‘Source to Seas – Zero Pollution 2030 (SOS-ZEROPOL2030)’ aims to develop
a holistic zero pollution framework which can guide the process towards
achieving zero pollution in European seas by 2030. Marine contamination
(including pollution) occurs as a direct result of human activities on
both; land and in the marine environment; and requires urgent attention
as healthy and clean seas provide numerous ecosystem services (e.g.
food, oxygen production, climate regulation), which are critical for our
survival and wellbeing.
Given the complex and interconnected nature of
marine pollution, the integration of sustainability-focused agendas and
circular economy principles and practices is essential for the
development of effective actions that can address its impacts. The
implementation of processes and measures to reduce marine pollution will
have consequences for numerous economic sectors (e.g. agriculture,
fisheries, food and beverage industry, waste management, packaging
industry, tourism, offshore energy) at multiple scales (local, national,
regional and international), framing marine pollution as a considerable
global socio-economic challenge that requires active collaboration from
multiple stakeholders, across a range of geographic areas.
In this context SOS-ZEROPOL2030 aims to co-design, co-produce, and co-deliver a stakeholder lead European Seas zero-pollution framework that provides practical guidance from source to sea addressing shortcomings in marine pollution management and governance. This holistic approach is based on best practice, puts emphasis on human behaviour, socioeconomics and governance; and is underpinned in knowledge about and understanding of current barriers to effective and efficient prevention, reduction, mitigation and monitoring of marine pollution in European Seas.
Objectives:
