Brazil launches national plan to eliminate ocean plastic by 2030

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has signed Decree No. 12,644, establishing the National Strategy for a Plastic-Free Ocean (ENOP) on the 7th of October 2025. The plan sets out goals through 2030 to prevent, reduce, and eliminate plastic waste in the oceans, through coordinated efforts among government agencies, businesses, and civil society.

Led by the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change, the ENOP involves several ministries, including the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture, which will focus on sustainable fishing practices and protection of coastal communities. Planned actions include waste removal, public awareness campaigns, stronger regulations, and investment in innovative technologies to replace single-use plastics.

Brazil is currently the 8th largest source of marine plastic pollution, dumping more than 190,000 tonnes of plastic into the sea every year, while only 10% of global plastic waste is recycled.

Structured around eight key pillars, from environmental education to circular economy, the ENOP aims to align Brazil with international sustainability targets and place the ocean at the center of its environmental agenda.