- The Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal was ratified on March 22, 1989, during the Conference of Plenipotentiaries held in Basel, Switzerland.
- This response emerged after widespread public concern following the revelation of toxic waste deposits being imported from foreign sources into Africa and other developing nations during the 1980s.
- The central goals of this convention are to halt the cross-border movement of hazardous waste and to forestall the transfer of such waste from more industrialized nations to less industrialized ones.
- It’s important to note, however, that this treaty does not oversee the transportation of radioactive waste.
OBJECTIVES OF THE BASEL CONVENTION
- Safeguarding Human Health and the Environment:
- The primary objective of the Basel Convention is to protect human health and the environment from the adverse impacts of hazardous wastes.
- Environmental Safeguards for Global Society:
- It aspires to establish appropriate controls and regulations over hazardous waste produced globally, aiming to safeguard the environment for people across the world.
- Preventing Transfer of Hazardous Waste:
- The convention aims to halt the transfer of hazardous waste from developed nations to developing countries, ensuring a more equitable and responsible waste management system.
- Assisting Least Developed Countries (LDCs):
- It provides support to Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in managing their generated hazardous waste and other disposable materials in an environmentally sound manner.
- Promoting Sustainable Waste Management:
- By advocating for the reduction of both volume and toxicity of waste generated by each nation, the convention seeks to ensure environmentally sound waste management practices globally.
- Reducing Hazardous Waste Generation:
- The convention encourages efforts to reduce the generation of hazardous waste, promoting practices that are environmentally sustainable, regardless of the disposal location.
- Prohibiting Uncontrolled Transboundary Movement:
- A crucial objective is the prohibition of uncontrolled transboundary movement of hazardous wastes, allowing such movement only when it aligns with environmentally sound management principles.
- Establishing Regulatory Systems:
- The convention implements a regulatory system for cases where transboundary movements are permitted, ensuring that such movements adhere to environmentally responsible management practices.
MEMBERS
- The Basel Convention, established in 1989, currently boasts a membership of 189 parties, encompassing 53 signatories.
- Nine United Nations members, namely East Timor, Fiji, Grenada, Haiti, San Marino, Solomon Islands, South Sudan, Tuvalu, and the United States, have not become parties to the treaty.
- India is actively involved as a party to the Basel Convention. Having signed the convention in June 1992, India formally became a party on September 22, 1992.
WASTES COVERED UNDER BASEL CONVENTION
Wastes, as defined by the Basel Convention, encompass substances or objects that are either being disposed of, intended for disposal, or mandated to be disposed of by national law.
Annex I of the Convention specifically enumerates wastes classified as hazardous, subjecting them to the control procedures outlined in the agreement.
Meanwhile, Annex II addresses wastes that necessitate special consideration, often referred to as “other wastes,” with a primary focus on household wastes.
Examples of wastes regulated by the Basel Convention include:
- Worn-out lead-acid batteries
- Healthcare and biomedical waste
- POP waste (waste from persistent organic pollutants)
- Used oils
- Compounds containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) found in plastics, paint, sealants, carbonless copy paper, heat exchange fluids, and electric transformers and capacitors
- Insecticides and chemicals with long-lasting environmental persistence
- Chemical waste generated by companies and other consumers
Beyond waste management, the Basel Convention also addresses contemporary challenges related to:
- Electrical and electronic waste (e-waste) such as mobile devices and laptops
- Ships designed for the removal of Mercury and asbestos waste
- Illegal disposal of hazardous waste
BASEL – BAN AMENDMENT
- The Basel Ban Amendment stands as an agreement among Basel Convention Parties, explicitly prohibiting the export of hazardous wastes, as defined by the Convention, from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), the European Union (EU), and Liechtenstein to other nations, particularly those classified as developing or transitional economies.
- It’s crucial to note that while the amendment is legally binding only on those who ratify it, all Basel Convention Parties are obligated to adhere to the import restrictions set by other Parties.
- The Basel Ban Amendment covers a range of materials, including most flammable liquids, electronic debris, outdated ships, persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and hazardous heavy metals.
- However, materials like plastic, scrap metal, and paper waste are less likely to be included unless they are contaminated with or contain hazardous waste or materials.
Basel Action Network (BAN)
- The Basel Action Network (BAN) is a nonprofit, civil society organization dedicated to safeguarding consumer interests in the implementation of the Basel Convention.
- A primary goal of BAN is to halt the export of harmful waste, particularly plastic waste, from developed nations to industrialized ones.
- Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, in the United States, BAN operates with a partner office in the Philippines.
- In addition to advocating against land dumping, incineration, and the exploitation of prison labor, BAN actively works to diminish transnational trade in hazardous electronic waste.
FAQs – Basel Convention on Hazardous Waste Regulation
1. What is the Basel Convention?
A: The Basel Convention is an international treaty established on March 22, 1989, in Basel, Switzerland, in response to concerns about toxic waste imports into Africa and other developing nations. It aims to regulate and control the transboundary movement and disposal of hazardous wastes.
2. What are the primary objectives of the Basel Convention?
A: The key objectives are to safeguard human health and the environment from the adverse effects of hazardous wastes, prevent the transfer of such waste from developed to developing nations, and establish environmentally sound management practices globally.
3. Does the Basel Convention cover radioactive waste?
A: No, the Basel Convention does not regulate the transportation of radioactive waste. It primarily focuses on hazardous wastes and their proper management.
4. What are the main objectives outlined by the Basel Convention?
A: The Basel Convention aims to safeguard human health and the environment, establish global controls over hazardous waste, prevent the transfer of such waste from developed to developing nations, assist Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in managing hazardous waste, and promote sustainable waste management practices.
5. How many members does the Basel Convention have?
A: As of now, the Basel Convention has 189 parties, including 53 signatories. Notable non-parties include East Timor, Fiji, Grenada, Haiti, San Marino, Solomon Islands, South Sudan, Tuvalu, and the United States.
6. Is India a member of the Basel Convention?
A: Yes, India is an active member of the Basel Convention. The country signed the convention in June 1992 and formally became a party on September 22, 1992.
7. What types of wastes are covered under the Basel Convention?
A: The Basel Convention covers wastes defined as substances or objects intended for disposal. Annex I lists hazardous wastes subject to control procedures, while Annex II addresses wastes requiring special consideration, including household wastes.
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