Knowledge about the impact of pollution on ocean health is fragmented and scattered. Yet, the evidence that does exist suggests action to tackle marine pollution is urgently needed. Better data is a critical step to catalyse action.

Back to Blue has issued four ambitious calls to action:

1. That marine pollution – beyond plastic – be central to the agenda at the 2025 UN Ocean Conference and other key meetings such as the United Nations Environment Assembly in 2024, with a view to raising awareness and mobilising action among policymakers.

2. That the UN Ocean Decade framework be used to foster effective collaboration between the various agencies that collect and hold data and other resources relevant to understanding marine pollution, including (but not limited to), UN agencies, national government agencies, universities and scientific organisations, and the private sector.

3. Develop a roadmap by 2025 which sets out the pathway to building a comprehensive global understanding of marine pollution. This process must incorporate stakeholders from the UN system, national governments, scientific agencies, universities, NGOs, technology companies, and the private sector.

4. For a diverse group of projects and initiatives – including Back to Blue – to work collaboratively with scientists to raise awareness and use existing marine pollution data to inform policymakers, business leaders and the broader public.

Back to Blue has issued four ambitious calls to action:

1. That marine pollution – beyond plastic – be central to the agenda at the 2025 UN Ocean Conference and other key meetings such as the United Nations Environment Assembly in 2024, with a view to raising awareness and mobilising action among policymakers.
2. That the UN Ocean Decade framework be used to foster effective collaboration between the various agencies that collect and hold data and other resources relevant to understanding marine pollution, including (but not limited to), UN agencies, national government agencies, universities and scientific organisations, and the private sector.
3. Develop a roadmap by 2025 which sets out the pathway to building a comprehensive global understanding of marine pollution. This process must incorporate stakeholders from the UN system, national governments, scientific agencies, universities, NGOs, technology companies, and the private sector.
4. For a diverse group of projects and initiatives – including Back to Blue – to work collaboratively with scientists to raise awareness and use existing marine pollution data to inform policymakers, business leaders and the broader public.
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OUR PLAN TO TACKLE THE MARINE POLLUTION DATA GAP:

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DEFINE: A short discussion paper defining the marine pollution data gap

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The Zero-Pollution Ocean: A call to close the evidence gap

A zero-pollution ocean will only be possible if policymakers, business leaders and investors have access to sufficient evidence to evaluate the scope, scale and impact of marine pollution and to take action. Download this short discussion paper to read our recommendations.

DOWNLOAD REPORT
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DISCUSS: Read our summary of what steps the experts recommend to close the gap

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CLOSING THE MARINE POLLUTION DATA GAP: A ROADMAP IN THE MAKING

Developed following an extensive expert stakeholder consultation process, this issues paper examines the key questions that must be addressed to develop an effective and workable roadmap to close the marine pollution data gap.

DOWNLOAD REPORT
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CONSULT AND BUILD: An inclusive co-design process

We can’t do this alone. Back to Blue’s mandate is to catalyse action; a wide group of stakeholders must collaborate to implement the roadmap.

Back to Blue is now embarking on a targeted consultation and co-design process. We call on scientists, policymakers, business leaders, and investors to join our hackathon to co-design a roadmap to close the marine pollution data gap.



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PUBLISH: The Zero-Pollution Ocean Roadmap

Using the findings of these events, Back to Blue will produce a draft Zero-Pollution Ocean Roadmap that will identify how key stakeholders can spearhead a coordinated global response to marine pollution and close the marine pollution data gap.

The draft roadmap, to be released in early 2024, will include an overview infographic, report and set of practical recommendations. The purpose of the roadmap will be to galvanise UN bodies, policymakers, NGOs and businesses to close the marine pollution data gap.

To follow the Roadmap’s progress or contribute, please sign up to the Back to Blue newsletter.

 

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