Environmental Management Administration

Marine debris is an ongoing marine environment conservation issue impacting oceans worldwide, receiving significant attention from countries across the globe. The United Nations defines marine debris as "any persistent, manufactured or processed solid material discarded, disposed of or abandoned in the marine and coastal environment." Among these, plastic waste, which decomposes slowly after entering the environment, has the most profound impact. To build consensus between the government and civil organizations, the administration and environmental groups jointly established the "Taiwan Marine Debris Governance Platform" in July 2017. The platform holds regular meetings and undertakes efforts to manage marine debris through the five major aspects of "source reduction," "recycling and alternatives," "interception and removal at the endpoint," "research on the impacts of marine debris and policy development," and "expanded collaboration and participation." Supported by the principles of "policy-oriented" and "clear project plans," 42 action plans are formulated for agencies (organizations) and the 13 environmental civil groups participating in the meetings. The goal is to reduce the generation and impact of marine debris, fulfilling our responsibility as members of the global community to protect the environment.

According to "Taiwan Marine Debris Governance Platform" meetings, the "Taiwan Marine Debris Governance Action Plan" is continually promoted. This action plan aims to unite the efforts of government agencies and civil organizations, fostering "public-private collaboration" to jointly promote and implement goals with the aim to effectively reduce marine debris generation and lessen its impact on the ecology of marine environments. As of June 2024, the "Taiwan Marine Debris Governance Platform" has held 22 meetings and completed the third version of the action plan.

1. NGO Environmental Groups: 13 organizations including Greenpeace Foundation, Taiwan Watch Institute, Society of Wilderness, Kuroshio Ocean Education Foundation, Hiin Studio Ltd., Taiwan Environmental Information Association, Wild at Heart Legal Defense Association, Oceanus Foundation, Tse-Xin Organic Agriculture Foundation, Taiwan Cetacean Society, Taiwan Rethink Environmental Education Association, Taiwan Zero Waste Association, and Citizens Association For Public Policies.
2. Government Agencies: includes the Ministry of Environment (Department of Water Quality Protection, Department of Comprehensive Planning, Resource Circulation Administration, Climate Change Administration, Environmental Management Administration), Ocean Conservation Administration, Ocean Affairs Council, and Fisheries Agency, Ministry of Agriculture. The ministry (Environmental Management Administration) serves as the contact point and supporting office for the "Marine Debris Governance Platform."

1. Holding regular meetings with proposals submitted by participating parties for discussion before each meeting.
2. Co-chaired by the deputy minister of the Ocean Affairs Council and the deputy minister of Environment, with the ministry serving as support staff.

• Guidelines for the Taiwan Marine Debris Management Platform Action Plan (Version 3) PDF