Basel Convention

Definition

The Basel Convention is an international treaty that aims to control the movement and disposal of hazardous waste across borders. It was adopted in 1989 and seeks to protect human health and the environment by regulating the transboundary movements of hazardous waste and ensuring its environmentally sound management. By establishing a framework for managing hazardous waste, it highlights the importance of proper documentation and compliance in international trade related to waste management.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Basel Convention was adopted on March 22, 1989, and entered into force on May 5, 1992, making it one of the first global agreements focused specifically on hazardous waste.
2. One key principle of the Basel Convention is the 'prior informed consent' requirement, which means that countries must be notified and give consent before hazardous waste can be exported to them.
3. The convention emphasizes the importance of reducing the generation of hazardous waste at the source and encourages countries to develop their own waste management strategies.
4. It establishes guidelines for environmentally sound management of hazardous wastes and promotes technology transfer and cooperation among nations.
5. As of now, over 180 countries are parties to the Basel Convention, making it one of the most widely ratified environmental treaties.

Review Questions

• How does the Basel Convention influence international trade regulations regarding hazardous waste?
  • The Basel Convention significantly influences international trade regulations by establishing strict guidelines for the transboundary movement of hazardous waste. It requires that exporting countries obtain prior informed consent from importing countries before hazardous waste can be transported across borders. This ensures that nations have control over what hazardous materials they accept, promoting responsible trade practices and protecting both public health and environmental safety.
• Discuss the implications of the 'prior informed consent' principle under the Basel Convention for exporting countries.
  • The 'prior informed consent' principle requires exporting countries to notify importing countries about hazardous waste shipments and receive their approval before proceeding. This principle places a legal obligation on exporting nations to ensure compliance with international regulations. It also helps exporting countries mitigate risks associated with illegal dumping or improper disposal of hazardous waste, fostering a culture of transparency and accountability in global waste management.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the Basel Convention in reducing hazardous waste generation and promoting sustainable practices globally.
  • The effectiveness of the Basel Convention can be evaluated through its ability to facilitate international cooperation in managing hazardous waste while promoting sustainable practices. Although it has successfully established a framework for regulating cross-border waste movements and improving domestic waste management strategies, challenges remain. Issues such as illegal dumping and varying levels of enforcement among member states hinder its overall impact. Continued efforts to strengthen compliance mechanisms, raise awareness about hazardous waste issues, and enhance capacity-building initiatives are essential for achieving its goals more effectively.

Related terms

Hazardous Waste: Waste that poses a substantial or potential threat to public health or the environment due to its chemical, physical, or biological properties.

Transboundary Movement: The movement of waste across international borders, which is regulated under various international treaties including the Basel Convention.

Waste Management: The collection, transport, processing, recycling, or disposal of waste materials in a manner that is safe for human health and the environment.