Introduction

Ocean debris poses a significant threat to ecosystems, biodiversity, and human livelihoods. Each year, millions of tons of waste, including plastics, metals, and other materials, enter aquatic environments, disrupting marine and freshwater systems. This debris not only harms wildlife through entanglement and ingestion but also contributes to the degradation of habitats and the contamination of water resources. The persistence of these materials in the environment exacerbates global challenges related to pollution, climate change, and ecosystem health.

This Methodology on Clean Water projects provides a comprehensive framework for projects focused on the collection and sustainable disposal of debris from aquatic environments, including oceans, deep-sea zones, coastal areas, rivers, and lakes. This methodology aims to address the pressing issue of man-made waste materials—such as plastics, metals, glass, and textiles—that harm ecosystems and biodiversity.

By establishing a standardized approach to debris collection, monitoring, and disposal, the methodology supports environmental restoration efforts while promoting global sustainability goals, including those outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). Key objectives include mitigating ecological damage, fostering incentivized mechanisms for debris removal, and ensuring the effective quantification of environmental benefits through credit systems.

The methodology is structured into key sections to guide project implementation. It begins with outlining the scope, objectives, boundaries, and stakeholder engagement. Baseline Definition and Additionality ensure that projects address debris accumulation beyond existing efforts. The Quantification of estimated removals ensures transparency and measurable impact and the methodology concludes with a section on monitoring and verification.