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This document was prepared by the Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel (STAP) of the Global Environment Facility (GEF) as an information paper to explore the problem of marine debris and plastics debris in the ocean, inform the Council, and explore possible solutions relevant to GEF programs. This document specifically is intended to address needs of GEF recipient countries (developing countries and countries with economies in transition). In addition, this document evaluates marine debris from multiple perspectives and suggests that plastic debris should be recognized as a global environmental issue. This finding is based on largely on the global occurrence of the problem including in areas beyond national jurisdiction, the transboundary nature of sources and impacts, significant impacts on marine organisms and biodiversity, and social and economic impacts especially on developing countries and countries with economies in transition. |
