Commonwealth Litter Programme

The Commonwealth Litter Programme (CLiP), is led by the UK through the Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas). Funded by Defra, the programme will support five developing countries across the Commonwealth to take action on plastics entering the oceans.

Marine litter is found in all the oceans of the world. It is found not only in densely populated parts of the Commonwealth but also in remote areas, far from obvious sources and human contact.

Up to 90% of marine litter is made up of plastics, originating from both land and sea-based sources.  This makes plastic pollution one of the most widespread problems facing our oceans today. If we are to tackle this issue, urgent, coordinated and effective action is paramount.

Cefas will work with partners across the Commonwealth to share expertise and find solutions to the environmental and socio-economic problems caused by litter in the marine environment.

Scientists will be collaborating with local, national and international partners to ensure actions are coordinated at all levels, including with activities that are already taking place to tackle marine litter.

CLiP will work with countries across the Commonwealth to encompass a variety of geographic, economic and environmental differences and enable a wide breadth of issues to be addressed. The programme is starting in the South Pacific Region in November 2018, working with Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands. The programme will work in the South Pacific, Caribbean, Asia and Africa.