Core Viewpoint - The Hainan Provincial Academy of Environmental Sciences has completed the "Methodology for Marine Plastic Waste Removal Projects in Hainan," which establishes a framework for incentivizing the removal and proper disposal of marine plastic waste through the creation of "marine plastic credits" [1][2] Group 1 - The methodology allows for the scientific calculation and verification of the amount of marine plastic waste removed and disposed of, which can generate credits to encourage participation from enterprises, institutions, or individuals in marine plastic governance [1] - The methodology was developed with input from an expert group in marine plastic research, management, and green low-carbon project verification, marking significant progress in Hainan's exploration of marine plastic pollution governance mechanisms [1] - It draws on international standards for plastic waste reduction and certification mechanisms, clearly defining applicable conditions, project boundaries, credit periods, baseline scenario identification, plastic reduction calculation methods, and technical requirements for monitoring and verification [1] Group 2 - The methodology provides guidance for the unified and standardized monitoring, measurement, and certification of plastic reduction in Hainan's marine plastic waste removal projects, enhancing the sustainability of existing initiatives like "fishing vessel retrieval of marine plastic waste" [2] - It contributes to the establishment of a multi-governance system for marine plastic waste, characterized by government leadership and social participation, thereby aiding in the protection of the marine ecological environment and advancing the construction of national ecological civilization pilot zones [2]

Core Viewpoint - The establishment of a methodology for marine plastic waste removal in Hainan aims to create "marine plastic credits" to incentivize participation in plastic waste management [2][3]. Group 1: Methodology Development - The Hainan Provincial Environmental Science Research Institute has completed the "Methodology for Marine Plastic Waste Removal Projects," which outlines the criteria for projects that can generate marine plastic credits [2]. - The methodology was developed with input from a panel of experts in marine plastic research and management, marking significant progress in Hainan's efforts to establish a governance mechanism for marine plastic pollution [2][3]. - It incorporates international standards and experiences, such as the Plastic Waste Reduction Standard (PWRS) and the Ocean Bound Plastic (OBP) certification, to define project boundaries, credit periods, and methods for calculating plastic reduction [2]. Group 2: Practical Implementation - The methodology aims to standardize the monitoring, measurement, and verification of plastic reduction in Hainan's marine plastic waste removal projects, enhancing the sustainability of initiatives like the "fishing boat retrieval of marine plastic waste" [3]. - The "fishing boat retrieval" initiative, launched in 2021 under the guidance of the Hainan Provincial Ecological Environment Department and supported by the EU's "Plastic Re-think" project, has mobilized 867 fishing boats and nearly 2,800 fishermen to remove 468 tons of marine waste [3]. - The initiative has also created onshore job opportunities for 22 villagers, contributing to local community engagement in environmental protection [3].