Overview:

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Rapid urbanization and economic growth in Asia have resulted in significant water pollution from both land-based and sea-based sources. Among land-based sources of pollution, the 2012 Manila Declaration has identified nutrients, wastewater, and marine litter as priority categories. Rivers and waterways, often around major cities, act as conduits for transporting pollutants to the marine environment. Sea-based sources include pollution coming from fisheries and vessels. While various economic activities including agriculture, aquaculture, fisheries, tourism, and transportation contribute to marine pollution, improvements in these sectors also present the biggest opportunities for addressing pollutants.

 

Indeed, the private sector plays a crucial role in addressing water pollution. But coordinated action across all levels and all stakeholders is essential to address this transboundary, crosssectoral challenge. This session will explore an integrated approach to addressing water pollution including through assessment, participation, transparency, and accountability. The session will focus on the role and opportunities of the private sector and businesses, highlighting collaborative efforts, stakeholder engagement, and inclusive approaches that support the realization of the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment.

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Objective:

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​Share perspectives from business, academia, and civil society on the challenge of marine and river pollution

• Discuss strategies to support sustained action in preventing, reducing, controlling, and eliminating both land-based and sea-based pollution, specifically marine litter, nutrient, and wastewater pollution

• Explore the necessary actions for businesses, governments, and communities to transition towards a sustainable and resource-efficient approach to plastic management, including elimination measures, innovation, waste management, and circular economy principles

• Foster partnerships and coordination within the region to combat marine and river pollution, while introducing mechanisms for knowledge-sharing and harmonized data collection efforts to achieve common goals

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Methodology:

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A moderated panel discussion, which will feature a Question-and-Answer segment between the audience and the panel.

 

Outcomes:

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Gain a comprehensive understanding of the complex nature of water pollution and the importance of involving various stakeholders and the private sector in finding solutions to enhance the right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment

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• Identify priorities and solutions, and address key questions on prevention, reduction, control, and elimination of land-based and sea-based pollution, including marine litter, nutrient, and wastewater pollution

• Utilize insights from knowledge-sharing and multi-stakeholder initiatives to discuss potential meaningful interventions that contribute to reducing different forms marine pollution.