Protecting marine environment from sea-based pollution

Description

Protecting the marine environment from sea-based pollution involves implementing and enforcing measures to prevent, reduce, and control the discharge of harmful substances from ships, offshore platforms, and other maritime activities. Key actions include regulating ballast water, managing ship-generated waste, improving port reception facilities, monitoring illegal dumping, and promoting cleaner technologies. These strategies aim to safeguard marine ecosystems, protect biodiversity, and ensure the health and sustainability of ocean resources for current and future generations.

Implementation

This strategy features in the framework of Agenda 21 as formulated at UNCED (Rio de Janeiro, 1992), now coordinated by the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development and implemented through national and local authorities.

The Marpol Convention (1973) is an international agreement to preserve the marine environment by reducing pollution from ships. The Convention would limit – and, eventually eliminate – deliberate discharges of oil, chemicals, sewage and garbage from ships at sea or in ports. It would also minimize the potential for accidental discharges of oil and chemicals. The Convention provides higher standards for ships operating in portions of the oceans that are extremely sensitive or contain valuable marine resources. It also contains requirements for the construction of ships and for the equipment on ships.