Turning the Tide: Plastic Pollution and Ocean Cleanup Training Course

Introduction

The pervasive issue of plastic pollution in our oceans has emerged as one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. Millions of tons of plastic waste enter marine ecosystems annually, posing severe threats to marine life, disrupting delicate food webs, impacting coastal communities, and even potentially affecting human health. Addressing this multifaceted crisis requires a comprehensive understanding of the sources, pathways, and impacts of plastic pollution, coupled with innovative strategies for prevention, reduction, and remediation.

This intensive training course is meticulously designed to equip participants with a comprehensive and practical understanding of plastic pollution in marine environments and the diverse approaches to ocean cleanup. From exploring the origins and fate of plastic debris and its ecological consequences to mastering waste management strategies, cutting-edge cleanup technologies, and policy interventions, you will gain the expertise to contribute effectively to global efforts to combat this environmental scourge. This empowers you to champion sustainable solutions, drive policy changes, and actively participate in restoring the health and vitality of our invaluable oceans.

Target Audience

  • Environmental Managers and Consultants.
  • Marine Scientists and Ecologists.
  • Waste Management Professionals.
  • Government Officials (Environment, Maritime Affairs, Public Health).
  • Representatives from Environmental Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs).
  • Coastal Community Leaders and Practitioners.
  • Innovators and Entrepreneurs in Waste Technology.
  • Students and Researchers in Environmental Science and Engineering.

Duration: 10 days

Course Objectives

Upon completion of this training course, participants will be able to:

  • Understand the sources, types, and pathways of plastic pollution into marine environments.
  • Grasp the ecological, economic, and social impacts of marine plastic pollution.
  • Analyze existing global and national policy and regulatory frameworks related to plastic waste.
  • Comprehend various land-based and sea-based strategies for preventing plastic leakage.
  • Evaluate different ocean cleanup technologies and their effectiveness and limitations.
  • Develop practical skills in conducting plastic pollution assessments and monitoring programs.
  • Navigate the complexities of stakeholder engagement and public awareness campaigns for plastic reduction.
  • Formulate robust strategies for contributing to a circular economy approach to plastic management.

Course Content

  1. Understanding Plastic Pollution: Sources and Types
  • Types of Plastics : polymers, additives, properties, common applications
  • Sources of Plastic Pollution : land-based (mismanaged waste, littering, industrial spills), sea-based (fishing gear, shipping, aquaculture)
  • Microplastics and Nanoplastics : formation, prevalence, specific concerns
  • Pathways to the Ocean : rivers, wastewater, atmospheric deposition, direct dumping
  • Global statistics and projections of plastic production and waste generation
  1. Impacts of Plastic Pollution on Marine Ecosystems
  • Entanglement and Ingestion : effects on marine mammals, seabirds, turtles, fish
  • Habitat Degradation : smothering of coral reefs, seagrass beds, benthic habitats
  • Chemical Leaching and Bioaccumulation : transfer of toxins through the food web
  • Ecological Impacts : disruption of ecosystems, introduction of invasive species
  • Impacts on human health and livelihoods (e.g., fisheries, tourism)
  1. Policy and Governance Frameworks
  • International Conventions : MARPOL Annex V, Basel Convention, regional agreements
  • National Legislation and Policies : plastic bans, extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes, waste management regulations
  • Voluntary Agreements and Industry Initiatives : corporate commitments, certification schemes
  • Circular Economy Principles : reduce, reuse, recycle, redesign, recover
  • Role of multi-stakeholder platforms and international cooperation
  1. Land-Based Prevention Strategies
  • Waste Management Hierarchy : prevention, reuse, recycling, energy recovery, disposal
  • Improving Waste Collection and Infrastructure : formal vs. informal sectors, waste segregation
  • Recycling Technologies and Infrastructure : mechanical, chemical recycling, challenges
  • Plastic Product Design and Innovation : eco-design, biodegradable alternatives, material substitution
  • Behavior Change and Public Awareness : campaigns, education, citizen science
  1. Sea-Based Prevention and Mitigation
  • Abandoned, Lost, or Otherwise Discarded Fishing Gear (ALDFG) : ghost fishing, retrieval programs, gear marking
  • Port Reception Facilities : ensuring proper disposal of ship-generated waste
  • Best Management Practices for Shipping and Aquaculture : preventing waste discharge
  • Technological Solutions : on-board waste compactors, waste-to-energy systems on vessels
  • Regulatory measures to minimize sea-based plastic leakage
  1. Ocean Cleanup Technologies: In-Water Systems
  • Active Collection Systems : booms, barriers, vessels for macroplastic removal (e.g., The Ocean Cleanup system)
  • Passive Collection Systems : self-collecting devices, natural traps
  • Riverine Interception Systems : barriers, trash wheels, automated collection for riverine input
  • Limitations and Challenges : cost, scalability, bycatch, microplastic removal
  • Case studies of deployed in-water cleanup technologies
  1. Ocean Cleanup Technologies: Coastal and Shoreline Cleanup
  • Beach Cleanup Methodologies : manual collection, mechanical beach cleaners
  • Volunteer Engagement and Coordination : organizing cleanups, data collection by volunteers
  • Cleanup of Mangroves, Estuaries, and Wetlands : specialized challenges and techniques
  • Ghost Gear Retrieval Programs : specialized dive teams, ROVs for underwater removal
  • Safety protocols and waste disposal for coastal cleanups
  1. Assessment, Monitoring, and Data Management
  • Plastic Pollution Assessment Methods : visual surveys, net trawls, sediment analysis, remote sensing
  • Monitoring Programs : establishing baselines, tracking trends, assessing impact
  • Data Collection and Standardization : citizen science platforms, databases (e.g., UNEP's GPML database)
  • Modeling and Prediction : understanding plastic movement and accumulation zones
  • Using data to inform policy and management decisions
  1. Socio-Economic Considerations and Stakeholder Engagement in Cleanup
  • Economic Impacts of Plastic Pollution : tourism, fisheries, shipping, human health
  • Social Dimensions : impact on livelihoods, vulnerable communities, traditional practices
  • Community Engagement in Cleanup Efforts : local ownership, empowerment
  • Role of Industry and Private Sector : funding, innovation, corporate social responsibility
  • Developing inclusive and equitable cleanup strategies
  1. Future Directions and Innovation in Combating Plastic Pollution
  • Advanced Recycling Technologies : pyrolysis, gasification, chemical feedstock recovery
  • Biodegradable and Compostable Plastics : true biodegradability, certifications, end-of-life management
  • AI and Robotics in Cleanup : automated detection, collection, and sorting
  • Global Treaty on Plastic Pollution : ongoing negotiations, potential impacts
  • Investment and financing for plastic pollution solutions, including blue finance.

CERTIFICATION

  • Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with Macskills Training and Development Institute Certificate

TRAINING VENUE

  • Training will be held at Macskills Training Centre. We also tailor make the training upon request at different locations across the world.

AIRPORT PICK UP AND ACCOMMODATION

  • Airport pick up and accommodation is arranged upon request

TERMS OF PAYMENT

Payment should be made to Macskills Development Institute bank account before the start of the training and receipts sent to info@macskillsdevelopment.com

For More Details call: +254-114-087-180

 

Turning The Tide: Plastic Pollution And Ocean Cleanup Training Course in Spain
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