Who we are

Update!

After consulting with members, and following the decision by the Steering Committee, the Global Partnership on Marine Litter (GPML) will be rebranded to become the Global Partnership on Plastic Pollution and Marine Litter. This formally acknowledges the broader focus of the partnership, including prevention and reduction approaches across the lifecycle of plastics, as already reflected in the 2023 revised Framework Document. Thank you for sharing your feedback and stay tuned for a new logo!

About the GPML

The Global Partnership on Plastic Pollution and Marine Litter (GPML) was launched at the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) in June 2012 in response to a request set out in the Manila Declaration on Furthering the Implementation of the Global Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-based Activities (now called Pollution Free Ecosystems Unit). The partnership is led by a Steering Committee and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) provides secretariat services.

The GPML is a multi-stakeholder partnership that brings together all actors working to prevent marine litter and plastic pollution. By providing a unique global platform to share knowledge and experience, partners are able to work together to create and advance solutions to this pressing global issue.

Our mission is to protect the global marine environment, human well-being and animal welfare by addressing the global problem of marine litter and plastic pollution by:

  • Providing a platform for cooperation and coordination; sharing ideas, knowledge and experiences; identifying gaps and emerging issues.
  • Harnessing the expertise, resources and enthusiasm of all stakeholders.
  • Making a significant contribution to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda, in particular SDG 14.1 (By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, particularly from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution).

Download the GPML Brochure here.

For more information on the GPML's purpose and mandate, please read our Framework Document here.