Litter in the natural environment and urban areas presents multiple environmental threats. From the pollution of rivers, seas and soils to the disturbance of natural and urban habitats, the presence of this problem is a reflection of irresponsible consumption habits, lack of awareness, uncivic behaviour, inadequate infrastructure or misinformation.
Litter can severely affect the natural beauty of landscapes and ecosystems. The different types of materials that make up litter can take hundreds of years to decompose, during which time they persist in the environment, affecting local flora and fauna. These wastes are not only an aesthetic nuisance, but can also be ingested by animals, causing serious problems for wildlife.
Much of this waste ends up in rivers and seas, contributing to the pollution of rivers and seas, affecting aquatic life and the quality of water for human consumption.
During this session, several experts will share concrete and effective examples of strategies to minimise litter. These examples will illustrate solutions applied in various contexts to address this environmental problem, which manifests itself as litter or abandoned waste in both natural and urban environments. Through their presentations, speakers will highlight the importance of education, effective waste management policies, community participation and the promotion of sustainable consumption and production practices.
