Marine Plastic Litter in East Asian Seas: Gender, Human Rights and Economic Dimensions

This report addresses critical information gaps by synthesizing the social and economic impacts of marine plastic litter, with a focus on gender and human rights dimensions. It strengthens the science-based evidence needed for inclusive action that accounts for the social, environmental, and economic costs of plastic mismanagement. Findings from this report and the SEA circular initiative aim to inform and influence Southeast Asian intergovernmental processes, engage marine-focused stakeholders, and support national governments in closing policy gaps and addressing pollution at its source. The report is grounded in a lifecycle approach to marine litter, emphasizing upstream plastic management—from production and consumption to disposal—while integrating gender equality and human rights considerations. The priority is to prevent plastic from entering the environment through inclusive, circular strategies. Although cleaning up marine litter remains important, the report highlights that downstream solutions may be costlier and less effective than upstream prevention in reducing long-term impacts.