Fishing for litter in Guanabara

Positive impact generated

Context

Guanabara Bay is one of the coastal ecosystems most threatened by urban traffic and waste accumulation. Currents carry large amounts of plastic and toxic materials that harm biodiversity and fishing activities.

Plastic pollution is severely affecting marine ecosystems, with only 9% of global plastic production being recycled and the majority ending up dispersed in the environment. In Guanabara Bay, waste accumulation threatens both wildlife survival and the livelihoods of local fishermen. Marine creatures ingest microplastics or become trapped in debris, causing serious disruptions to the food chain. This also carries socioeconomic consequences, such as the decline in the quality and quantity of fish resources which reduces income for the surrounding communities.

Gallery

Raccolta Dei Rifiuti Brasile Guanabara 4 3x

Raccolta Dei Rifiuti Brasile Guanabara 3 3x

Raccolta Dei Rifiuti Brasile Guanabara 2 3x

Raccolta Dei Rifiuti Brasile Guanabara 1 3x

Stakeholders and local partners

Who are the key stakeholders?

The project is managed by Ogyre in collaboration with local fishing cooperatives which are encouraged to remove marine waste in parallel to their fishing activities. This combined effort benefits the environment and opens up additional income opportunities. Scientific and technical partners handle the monitoring and proper processing of the collected waste, converting it into recyclable materials. Furthermore, the initiative supports the Sustainable Development Goals by fostering decent employment, enhancing environmental safety, and strengthening coastal communities.

Project Developer:

Objectives and approach

The project aims to remove a minimum of 150,000 kg of marine debris annually, helping to revive Guanabara Bay’s ecosystem and support the surrounding communities.

The project aims to drastically reduce the presence of plastic in the marine ecosystem, restoring vitality to coastal habitats and supporting biodiversity. At the same time, it seeks to strengthen the economic resilience of fishing communities by providing stable and dignified income. Through the circular use of recycled plastic, it also contributes to reducing CO₂ emissions associated with the production of virgin plastic.

The approach involves incentivising fishermen to collect waste during their trips at sea, while ensuring an effective recycling system. Every kilogram collected is tracked and valued, allowing the impact to be monitored and new emissions to be prevented. The project integrates both environmental and social dimensions: fewer waste in the sea means healthier habitats and stronger communities.