Event: Rising to the Global Challenge of Ocean Plastic Pollution

Ocean plastic pollution has reached a crisis level, threatening the world’s marine ecosystems, major industries such as fishing and tourism, food security, and ultimately human health. Every day, the equivalent of an entire cargo ship of plastic makes its way into the world’s oceans — roughly 11 million tons annually. Fortunately, with the passage of the Save Our Seas Act 2.0 and new programs and partnerships, USAID and the U.S. Government are ramping up efforts to address the ocean plastics crisis internationally. 

In honor of World Oceans Day June 8, 2021, USAID and Ocean Conservancy hosted a virtual program bringing together policy makers, leading experts, and local problem solvers to discuss ways to ensure that the growing international efforts to combat the ocean plastic pollution crisis are effective and beneficial. 

Watch the event recording here

Opening Remarks:

• Karl Fickenscher, Acting Assistant Administrator, Bureau for Development, Democracy, and Innovation, USAID
• Mr. Orlando Jorge Mera, Minister of the Environment and Natural Resources (Dominican Republic)
• Clare Romanik, Lead Ocean Plastics Advisor, USAID

Panel Discussion:

• Jenna Jambeck, PhD, Georgia Athletic Association Distinguished Professor in Environmental Engineering, University of Georgia
• Mr. Chandra Vithanage, Senior Assistant Secretary General, The Ceylon Chamber of Commerce
• Ms. Jonah de Lumen-Pernia, Trustee and Vice President, Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines 
• Mike Maggio, President of Inclusive Waste Recycling Consortium (iWrc)
• Ms. Tri Dewi Virgiyanti, Director Housing and Settlement, Ministry of National Development Planning (Indonesia)

Moderator: Chever Voltmer, Plastics Initiative Director, Ocean Conservancy

About Ocean Conservancy’s Trash Free Seas® Program
Ocean Conservancy has led the fight for a clean, healthy ocean free of trash since 1986, when the U.S.-based nonprofit launched its annual International Coastal Cleanup (ICC). Since then, Ocean Conservancy has mobilized millions of ICC volunteers to remove trash from beaches and waterways around the world while pioneering upstream solutions to the growing ocean plastics crisis. Ocean Conservancy invests in cutting-edge scientific research, implements on-the-ground projects, and works with conservationists, scientists, governments, the private sector and members of the public to change the plastics paradigm. To learn more about our Trash Free Seas® program visit oceanconservancy.org/trashfreeseas, and follow Ocean Conservancy on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 

About USAID Ocean Plastics
USAID is leveraging its extensive networks, expertise, and global experience to promote a circular economy and improve waste management in key partner countries. USAID works with cities and local governments, promotes locally-led solutions and women’s economic empowerment, and engages the private sector in addressing the plastic waste challenge. Clean Cities, Blue Ocean (CCBO) is USAID’s flagship program for combating ocean plastic pollution, working with 22 cities and towns in seven countries to strengthen and encourage investments in solid waste management systems and change behavior around the 3Rs (reduce, reuse and recycle). To learn more about USAID’s ocean plastics work, please visit urban-links.org/issue/ocean-plastic-pollution/ or email oceanplastics@usaid.gov.