Chapter II: Review of Related Literature

The Coastal Litter Defined

            Broadly there are three main ingredients of coastal litter; these are (1) Seaweed, (2) Leaves, and (3) a cocktail of manmade rubbish.  Almost without exception coastal litter is borne by water to its ‘resting place’.  Litter in the bay comes from rainwater drains, creeks and rivers.  By definition, Seaweeds are those decaying smelly that is washed ashore, (or wrack), plays a role in ensuring the health and cleanliness of the bay.  Leaves can be gone to coastal areas because of man “induced”.  Prior to urban development, leaves mainly remained where they fell; now they fall impervious surfaces ( roofs, pavements, etc.) and are washed into rainwater drains and water courses and into the bay.  Leaves are harmful in the bay.  In the process of their decay in the bay, they release among other things, nitrogen, which promotes the growth of algal blooms etc.  Man Made Rubbish has two interesting aspects: (1) There’s large seasonal element; more litter in summer, and (2) There always seems to be “bits” that are marine industry related (paint spray cans etc.)  www.litter.vic.gov.au/.../Leading_On_Litter_...

Environment Studies: Importance

            Importance of Environment Studies: The environment studies enlighten us, about the importance of protection and conservation of our indiscriminate release of pollution into the environment.

            At present a great number of environment issues, have grown in size and complexity day by day, threatening the survival of mankind on earth.  Environment studies have become important for the following reasons:

1.    Environment Issues Being Of International Importance

2.    Problems Cropped in the wake of Development

3.    Explosively Increase in Pollution

4.    Need for alternative solution

5.    Need to save humanity from extinction

6.    Need for wise planning of development

Philippine Marine Litter Experience

            In the presentation made by the government on the “First COBSEA Marine Litter Workshop” at Indonesia last May 2007.  It was reported that in the Philippines, we are experiencing tremendous problem on marine litters.  In their survey and monitoring, it was found out that the sources of Debris or litters in the coast have these percentage; (1) Medical/Personal Hygiene : 4%, (2) Dumping related Activities: 3%, (3) Smoking Related Activities:17%, (4) Ocean/Waterways:17%, and (5) Shoreline and  Recreational Activities: 59% (2005 ICC, Summary Report Philippines)  

            The International Coastal Clean-up (ICC) has reported that the Top Ten Debris with equivalent percentage from Total Debris collected last 2005 (Summary Report Philippines, 2005 ICC) are as follows:

1)    Cups, plates, forks and spoons     5%

2)    Food wrappers or containers         30%

3)    Cigarettes or cigarette filters          16%

4)    Bottles (plastic)                                 8%

5)    Straws or stirrers                              8%

6)    Bags                                                   7%

7)    Caps and Lids                                  7%

8)    Clothing, Cloth                                 7%

9)    Beverage bottlers (glass)                6%

10) Beverage cans                                 6%

Education and Community Awareness Raising

            Education and awareness raising “tools” that are shared have more impact than separate ones.  It is essential to make the public aware of the formidable consequences of the environmental degradation.  It is essential to get the country acquainted with these challenges so that their acts may be eco-friendly. 

            It has been well recognized that environment issues like global warming and ozone depletion, acid rain, marine pollution and biodiversity are not merely national issues but are global issues and hence must be tackled with public awareness education.

            To this effect, on the part of Philippines, an Institutional Arrangement was done related to solid waste management.  Policies and Laws are made to combat the problem on marine litters regulations, such as, Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 (RA No. 9003); Marine Pollution Decree of 1976 (PD No. 979); Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 9ra No. 9275); Philippines’ National Marine Policy of 1994; Section 42 of the Philippine Environment Code( PD No. 1152) and Toxic Substances, Hazardous and Nuclear Waste Control Act of 1990 (RA No. 69696). www.cobsea.org/.../Marine%20Litter/Annex%... 

            On the other hand, The United Nations Environment Programme Public Awareness and Education Campaign on Management of Marine Litter last June 2007 has envisioned to succeed in Raising awareness, Influencing Behavior, attitudes and Values and Strengthening Participation on reduction and possibly eliminating marine litters.   The major channels used for appropriately and targeting the indivuals participations are: through education ( as a child via family orientation) and the media.  (UNEP(DEPI)/MED WG.316/Inf.7 Medium Term Public Awareness and Education Campaign on Management of Marine Litter in the Mediterranean.  The role of education and media had played an important and common principles on raising awareness, educating and effectively mobilizing action in combating the problem of marine litters.