We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Need for a Collaborative Natural Resource Management Strategy for the Marine Environment—The Case of Plastics in the Mediterranean
AI summary Read the abstract
This article calls for a collaborative natural resource management strategy for a shared marine environment, addressing governance gaps and the need for coordinated action among stakeholders. It is a marine policy and management commentary.
Natural resource management issues are at the heart of sustainability and are seldom limited to a localized community. We address marine plastic pollution which not only infests local beaches, but is found in the present research to have high mobility, a serious impact on human health, and a damaging effect on ecosystems. Plastics have reached the deepest points of our oceans and while all oceans are affected, the Mediterranean Sea is particularly vulnerable to pollution because of its high biodiversity density, its enclosed geometry, and its bathymetry. We collected primary and secondary data and drew on separate studies performed by the author. We gauged public attitudes towards plastic waste management in Lebanon and found that the public is aware of the issue and supports the formation of a Mediterranean Rim consortium to address both remedial and preventive strategies. A regression analysis is introduced where a dependent variable represents the need for regional natural resource strategies. It was found to be positively and significantly correlated with the establishment of national policies, engineering innovation as a preventive strategy, and the adoption of local implementation. Our case study in Lebanon unveiled lack of public policies for solid waste management and marine plastic litter, causing implementation challenges. We recommend that the problem of plastic pollution be tackled with cross-border cooperation among neighboring countries around the Mediterranean.
More Papers Like This
Tackling Marine Litter: Mediterranean Regional Cooperation Platform and Experience for ASEAN
AI summary Read the abstract
This paper reviews Mediterranean regional cooperation on marine litter governance and explores lessons relevant for ASEAN countries. It argues that close cross-border collaboration is essential to effectively prevent and manage plastic pollution in shared marine environments.
Governance Solutions to the Tragedy of the Commons That Marine Plastics Have Become
AI summary Read the abstract
This paper examines marine plastic pollution as a "tragedy of the commons" and evaluates existing and proposed governance frameworks for addressing this shared environmental challenge. It argues that effective solutions will require international coordination, extended producer responsibility, and complementary regulatory and market-based instruments.
Governance Strategies for Mitigating Microplastic Pollution in the Marine Environment: A Review
AI summary Read the abstract
This review assessed the sources, spread, and impacts of microplastic pollution in marine environments and evaluated existing governance strategies for addressing the problem. Researchers found significant gaps in management approaches, including limited community involvement in monitoring and a lack of standardized mitigation strategies for coastal areas. The study calls for stronger policy interventions, more citizen science initiatives, and coordinated international efforts to reduce microplastic pollution in the oceans.
Governance solutions to the 'tragedy' of marine plastics
AI summary Read the abstract
This paper analyzed the governance challenges of marine plastic pollution, framing it as a collective action problem similar to a tragedy of the commons and reviewing international governance frameworks for addressing it. The authors argue that current mechanisms are insufficient and propose strengthened global governance solutions.
Analysis of Marine Plastic Pollution and Environmental Problems
AI summary Read the abstract
This review examines the sources, environmental and socioeconomic effects, and policy responses to marine plastic pollution, finding that while scientific knowledge is substantial, policy and regulatory initiatives have so far been inadequate and inconsistent across countries. The paper calls for stronger international coordination and more effective governance tools to meaningfully reduce plastic inputs to the ocean.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.