunities to work

together to improve the development of marine litter reduction and management strategies,

activities, tools, and resources while also enhancing coordination and leveraging resources

to achieve the common objectives of the GPML.

6. Acknowledging that each region has different capacities and priority areas and players, the

GPML regional nodes/platforms were proposed to facilitate the implementation of GPML

objectives at the regional, national levels and sub-national levels (where possible).

7. Resolution 1/6 1 on marine plastic debris and microplastics adopted at the first UN

Environment Assembly in June 2014, noted with concern the impacts of such materials on

the marine environment, fisheries, tourism and development calling for strengthened action,

in particular by addressing such materials at the source. The resolution encouraged

stakeholders to collaborate with the GPML and called for the strengthening of information

exchange mechanisms, requesting UNEP to present a study on marine plastic debris and

microplastics for consideration by the next session of the Assembly (May 2016). Resolution

2/112 on marine plastic litter and microplastics was adopted at the second session of the UN

Environment Assembly in 2016 which acknowledges the need for cooperation under the

Global Partnership on Marine Litter. The third UN Environment Assembly in 2017 is also

considering resolution that would have references to GPML.

8. Responding to global and regional needs to increase public awareness and engagement, in

2014, Northwest Pacific Environmental Cooperation Center (NPEC), host organization of the

NOWPAP CEARAC, together with NOWPAP RCU has established the NW Pacific Regional

Node of the GPML (Annex 1). The initiative/project was supported technically and financially

by the UNEP Global Programme of Action for the Protection of Marine Environment from

land-based activities (GPA).

9. NOWPAP was the first among Regional Seas to establish a regional node. At present, two

additional regional nodes for GPML were established: by the UNEP-Caribbean Environment

Programme (UNEP CEP) in collaboration with the Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute

(GCFI) (Caribbean Regional Node) and by the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional

Environment Programme (SPREP) (Pacific Regional Node). The main activities of these

regional nodes are resource mobilization, monitoring and assessment, and awareness-

raising. Addition regional nodes (e.g., for the Mediterranean Sea) are under development.

10. The Northwest Pacific Regional Node is expected to play the following roles (in accordance

with the TOR developed by the GPML Secretariat, Annex 2): 1 UNEP/EA.1/Res.6 2 UNEP/EA.2/Res.11

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a. Develop regional marine litter networks and maintain communication and coordination

across relevant stakeholders in the NOWPAP region: NGOs, central and local

governments, research institutions, etc;

b. Convene regional peer learning and collaboration events, including workshops and topic

specific events, such as beach cleanup campaigns;

c. Provide information to the GPML Secretariat and focal area’s leads on regional priorities,

interests and needs;

d. Facilitate delivery of technical collaboration and support activities of key GPML global or

regional partners;

e. Facilitate coordination/’matchmaking’ of marine litter activities across international

programs and countries at the regional level.

11. The following contributions were expected to be provided by the co-hosts: special website

dedicated with the information and reports on marine litter in English and 4 national

languages; in-kind support from dedicated and experienced staff members of NPEC and

NOWPAP RCU; continued sharing of information (on monthly basis, by e-mail) and scientific

articles among NOWPAP RACs, designated Marine Litter Focal Points in 4 countries and

partners beyond the region; annual NOWPAP International Coastal Cleanup (ICC)

campaign and associated workshops; regular regional summaries of the situation with

marine litter-related legislation, monitoring and management; regular monitoring of marine

litter quantities, composition and distribution in China, Korea, Japan and Russia (such

monitoring has been implemented by NPEC since 1996 and was later complemented by

national monitoring surveys in China and Korea); regular development of the technical

reports and guidelines on best practices in dealing with marine litter in different sectors of

economy. Following contracts with NPEC substantiated these activities further.

12. Information about national and local governments’ efforts for marine litter input in Japan was

collected and uploaded to the Northwest Pacific Regional Node using additional budget from

GPA in 2015. In order to provide information from other three member states through the

Northwest Pacific Regional Node, a new project “Enhancing the Northwest Pacific Regional

Node” was proposed at the NOWPAP ML Working Meeting (24-25 September, 2015, Yantai,

China). The Secretariat of CEARAC asked NOWPAP ML FPs of China, Korea and Russia to

nominate experts who collect information on national and local governments’ and NGO’s

efforts for marine litter prevention. Korean and Russian ML FPs nominated experts and

CEARAC signed MoU with the experts. They collected and submitted required information to

CEARAC using a reporting format. Submitted information was already uploaded into the

Northwest Pacific Regional Node. The Secretariat of CEARAC has been waiting for the

expert nomination from the Chinese ML FP so as to provide same information from the four

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member states to visitors of the Northwest Pacific Regional Node.

