Rationale
According to the Protocol Concerning Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-Based Activities in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden – 2005 and parallel to the Global Program of Action, wastes or marine litter dumped in the coastal zone should be taken into consideration to avoid the risks imposed on marine life. Based on the Assessment Report, dumping solid wastes in the coastal zone of the Protocol Area represents a major cause of damage to coastal and marine habitats as well as the destruction of its aesthetic values. This ultimately results in negative impacts on coastal development, particularly the tourist industry. Incineration of wastes is a process that causes numerous persistent, toxic and biologically accumulative emissions.

Researchers traditionally classify litter source as either land- or ocean-based, depending on where it enters the water. Other factors such as ocean current patterns, climate and tides, and proximity to urban centers, industrial and recreational areas, shipping lanes, and commercial fishing grounds influence the type and amount of litter that is found in open ocean areas or collected along beaches and ocean including underwater areas.

According to the United Nations Joint Group of Experts on the Scientific Aspects of Marine Pollution (GESAMP), land-based sources account for up to 80 percent of the world’s marine pollution (GESAMP, 1991). Much of the litter reaches the ocean by beach-going activities, being blown into the water, or is carried by creeks, rivers, and storm drains/sewers to ocean areas. Other litter comes from activities on the water, including vessels (from small sailboats to large ships), offshore drilling rigs and platforms, and fishing piers.

Marine litter is identified as one of high priority problems in the PERSGA region. PERSGA prepared the framework of the Regional Action Plan on Marine litter Management in the region in collaboration with its member countries. This training workshop will be held within this framework of the Plan in parallel with the Protocol mentioned above

Objectives
The workshop aims at training specialists from the region on methods of marine litter assessment with the following main objectives:

•  To contribute to building capacities in the member countries of PERSGA.
•  To raise awareness on impact of the marine and the need for impact assessment.
•  To support national programs in general and implementing the Jeddah Convention, the Regional Action Plan on Marine Litter and the concerned Regional Protocols in particular.

Participants
Participants attending this training workshop will be selected based on their qualifications. They should be affiliated to coastal municipalities, coastal and marine institutes and/or  local authorities and agencies working in the field of coastal and marine management. The total expected number for this course is not to exceed 25 participants.

Date and Duration
The duration of the course is four working days and it will be conducted during October 16-19, 2011.

Language
Mainly English. However, translation into Arabic could be available.