Plastic pollution along the Caribbean coast of Colombia

Plastic pollution has become a critical threat to marine and coastal ecosystems in Colombia, particularly along its Caribbean coast, where ecological sensitivity intersects with high population density, inadequate litter management, and intense riverine discharge. This review provides the first comprehensive synthesis of plastic pollution dynamics in the Colombian Caribbean, integrating scientific evidence, policy frameworks, institutional responses, and community-based practices. Findings reveal that plastic inputs to this region are primarily land-based, with riverine systems acting as major transport pathways. The Magdalena River alone contributes up to ~18,000 tons of plastic per year to the Caribbean Sea, accounting for most coastal inputs, while additional contributions arise from the Sinú, Atrato, and Ranchería rivers. Although national legislation such as Resolution 1407 (2018) and Law 2232 (2022) provides regulatory support, enforcement remains inconsistent, and local implementation is hindered by weak institutional coordination, insufficient infrastructure, and limited monitoring capacity. This review also outlines a 12-pillar strategy for plastic mitigation, including improvements in litter collection infrastructure, riverine controls, marine spatial planning, and ecosystem-based solutions, while calling for greater integration of ecological, social, and geoscientific knowledge. The Colombian Caribbean must be reframed as a national priority zone for action on plastic pollution, with urgent investment in data systems, decentralized governance, and inclusive coastal management. This review serves as a scientific foundation and strategic roadmap for transforming plastic governance along Colombia's most vulnerable and valuable marine frontier.