Opinion: Policy is the strongest tool against marine plastic pollution

From the newsletter

As the 11th Our Ocean Conference continues in Mombasa, experts from IFAW argue that Kenya's fight against marine plastic pollution will be won or lost far from the coastline. They contend that stronger waste management systems, effective producer responsibility schemes and upstream policy interventions are essential to preventing plastic from reaching the ocean.

• The article is authored by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW)’s Victor Murunga, PMEL Manager; Lillian Mulupi, Project Manager for Marine Conservation; and Ben Wandago, Kenya Country Director. Their work focuses on marine conservation, wildlife protection, and community-based approaches to addressing conservation challenges.

• “For years, marine conservation efforts have focused on beach cleanups, ocean skimming, and reactive waste collection. These efforts are visible and important, but they do not address the structural drivers of pollution. The core issue lies upstream,” they write.

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