Threats emerging from microplastic pollution in the marine environment have received much global attention. This review assessed sources, fate, and impacts of microplastics in marine ecosystems and identified gaps. Most studies document the ubiquity of microplastics and associated environmental effects. Effects include impacts to marine ecosystems, risks to biodiversity, and threats to human health. Microplastic leakage into marine ecosystems arises from plastic waste mismanagement and a lack of effective mitigative strategies. This review identified a scarcity of microplastics’ mitigation strategies from different stakeholders. Lack of community involvement in microplastic monitoring or ecosystem conservation exists due to limited existence of citizen science and stakeholder co-management initiatives. Although some management strategies exist for controlling effects of microplastics (often implemented by local and global environmental groups), a standardized management strategy to mitigate microplastics in coastal areas is urgently required. There is a need to review policy interventions aimed at plastic reduction in or near coastal ecosystems and evaluate their effectiveness. There is also a need to identify focal causes of microplastic pollution in the marine environment through further environmental research and governance approaches. These would extend to creating more effective policies as well as harmonized and extended efforts of educational campaigns and incentives for plastic waste reduction while mandating stringent penalties to help reduce microplastic leakage into the marine environment.

The twenty-first century presents critical challenges to global water resources, with rising consumption, scarcity, and security issues threatening human well-being and ecosystem health. Regions such as the Middle East, North Africa, China, and the USA are already experiencing significant impacts on health, livelihoods, and ecosystems due to the global water crisis. By 2050, projections indicate that two billion people across 44 countries will face severe water scarcity, with over two billion currently lacking access to safe drinking water and 3.6 billion enduring annual shortages. Climate change, urbanization, and economic development further exacerbate these challenges, intensifying pressure on water systems and threatening biodiversity. This research synthesizes global data on water scarcity, examines case studies of successful interventions, and analyses key drivers of water scarcity stress to propose actionable strategies. The Blue Revolution Strategy offers a comprehensive model for sustainable water management, emphasizing efficient use, waste reduction, and ecological integration. Leveraging its principles -such as innovative water technologies, water-efficient agriculture, and community engagement; can help developing nations achieve sustainable water management. Results demonstrate that ecosystem-based approaches, combined with advanced technologies like membrane distillation and smart water systems, significantly enhance water use efficiency across sectors. Integrated and interdisciplinary strategies, involving collaboration among governments, businesses, and stakeholders, are essential to addressing future demands and overcoming socio-economic barriers to water access. The policy recommendations emphasize the importance of collaborative governance to ensure long-term environmental and social sustainability in water resource management.