International Symposium on Marine Litter and Coastal Ecosystem Nexus (MariNEX)

The widespread presence of marine litter, particularly plastic, poses a significant threat to coastal ecosystems and the communities that depend on them.  To address these challenges and build a more sustainable future, the International Symposium on Marine Litter and Coastal Ecosystem Nexus (MariNEX) aims to achieve the following outcomes:

Enhanced Knowledge and Collaboration:

• Strengthen coordination and collaboration: MariNEX will create a platform for various stakeholders (GOs, NGOs, researchers, practitioners, and the private sector) to strengthen coordination and improve understanding of each other’s activities and future directions. This will be crucial for developing and implementing effective solutions for marine litter management and coastal ecosystem health in Bangladesh and beyond.
• Knowledge sharing across disciplines and backgrounds: The symposium will provide a platform for knowledge sharing among participants from diverse ecological, political, and economic backgrounds. This cross-disciplinary exchange will foster a deeper understanding of the challenges and opportunities related to marine litter and its impact on sustainable coastal aquaculture, mangrove ecosystems, and biodiversity conservation.

Actionable Solutions and Strategies:

• Through knowledge exchange and discussions, the symposium aims to generate concrete action plans and strategies for mitigating marine litter pollution and promoting sustainable management of coastal ecosystems.
• Future pathways for sustainable solutions: Through collaboration among researchers, policymakers, NGOs, and the private sector, MariNEX will identify future pathways for sustainable solutions to address plastic pollution, other forms of pollution affecting aquaculture in mangrove ecosystems, and the challenges of climate change and coastal protection.

Increased Capacity and Awareness:

• MariNEX will contribute to capacity building by equipping participants with the knowledge and tools necessary to implement effective marine litter management practices in their respective communities and organizations.
• The symposium will raise public awareness about the severity of marine litter pollution and its impact on coastal communities and ecosystems.

Strengthened Partnerships and Networks:

• The symposium will facilitate target-oriented cooperation and joint strategic planning among relevant stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, researchers, the private sector, and international organizations. This will be crucial for developing and implementing effective action plans at local, national, and regional levels.
• MariNEX can provide a platform for stakeholders to influence the shaping of relevant national, international, and intergovernmental policies related to marine litter management, sustainable coastal aquaculture, mangrove ecosystem protection, climate change adaptation, and biodiversity conservation.

The symposium outcomes will contribute to achieving the relevant UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14 (Life Below Water), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). By achieving these expected outcomes, MariNEX will pave the way for a future with cleaner oceans, healthier coastal and mangrove ecosystems supporting robust aquaculture and fisheries resources, and more resilient coastal communities.