Dramatic increase in funding for efforts to combat marine litter

Marine litter is one of the biggest environmental problems of our time. Every year, around eight million tonnes of plastic end up in the oceans. The plastic does not disappear, and it is highly damaging to marine life.

‘Some 80-90 % of marine plastics come from land-based sources. This is because many countries have inadequate waste management systems. It is therefore vital to develop waste management systems in developing countries, increase awareness about the issue of marine litter, and facilitate effective clean-up programmes. The Government’s ambition is to allocate NOK 1.6 billion over the next four years to this area, with a view to ensuring a long-term perspective and lasting results,’ said Mr Astrup.

The development programme on marine litter is a key element of the Government’s ocean efforts, and is an important Norwegian contribution to the global efforts to ensure clean and sustainable oceans.

‘Norway has worked to ensure that the prevention of marine pollution, including marine plastic litter, is included as a key theme  in the World Bank’s new multi-donor Problue Trust Fund. The Government has provided NOK 125 million to the Fund in 2018. Various countries have together pledged a total of around NOK 600 million to the Fund. The Problue Trust Fund will play an important role in helping countries to reach the SDGs and achieve the goal of eliminating marine litter,’ said Mr Astrup.