World renowned for its natural beauty and tourist attractions, the Mediterranean is suffering from record levels of plastic pollution that threaten marine species, human health and the Blue Economy. 

Regional economic losses attributed to plastic pollution are estimated at €641 million per year, with tourism being the most affected. Ironically, the almost 300 million tourists that visit the Mediterranean each year, account for 40% of marine litter in the region during the summer holiday months, making tourism a key sector to focus on when tackling plastic in the region.