Environment ministers and representatives from international organizations, the business sector and civil society also called for a global unified action to combat marine pollution during the COP. Chambers said marine debris, lead ammunition and pesticides are the biggest contributors to marine pollution. “Marine debris impacts more than 800 wildlife species and this number may still go up as complex issues, including microplastics, still need to be investigated,” Cimatu said.

Villanueva, R. (2017, October 24). ‘Wildlife protection to boost ecotourism, job creation’. The Philippine Star, p. 12.