Global foundations for reducing nutrient enrichment and oxygen depletion from land based pollution, in support of Global Nutrient Cycle - Project Document

This report outlines a global project aimed at establishing the necessary foundations for governments and stakeholders to address coastal water quality degradation caused by land-based nutrient pollution. Within the context of escalating nutrient over-enrichment and oxygen depletion in large marine ecosystems, the document details a multi-sectoral approach involving the development of quantitative source-impact models and a comprehensive policy toolbox. These methods are designed to identify cost-effective technological and policy options for reducing nitrogen and phosphorus loads from agriculture, wastewater, and aquaculture. Through a central demonstration in the Manila Bay watershed, the project tests these tools to produce replicable nutrient reduction strategies. Key findings emphasise that the absence of a unified governance framework and accessible analytical tools has hindered effective action, necessitating a global partnership to facilitate knowledge sharing and institutional engagement.