13. At this point, NW Pacific Regional Node includes various educational materials about marine

litter and its impacts, data from marine litter surveys in NOWPAP member countries,

publications, and various links to national, regional and global initiatives. Some data are still

being uploaded and there are important information gaps, particularly addressing the role of

private sector and use of circular economy tools in managing sources of marine litter. Since

the beginning, the Regional Node was developed almost exclusively to present information

coming from the implementation of the NOWPAP Regional Action Plan on Marine Litter

(RAP MALI). As such, now it is one-shop information portal about NOWPAP marine litter

activities.

14. Recently UNEP GPA Secretariat informed NOWPAP RCU about potential availability of

funds to develop further and strengthen the Regional Node. The amount of expected

resources is in the range of US$10,000-20,000 and will depend on a specific proposal

coming from the NOWPAP member states. NOWPAP member states as well as

organizations in the position to do so are invited to provide additional resources.

15. As an information portal for RAP MALI implementation, the Regional Node was not

transformed into active collaborating platform for various stakeholders in the region (as

described in Annex 2 - to create an effective regional network of public and private bodies to

promote the objectives of the GPML, covering the three Focus Areas and - to ensure

representation from relevant governance, industrial/commercial, academia, education,

citizen’s groups and other relevant organizations). While there is a need to continue filling

various information gaps on the portal, member states are invited to examine whether the

Node should become more “pro-active” tool for engaging various local, national and regional

stakeholders in the discussion of marine litter issues. Such modality would require active

moderation and oversight and require additional external resources. The online Marine Litter

Network provides an existing platform that may be explored.

16. Various stakeholders in the NOWPAP member states, including public sector, academia,

NGOs, private sector and general public are actively involved in various activities addressing

marine litter. Of particular importance are marine litter prevention activities. Recently, the use

of circular economy tools to support sustainable plastics economy is gaining worldwide

attention. Such upstream measures in the member countries are not yet reflected in the data

available online.

17. NOWPAP countries use four working languages plus English. Current information on the

Node is provided only in English that may limit use of the information resource in the region.

18. Recognizing that NOWPAP regional node primary goal in the short-term is to establish and

support information exchange among various stakeholders addressing marine litter,

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including microplastics in the region and provide information support for the implementation

of the NOWPAP RAP MALI, it is proposed to focus on the following tasks during the next

phase of Regional Node development (2018-2019):

1. Update information on the Node portal by systematizing submissions by Member

States and including all relevant marine litter resources available at websites of NOWPAP

entities (RCU and RACs);

2. Establish news section on the portal with regular updates about actions and measures

taken by various stakeholders in the NOWPAP region. Start issuing regular newsletter of the

NOWPAP Regional Node;

3. Linking global and other relevant information pertaining to GPML implementation at

the regional level;

4. Continue collecting marine litter data from NOWPAP beaches as a contribution to

achieving SDG target 14.1;

5. Establish portal function that allows for reading information in the four NOWPAP

languages;

6. Collect information about major stakeholders and contact points on marine litter

(government, academia, private sector, NGOs, intergovernmental and regional institutions)

as an initial step to establish NOWPAP marine litter network;

7. Contract moderator/facilitator (consultant) responsible for data collection, information

management and networking for the Regional Node;

8. Develop/propose resource mobilization strategy to ensure financing of the Node after

GPA funding ceases.

19. Regional Node is hosted by the NPEC and the data are being collected by CEARAC. Both,

CEARAC and DINRAC continue collecting and exchanging information from marine litter

monitoring surveys. CEARAC collects information and submits to DINRAC but also includes

this information on the Regional Node portal. DINRAC is in the process of upgrading

NOWPAP data and information management portal, including information on marine litter.

Furthermore, marine litter related information is available at the MERRAC website and to

some extent POMRAC websites. It is important to avoid duplication of these concurrent

activities.

20. NOWPAP Member States are invited to consider and make decision on the hosting

arrangements of the Regional Node taking into account the proposed activities (point 18

above). The following options or the other alternative option could be considered: (i)

continuing managing and hosting of the Node by NPEC, (ii) management and hosting of the

Node by CEARAC, (iii) management and hosting of the Node by DINRAC, and (iv)

management and hosting of the Node by the NOWPAP RCU, (v) management and hosting

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of the Node by one of the regional NGO/institution having marine litter activities as its core

business.

