Marine plastic pollution is a major challenge in global ecological governance. A recent report from the United Nations Environment Programme shows that the accumulated amount of marine plastic waste has reached 75 million to 199 million metric tons, accounting for 85 percent of all marine waste. If no effective measures are implemented, the annual amount of plastic waste entering the ocean will reach 23 million to 37 million tons by 2040, nearly twice the current amount.

The Blue Circle model, introduced in Taizhou, Zhejiang, in 2020, has established a circular governance system characterized by marine waste collection, land-based recycling, international carbon trading value enhancement, and shared benefits for the public.

This model has promoted the transformation of marine plastic management from pollution prevention and control to resource utilization, offering a proven solution for tackling marine plastic waste.

Guo Yuhe contributed to this story.