Accumulation of plastic wastes in the marine eco-system is growing rapidly with the increase of plastic production and consumption patterns, particularly single-use plastics as well as unsustainable plastic waste management practices. Land-based sources are recognized as the main cause (up to 80% of total marine debris) of marine plastic pollution. Marine plastic pollution has thus become an issue of global focus and many national and local governments are searching for solutions to tackle it.
Based on the literature review and action research in two selected Asian countries, Indonesia (Southeast Asia) and India (South Asia), this report identifies the urgency of addressing plastic waste within the overall waste management policies and systems of the respective countries or cities to reduce marine plastic pollution. It also proposes a list of strategies and policy interventions to consider in reducing plastic pollution from land-based pathways. These strategies are discussed along the plastic value chain in a holistic manner and presented under key policy interventions, such as regulatory, economic, technology, data/information and voluntary measures, identified for the short, medium and long-term.
