International institutions and governments

Global public affairs at The Ocean Cleanup

Ocean plastic pollution is a global crisis that threatens marine biodiversity, food security, and climate resilience. The Ocean Cleanup aims to be part of the solution by developing and scaling technologies to intercept plastic, but we cannot scale alone. Lasting solutions demand collaboration with governments, international organizations, scientists, industry, and civil society. By leveraging our data and experience, states can fulfill their international obligations and conserve our shared heritage, the ocean, for climate stability and future generations.

OCEANS

There is currently no policy detailing who is responsible for the cleanup of plastic in international waters. Our research has identified that roughly 80% of the plastic we catch in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch comes from fishing activities.

It is for this reason that negotiations to implement a Global Plastic Treaty are crucial to comprehensively address the plastic pollution problem. The Ocean Cleanup has been an active participant in these policymaking processes through our consultative status to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

System 03, Great Pacific Garbage Patch, the ocean cleanup, GPGP, ocean plastic pollution
System 03 in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch

RIVERS

With our Interceptor technology, we provide a solution to halt plastic now, while behaviour change takes place and waste management infrastructure is being set up and optimized by local governments.

The Ocean Cleanup works together with governments and international organizations to support them in addressing marine plastic pollution, and we collaborate directly with local authorities in every deployment location to develop lasting, impactful solutions.

In November 2022, we signed a joint declaration with the governments of Indonesia and the Netherlands to expand river cleanup activities in Indonesia.

Las Vacas - the first line of defense in the Rio Motagua to stop millions of kg of trash entering the Gulf of Honduras

UN Global Plastics Treaty

The UN Global Plastics Treaty is set to be a legally binding global instrument to address plastic pollution, including in the marine environment. This treaty is a key moment for realizing a plastic-free ocean. In November 2022, we shared our vision for the treaty during the first meeting of the negotiations:

  • We need collective action to remove legacy plastic pollution in the Ocean
  • We must monitor plastic leakage and set clear targets for its reduction and elimination
  • Innovation must play a role in ending plastic pollution from source to sea.
Delegates gather in the Assembly Hall for the opening plenary of the final Plastic Treaty negotiations.
Delegates gather in the Assembly Hall for the opening plenary of the final Plastic Treaty negotiations.
Plastic of all sizes floating at sea

Innovation Alliance

Bridging the gap between innovation and policymaking

Innovators, solutionists, and startups are underrepresented in multilateral environmental agreements. This is why we co-founded together with rePurpose Global Inc. The Innovation Alliance for a Global Plastics Treaty: a cross-sector alliance to unite and promote the role of innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship in the Global Plastics Treaty. Read the vision statement to learn more about key actions to change the plastic pollution lifecycle.

Starting with 60 members to now over 160 from across the globe, the IAGPT advocates in the Global Plastic Treaty process and other key plastic fora for an enabling policy environment to support the scaling of innovations. See the latest engagement report here.

 

Apply to join and see the objectives of the alliance below:

Apply here

  • A voice for innovation

    Ensure that technology & business model innovations across the entire plastics value chain are considered & prioritized in the Treaty.

  • A seat at the table

    Facilitate representation of innovators at Treaty negotiations & events to help bring their unique perspectives to policymakers.

  • build awareness

    Create awareness about the Global Plastics Treaty, as well as the state and progress of tangible solutions against plastic pollution

  • data-driven policymaking

    Aggregate and systematize existing data on plastic pollution impacts currently held by individual innovators across the value chain in order to guide policy decision-making and enable treaty monitoring & evaluation.

  • power of partnership

    Unify the innovation ecosystem that has so far been tackling the plastic problem within individual silos and increase engagement between public and private entities to move the needle on plastic pollution.

  • promote environmental justice

    Prioritize sustained economic & employment opportunities, especially with vulnerable communities, waste worker communities & promote the value of indigenous knowledge to accelerate innovative solutions against plastics.

International Collaborations

  • UNDP Partnership

  • Rule-of-Law

  • UN Ocean Decade

  • International Union for the Conservation of Nature

other Institutional affiliations

Accelerate pollution solutions

Plastic pollution is, luckily, a topic that is gaining priority for many. Let’s join forces to make a bigger impact.