Ukraine GFEI Baseline

Marine litter and micro-plastics has recently taken a top slot in the political and public agenda on the health and integrity of the world’s oceans. Over 80% of marine pollution that constitute marine litter and micro-plastics is from land based sources , largely associated with diverse anthropogenic activities such as increasing use of synthetic materials, industrialization and urbanization of coastal areas, where disposal and waste management practices are inadequate. To effectively manage marine litter, an adequate knowledge is necessary about drivers, sources, types, amount and dispersion. Policy measures are then needed to address the generation of marine litter and micro-plastics, in particular those that can be prevented at the sources.

Coastal cities are dynamic, complex systems which need energy, water, food and other resources to function and support diverse activities. If managed properly cities have the potential to offer better socio-economic conditions and quality of life to residents as well as the wider nation within which they are situated. The integrated adaptive management and sustainable development of coastal cities is therefore essential. Inputs from science, technology, architecture, socio-economic information, and planning, all contributing key insights and perspectives.

Blue carbon describes the carbon storage potential of vegetated coastal ecosystems, including tidal marshes, mangrove forests, and seagrass meadows soil. Although they occupy less than 0.5% of the world’s ocean surface area, these coastal ecosystems are estimated to bury nearly 70% of the carbon sequestered in the world oceans.