Workshop on Marine Plastic Litter

Online workshop on "Assessment and Monitoring Tools for Marine Plastic Litter”

The India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) Working Group 2 on Green & Clean Energy Technologies organized an online workshop on "Assessment and Monitoring Tools for Marine Plastic Litter " on 8th November, 2024, bringing together experts and officials from India and the European Union (EU) to address plastic pollution and discuss innovative monitoring solutions. The workshop focused on exploring new digital tools for monitoring plastic waste and understanding India’s unique challenges in combating plastic litter.

The workshop agenda included a detailed presentation on the Indian context regarding plastic pollution by the Indian Scientists, followed by an introduction to an e-learning tool designed by the Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA) team to assist in monitoring plastic litter. The session, led by Prof. Bert Van Bavel and Dr. Oda Ellingsen from NIVA, provided insights into the tool's methodology and showcased its three modules, including two introductory modules and one focused on Thermo Analytical methods for assessing plastic waste.

As part of the workshop, Indian experts presented their perspectives on the specific needs and challenges faced in the Indian context and provided feedback on the e-learning tool. Each expert highlighted the regional requirements and offered valuable feedback into the e-learning tool's application in Indian scenarios. The event featured an interactive panel discussion where participants engaged with the NIVA team, sharing feedback and discussing future collaborations on developing tailored e-learning modules, exchanging best practices in data monitoring, exchanges of information on existing technologies/solutions, initiating joint research projects, and capacity building to enhance efforts in combating plastic pollution.

The workshop witnessed active participation from senior Indian government representatives, line ministries, and experts from academic and research institutions across India and the EU, marking a significant step in the shared mission of addressing environmental challenges through technology, innovation, and international cooperation.

During the workshop, an announcement on an Ideathon on ‘Marine Plastic Litter’ was also made as an upcoming activity under India-EU-TTC WG2.

Dr. Parvinder Maini, Scientific Secretary, Office of the PSA & Ms. Signe Ratso, Deputy Director-General for International Cooperation at the Directorate-General for Research and Innovation, European Commission highlighting the workshop’s significance

Prof. Bert Van Bavel from NIVA providing insights into the e-learning course