Introduction

The massive accumulation of plastics in marine environments is internationally recognized as one of the most pressing environmental concerns of our time. This work examines the relevant international legal framework applying to land-based sources of plastic pollution, as well as its implementation at various levels of governance. Against the backdrop of the dynamics of recent policy formulation in this field, it outlines the main developments in global policy and provides a snapshot inventory of the most important obligations of states related to plastic pollution mitigation. Having laid the foundations for commitments to protect and preserve the marine environment and its biological diversity, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea is at the core of the legal analysis. It plays an important role with regard to both coherence and international cooperation. The book evaluates the regime’s major traits and tests their practical impacts on the challenge of massive plastic accumulation in marine environments. It identifies the main barriers and opportunities, and points out the possible building blocks of an enhanced regime. Specifically, the book suggests the adoption of a global, legally binding instrument on marine plastic pollution mitigation from land-based sources.