Urban Ocean®
Overview
Urban Ocean is a capacity-building and accelerator program to end ocean plastic pollution and build more resilient communities in cities.
Urban Ocean champions circular economy principles, builds awareness of ocean plastic, assesses waste management systems, and supports cities to develop projects that address the interrelated challenges of ocean plastics and resilience. Since 2020, the program has been implemented in cities across Asia and Latin America. Resilient Cities Network Ocean Conservancy and The Circulate Initiative jointly implement the program.
THE CHALLENGE
11 million tonnes of plastic waste enter the ocean annually, which is expected to triple by 2040.
While awareness of the crisis of marine debris has increased rapidly over the past few years, there is still considerable work to be done, such as reducing the production of single-use plastics and improving waste management systems.
There is also a need to connect these solutions with the unique needs and priorities of communities to ensure sustainable and efficient use of local resources.
THE SOLUTION
Urban Ocean is a capacity-building and accelerator program that enhances understanding of the ocean plastics challenge…
and circular economy principles, and assesses the waste management situation in selected cities to ultimately support them to develop financeable strategies and projects designed to address the interrelated challenges they identify.
The program provides a platform for cities to showcase their leadership and share their knowledge and experiences across the Urban Ocean network and beyond.
Areas of Action
Establishing a peer network of cities that commit to and jointly work on solving interrelated problems around waste management, resilience, circular economy and ocean plastic through sharing of best-practices and capacity development.
Assessing the situation on the ground using the Circularity Assessment Protocol (CAP) to enable cities to comprehensively map challenges, risks, and vulnerabilities, which will inform strategy and project development.
Developing project strategies, solutions and proposals that can be presented to potential partners to build appropriate public-private partnerships between cities, businesses, and financing organizations.
Why Partner With Urban Ocean
Initiated in 2019, Urban Ocean has developed a proof-of-concept that combines scientific baseline assessment methodology by Dr. Jenna Jambeck with project identification and prioritization.
Urban Ocean builds on more than eight years of city relationships by Resilient Cities Network and leverages the expertise of Ocean Conservancy, The Circulate Initiative, and a diverse ecosystem of stakeholders who have the power to collectively solve the plastic pollution challenge in cities.
Participating Cities
Click on each city to view respective Project Statement and Circularity Assessment Protocol Report where available.
CAN THO, VIET NAM
CHENNAI, INDIA
MELAKA, MALAYSIA
MUMBAI, INDIA
PANAMA CITY, PANAMA
PUNE, INDIA
SANTIAGO, CHILE
SEMARANG, INDONESIA
SURAT, INDIA
Mentoring Cities
CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND
MILANO, ITALY
ROTTERDAM, NETHERLANDS
TOYOMA, JAPAN
VEJLE, DENMARK
Partners
Resources
Project Opportunities to Accelerate Clean, Healthy Cities and Seas: City Opportunity Booklet
The Project Opportunities to Accelerate Clean, Healthy Cities and Seas: City Opportunity Booklet presents solutions for reducing ocean plastic pollution by enhancing urban waste management and integrating circular economy principles, demonstrating how well-managed systems can boost urban resilience and provide health, environmental, and economic benefits.
Urban Ocean Toolkit
The Urban Ocean Toolkit compiles resources from the program’s first iteration, offering cities guidance on improving waste collection, recycling systems, and public awareness to reduce ocean plastic. This toolkit also addresses interconnected urban priorities like public health, economic growth, and job creation, providing a comprehensive approach to building cleaner, healthier communities and seas.
Video Gallery
Jan 1, 1970
