In response to the growing attention being given to the issue of marine litter, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Open University of the Netherlands have launched a ‘Massive Open Online Course’ (MOOC) on the subject. The free online course includes eight modules featuring videos and video lectures, course materials, examples and case studies, all of which are available through a 24-hour online platform.

Each module looks at a different aspect of marine litter, such as sources, impacts on ecosystems and the economy, actions to address the problem, and the role of policy, legislation and market-based instruments. IEEP’s Patrick ten Brink has contributed to two modules, on socio-economics (module 4) and on market-based instruments (module 8).

The course is aimed at individuals such as policymakers, practitioners and students. Two different ‘tracks’ can be followed: the Leadership Track offers two modules (4 hours each) to provide a general introduction to the issue of marine litter, whilst the Expert Track offers six further modules (32 hours) and a final assignment where participants can develop a local or specific marine litter action plan. Participants on either track will receive a certificate of participation.

The course runs from 26 October to 20 December 2015, with registration open until 16 November at https://www.marinelittermooc.org/learn/marine-litter-mooc-october-2015.

For more details on IEEP’s current work on marine litter, please contact Emma Watkins or Patrick ten Brink.