In 2020, the Nairobi Convention and WIOMSA through the Group of Experts on Marine Litter and Microplastics commissioned three inter-related regional assessments on the status of marine litter and microplastics; the resultant ecological, human health and economic impacts; and measures undertaken by different institutions to address the challenges and highlight opportunities which can be harnessed for greater impact.
‘A review of the current status of marine litter and microplastics knowledge in the Western Indian Ocean region: Effectiveness of measures undertaken and opportunities’, assessed, in relation to the marine plastic litter issue, the effectiveness and the diversity of the regional governance landscape, the national policy and institutional frameworks, and the effectiveness of the measures conducted by all types of stakeholders. It identifies initiatives at local, national or regional levels, involving cooperation and partnerships, as well as potential synergies between stakeholders regarding marine plastic litter. This identification of initiatives enables the highlighting of both strong action areas as well as gaps in policies and actions. Based on these conclusions, recommendations are developed to address these gaps.