Ensuring clean and healthy oceans is a key priority for the Norwegian Government. Reports and studies point at staggering amounts of litter, including plastic and microplastics, in the worlds' oceans. Aside from potentially devastating effects on marine life, human health may also be compromised. The objective of the programme, which will be multiannual, is to reduce the amount of marine litter and microplastics in oceans and seas. Its main focus will be on developing countries.