21. Outcomes of the discussion will be used to develop specific proposal for the UNEP GPA

financing and conclusion of relevant agreement.

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Annex 1

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Annex 2

Regional partnership Nodes: Proposed Objectives, Scope and draft Terms of Reference (2015)

1.0 Proposed objectives and scope of Regional Nodes Purpose: To promote the development and implementation of the GPML on a regional basis High-level objectives: 1. To create an effective regional network of public and private bodies to promote the objectives of the GPML, covering the three Focus Areas 2. To ensure representation from relevant governance, industrial/commercial, academia, education, citizen’s groups and other relevant organizations. 3. To promote implementation of the GPML approach by developing regionally- appropriate communication channels, encouraging exchange of expertise and good practice, providing advice and training, developing cost-effective monitoring programmes and undertaking practical exercises to raise awareness. Scope: Focal Area Goals A, B and C 2.0 Draft Terms of Reference: 1. Initiate Regional Node through a Regional Sea Organization, SIDS Region or other established regional body, as appropriate.

a. Use existing networks, or create new networks, to extend invitations to participate to representatives of relevant groups and individuals (governance, industry/commerce, NGOs, communities, academia, special interest groups and others)

b. Elect a Chair and Deputy to serve for 2 years 2. Develop a regional distributive network to communicate and cascade the objectives of the GPML, using appropriate communication channels (selection of languages; printed and digital media, including social media; radio and television; formal and informal education; social, commercial/industrial and political events; open-source materials), taking account of the differing cultural, social, economic and governance characteristics of the region. 3. Act as a clearing-house for who is doing what in the region, at a local, national and regional scale, including international organizations (e.g. IMO on port reception facilities; the ‘untangled’ campaign of the World Animal Protection NGO; national and regional programmes supported by the GEF and World Bank through the Global Partnership for Oceans). 4. Encourage regional organizations and individuals to register through the Marine Litter Network (MLN) portal. 5. Promote the involvement of public and private sector organizations in developing effective mechanisms for source reduction, re-use and re-cycling, including Extended Producer Liability, closing the ‘plastic cycle’, treating waste as a resource and embracing the concept of the Circular Economy. 6. Arrange regular awareness raising events including, but not limited to, periodic beach-cleans, involving the widest range of participation.

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a. Post regional news and examples of good practice (public and private sector) via the MLN (and what does not work). 7. Contribute to the three Focal Area Groups A, B and C and contribute, via the MLN, to exchange information on relevant regional programmes, particular regional concerns and examples of good practice in each of the Focal Areas. 8. Develop and promote cost-effective methods, including automated systems (e.g. web-cams) for monitoring marine litter (floating, seabed and shoreline); promote the use of common sampling protocols and reporting formats. 9. Represent the GPML at regional stakeholder meetings. 10. Provide advice and guidance to GPML Demonstration Projects, if selected in the region. 3.0 Potential participants in Regional Partnership Nodes Despite anticipated differences in the precise make-up of each Regional Partnership Node, reflecting cultural, economic and social characteristics, certain types of organization can be expected to be represented, in most cases (Figure 3.1). These are grouped below.

Governance: • Regional Seas Organizations • FAO Regional Fisheries Bodies • IMO shipping - MARPOL Annex V, LC/LP • National governments • Municipalities and sub-national governance bodies

Industry/commerce:

• Aquaculture – commercial and artisanal • Fisheries – commercial and artisanal • Shipping • Tourism • Retail • Manufacturing (including plastics) • Recycling and waste management • Cruise companies • Entrepreneurs, engineering and product design

Academia:

• Natural/environmental sciences • Material sciences • Social sciences • Economics • Design and engineering

Others: • Citizens/community groups • Special interest groups, e.g. recreational fishing, diving/surfing, recreational boating • Non-Governmental Organizations/not-for-profit • Media and communications • LME groups • Foundations and other funding agencies

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Figure 3.1 Schematic of relationships within a Regional Node and links to the rest of the GPML, via the Marine Litter Network. A full list of potential stakeholder groups linked to the Regional Node is shown elsewhere. 4.0 Regional Partnership Nodes and related organizations and activities A number of organizations have been approached with a view to their taking on the role of a Regional Partnership Node (Table 4.1). The Northwest Pacific Regional Node will be co-hosted by the Northwest Pacific Environmental Cooperation Centre (NPEC) and NOWPAP (Northwest Pacific Action Plan) Regional Coordination Unit (RCU), supported by the Global Programme for Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-based Activities (GPA). Table 4.1 Potential Regional Partnership Nodes Potential Regional Partnership Node

Geographic coverage Current status

NOWPAP & NPEC Northwest Pacific (China, Japan, Republic of Korea, Russia)

Confirmed (date); well- established marine litter programmed and outreach

(PEMSEA – sub-node linked to NOWPAP?)

