The Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) is pleased to announce the release of the updated 2025 Edition Policy Brief “Litter-Free Is the Way toBe: Actions for a Healthy Mediterranean”, developed under the UfM-labelled Plastic Busters Initiative.

As one of the Mediterranean’s flagship science-policy efforts, the Plastic Busters Initiative works to protect marine biodiversity, prevent and mitigate marine litter pollution, and strengthen the science–policy interface across the region. The updated brief provides an evidence-based overview of the growing challenge of marine litter — noting that the Mediterranean is “among the most affected seas globally” — and highlights the urgent need for integrated, cross-sectoral, and long-term action.

Building on more than a decade of scientific collaboration and regional coordination, the brief outlines priority areas for action, including harmonized monitoring and assessment, on-the-ground prevention and mitigation measures, strengthened governance, and enhanced education and stakeholder engagement. It also aligns with recent regional and global policy developments, such as the European Ocean Pact and the Pact for the Mediterranean, underscoring the importance of scaling up coordinated efforts to achieve a litter-free Mediterranean.

The Policy Brief serves as a timely call for policymakers, stakeholders, and regional institutions to reinforce cooperation, strengthen waste governance, accelerate the transition to a circular economy, and champion science-based solutions that safeguard the Mediterranean’s fragile ecosystems.

The full Policy Brief is now available here.