Marine Litter at UNESCO World Heritage Marine Sites

The report is based on a KIMO survey of UNESCO marine World Heritage sites and a workshop with site managers. It shows that marine litter is present at all 46 sites that responded to the survey and affects a wide range of organisms, economic activities, and areas. The report identifies shipping, fishing, local sources, and river transport as key sources and describes differences in how litter is monitored and managed. It also compiles proposals from site managers on how UNESCO can contribute through raising awareness, funding, monitoring, knowledge sharing, targeted cleanup efforts, and legislative changes.