Addressing Plastic Pollution in Coastal Ecosystems: A Community-Centered Framework for Prevention, Cleanup, and Policy Coordination

Abstract:

Coastal plastic pollution poses an existential threat to marine biodiversity, human health, and coastal livelihoods, with an estimated 8 million metric tons of plastic entering oceans annually. This study develops a community-centered framework integrating prevention, cleanup, and policy coordination through a systematic literature review (n=207) and cross-case analysis of 15 coastal communities across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas. The findings identify three core pillars—community engagement, circular waste management, and transboundary policy alignment—as critical for scalable pollution mitigation. The framework addresses gaps in existing research by bridging local action with global policy, while prioritizing the needs of vulnerable coastal populations. Practical implications for community leaders, policymakers, and environmental organizations emphasize cost-effective, culturally adaptive strategies that balance short-term cleanup with long-term prevention. This research contributes to Global Pollution Solutions discourse by providing actionable pathways to restore coastal ecosystems and build resilience against plastic pollution.