Plastics and marine pollution: Innovations for SDG 14.1

HIGH-LEVEL OPENING SESSION 

16:30-17:10

Opening remarks and setting the stage

Global thought leaders, experts from governments, international organizations, civil societies, and academia will deliver diverse perspectives on marine plastic pollution with science and evidence-based insights, policy and business solutions to address marine plastic challenges. 

PANEL DISCUSSION 

17:10-17:40

UNDP Ocean Innovation Challenge – Applied Solutions

A panel, featuring UNDP’s first cohort of innovators working on marine pollution reduction (SDG 14.1), will tackle the innovators’ experiences and lessons learned in applying ocean innovation on the ground as well as opportunities for organizations and individuals to contribute to this effort. 

Panel Moderator: Dr. Mary Matthews, UNDP Ocean Adviser 

Panel: 

• Global Plastics Policy Database – Dr. John Virdin, Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions, Duke University, USA 

• Extended Producer Responsibility Scheme in the Maldives – Paolo Facco, adelphi Consult GmbH, Germany/Maldives 

• Promoting Laws to Protect Our Oceans with the Support of Civil Society and Coastal Communities – Eduardo Leiton, Fundacion OneSea, Costa Rica 

• Tackling microfibres at source: Investigating opportunities to reduce microfibre pollution from the fashion industry through textile design and manufacturing innovation – Ariel Muller, Forum for the Future APAC, Singapore 

• PhosValue: Sustainable Solutions for Nutrient Recycling in Cape Verde – Jorge Santos, AquaInSilico, Portugal 

• Nutri-algae: Novel Sustainable Algae Based Fertilizers in Mexico and Morocco - Luis Lombana, Ficosterra, Spain 

• Fortuna Coconut Coolers – Tamara Mekler, Fortuna Cools, US and Philippines 

CLOSING 

17:40-17:45  

Concluding Remarks 

Minna Epps, IUCN, Director of Marine and Polar Program