Continental Strategy for Control & Mitigation of Plastic Pollution on Aquatic Biodiversity & Environment in Africa

Abstract

Africa grapples with a significant plastic pollution crisis, marked by an estimated 17 million tonnes of mismanaged plastic waste generated each year. This pervasive issue inflicts substantial ecological harm upon the continent’s vital marine and freshwater ecosystems, disrupting natural processes and degrading habitats. Furthermore, it results in considerable economic losses, estimated at £2.3 billion ($2.9 billion) annually, severely impacting the millions of livelihoods reliant on key sectors such as fisheries, aquaculture, and tourism. The infiltration of microplastics into freshwater systems and the degradation of crucial coastal habitats compound the threat to biodiversity, ecosystem functioning, and overall food security. Globalised value chains and environmental transport mechanisms such as ocean currents and rivers propel the transboundary nature of plastic pollution, amplifying the challenge.