Toward a sustainable international legal framework for protecting the marine environment from plastic waste pollution
Keywords:
International Environmental Law, Marine Plastic Pollution, UNCLOS, Environmental Governance, SustainabilityAbstract
Plastic waste represents one of the most critical environmental challenges facing marine ecosystems due to its profound and long-lasting impacts on biodiversity, marine sustainability, and global ecological balance. This study aims to analyze the international legal framework governing the protection of the marine environment from plastic waste pollution by examining relevant international and regional conventions and assessing their effectiveness in addressing this escalating problem. The research adopts a descriptive–analytical methodology that integrates the examination of legal texts with their interpretation in light of current environmental realities, focusing particularly on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) as a cornerstone of the international maritime legal system.The findings reveal that current international legal frameworks, while foundational in establishing marine environmental protection principles, remain limited in enforceability and binding effect due to the absence of a dedicated international instrument specifically addressing marine plastic pollution. Furthermore, disparities in economic and technological capacities among states hinder the effective implementation of existing international commitments. The study emphasizes the urgent need to establish a stricter and more comprehensive legal mechanism that integrates concepts of the circular economy, biodegradable materials, and innovation-driven waste management solutions. The study concludes that effective marine environmental protection requires reconfiguring the international legal system to better align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 14__Life Below Water__by promoting cohesive global legal and institutional cooperation. Through this integration of legal governance and sustainable innovation, the study offers a comprehensive strategic vision aimed at safeguarding marine biodiversity and ensuring the sustainability of natural resources for future generations.
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