Tools4Ocean - A toolbox for public authorities to address marine plastics and litter from river-to-ocean
The Challenge
Plastic pollution moves through connected rivers, coasts and seas, yet the information and decisions needed to prevent it are often fragmented. Public authorities need reliable ways to understand where pollution comes from, how it travels, which measures work and what can be implemented locally.
Plastic pollution harms freshwater and marine ecosystems. Communities with limited resources for monitoring and waste management can face particular challenges in responding. Connecting evidence with practical decisions is essential to prevent pollution and protect people and nature.
The Project
Tools4Ocean is a four-year Horizon Europe project led by the Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA). It will develop an integrated digital Toolbox to help public authorities address marine plastics and litter from river to ocean.
The Toolbox will combine baseline assessments and monitoring methods, modelling of sources, pathways and hotspots, and evidence from prevention, removal and interception measures.
GRID-Arendal leads Work Package 1, Toolbox Development, Co-design and Integration. We will coordinate the solution inventory and the Toolbox evaluation and validation framework, helping ensure that the Toolbox responds to user needs and supports practical decisions.
Our Transformative Approach
Why It Matters
Tools4Ocean aims to help public authorities make better-informed, locally relevant decisions to prevent plastic pollution before it reaches the ocean. By connecting practical solutions with evidence and user needs, the project seeks to strengthen environmental governance, protect freshwater and marine ecosystems, and support communities to act on pollution.
Region
Europe, with use cases in Arctic and Atlantic river-to-ocean environments.