SE Asian Seas Awaits appraisal

Gulf and Caribbean Fisheries Institute (GCFI) in conjunction with the Caribbean marine Protected Areas Network (CaMPAM)

Caribbean Launched

Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP)

Pacific Launched in September 2017

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UNEP MedPOL MAP Mediterranean Under discussion; marine litter

included in the Mediterranean Action Plan

Black Sea Commission Black Sea Under discussion In addition, there are many national, regional and international organizations that either have well-established marine litter programmes or are in the process of developing programmes (Tables 4.2 –4.6). In some cases these may complement to aims of the GPML Regional Nodes (e.g. OSPAR, HELCOM). In other cases these organizations may formalize links to the GPML directly or via the Regional Nodes. Table 4.2 Regional bodies with competence relevant to the GPML

Table 4.3 Regional organizations with programmes relevant to the GPML National initiatives Geographic Coverage Current status USA, NOAA Marine Debris Programme

NE Pacific, northern Gulf of Mexico, Bering Sea, N Atlantic

Well-established marine litter programme

Brazil SW Atlantic Developing

Australia (CSIRO) Waters around Australia and SE Asia

Well-established marine litter programmes

Table 4.4 Intergovernmental Organizations with programmes relevant to the GPML Intergovernmental Organizations

Geographic Coverage Current status

International Whaling Commission

Global Marine debris assessment & potential measures

World Bank (Secretariat) Global Partnership for Oceans

Global with regional projects

Marine litter is a key focal area

Convention for Biological Diversity

Global Developing a strategy

Other Regional Bodies Geographic Coverage Current status OSPAR NE Atlantic Existing marine litter

programme HELCOM Baltic Sea Existing marine litter programme

European Union Western Black Sea, Mediterranean, NE Atlantic, Baltic

Developing comprehensive marine litter programme under the Marine Strategy Framework Directive

FAO Fisheries Commissions

International waters globally Undeveloped marine litter programmes

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GEF – Global Environmental Facility

GEF-eligible nations and international waters

Marine litter included in the Transboundary Waters Assessment Programme

OECD – Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development

OECD Member States Developing a strategy

Table 4.5 Non-Governmental Organizations with programmes relevant to the GPML

Table 4.6 Private sector organizations with programmes relevant to the GPML Private sector organizations/initiatives

Geographic Coverage Current status

HELMEPA – the Helle Marine Environment Protection Association

Mediterranean Well-established marine litter programme (30+ years)

INTERMEPA – the Internation Marine Environment Protectio Association

Member Associations cover Australia, Cyprus, Turkey, Ukraine, Greece, No America and Uruguay

Established in 2006

Marine Litter Solutions (Globa Declaration of the Plastics Associations for Solutions on Marine Litter)

Global Supporting regional and internation programmes

Non-Governmental Organizations (not-for profi

Geographic Coverage Current status

5 Gyres Global Developing marine litter programme

Fabiano Barretto Network of Portugues speaking nations

Developing marine litter network

Ellen MacArthur Foundation Global Promoting concept of the Circular Economy, with strong institutional backing from industry

KIMO International (Local Baltic, North Sea, Celtic Seas Well-established marine litter

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The relationship of organizations listed above to the overall GPML is represented in Figure 4.1. This also shows the link between the GPML and the United Nations Environment Assembly and the Biennial Conference of the GPL Partners via the UNEP Secretariat.

Figure 4.2 Schematic of relationship between the regional nodes embedded within the GPML and a range or other organizations and initiatives with common interests and potential partners in the GPML, via the Marine Litter Network: TAC - Technical Advisory Committee; SC – Steering Committee; UNEA – United Nations Environment Assembly; AG - Advisory Group for reporting to the UNEA; Biennial Conference – Biennial Conference of the GPML Partners.