German Bundestag Considers Amending International Treaty on Dumping at Sea
On December 2, 2024, the German Bundestag (federal parliament) published a new draft law (Drucksachen 20/13992) proposing amendments to the London Protocol, an international treaty on the prevention of marine pollution.
Background
The London Protocol was adopted in 1996 and amended in 2006 to strengthen global efforts to protect the marine environment from dumping of waste and other materials. It prohibits the dumping of certain hazardous substances and imposes strict controls on the disposal of other materials.
Proposed Amendments
The proposed amendments aim to further update and strengthen the London Protocol. They specifically address:
- Expansion of the list of prohibited substances: The amendments would add additional hazardous substances to the Protocol’s blacklist, including certain pesticides and industrial chemicals.
- Enhanced controls on the dumping of radioactive waste: The amendments would require prior authorization and stringent monitoring for any dumping of radioactive waste.
- Strengthened enforcement mechanisms: The amendments would provide for increased cooperation between parties to the Protocol and improved mechanisms for detecting and prosecuting violations.
Rationale for Amendments
The German government argues that the proposed amendments are necessary to address emerging threats to marine ecosystems. The addition of new hazardous substances to the blacklist will help prevent the dumping of these harmful materials, while the enhanced controls on radioactive waste will minimize the risk of environmental damage.
Next Steps
The draft law will now be debated and voted on by the Bundestag. If approved, it will be submitted to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the international body responsible for the London Protocol. The amendments would enter into force once accepted by the majority of parties to the Protocol.
Significance
The proposed amendments to the London Protocol represent a significant step towards enhancing global efforts to protect the marine environment. They demonstrate the ongoing commitment of the German government and other international parties to the prevention of marine pollution and the conservation of marine ecosystems.
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Drucksachen a new article on 2024-12-02 11:00 titled “20/13992: Gesetzentwurf Entwurf eines Gesetzes zu den Entschließungen LP.3(4) vom 30. Oktober 2009 und LP.5(14) vom 11. Oktober 2019 über die Änderung des Artikels 6 des Protokolls vom 7. November 1996 zum Übereinkommen über die Verhütung der Meeresverschmutzung durch das Einbringen von Abfällen und anderen Stoffen von 1972 (Londoner Protokoll) (PDF)”. Please write a detailed article on this news item, including any relevant information. Answers should be in English.
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