REGIONAL MEAs

Convention for the Protection and Development of the Marine Environment of the Wider Caribbean Region (Cartagena Convention)

What is the issue?

States of the Wider Caribbean Region (WCR) recognised the special hydrographic and ecological characteristics of this region and its vulnerability to pollution. The threat to the marine environment, its ecological equilibrium, resources and legitimate uses posed by pollution has been increasing. This was exacerbated by the absence of sufficient integration of an environmental dimension into the development process at that time. There was an urgent need for co-operation amongst States and with competent international organisations to ensure co-ordinated and comprehensive development without environmental damage.

How is it being addressed? 

The Cartagena Convention is a regional umbrella agreement for the protection and development of the WCR. This regional environmental convention provides the legal framework for cooperative regional and national actions and is the only legally binding agreement for the protection of the Caribbean Sea.

The Convention focuses on land-based sources of pollution, dumping of wastes at sea, pollution from ships, biodiversity protection, and airborne pollution among other things. To deal comprehensively with these issues, three protocols have been developed: the Oil Spills Protocol; the Specially Protected Areas and Wildlife (SPAW) Protocol; and the Protocol Concerning Pollution from Land-Based Sources and Activities (LBS Protocol).

Trinidad and Tobago acceded to the Cartagena Convention in 1986 and became signatory to the Oil Spills, SPAW and LBS protocols in 1986, 1999 and 2003 respectively.

What needs to be done locally?

In accordance with the Protocol, Trinidad and Tobago is obligated to take appropriate measures to prevent, reduce and control pollution of the Convention area caused by, or resulting directly from:

• discharges from ships, and ensure the effective implementation of the applicable international rules and standards established by the competent international organisation
• dumping of wastes and other matter at sea from ships, aircraft or manmade structures at sea, and to ensure the effective implementation of the applicable international rules and standards
• coastal disposal or by discharges emanating from rivers, estuaries, coastal establishments, outfall structures, or any other sources on their territories
• exploration and exploitation of the sea-bed and its subsoil
• discharges into the atmosphere from activities under their jurisdiction
• protect preserve rare or fragile ecosystems and the habitats of threatened or endangered species

For further information please visit: www.cep.unep.org/cartagena-convention

Protocol Concerning Pollution from Land-Based Sources (LBS Protocol) and Activities to the Convention for the Protection and Development of the Marine Environment of the Wider Caribbean Region

What is the issue?

Countries of the Wider Caribbean Region (WCR) realised the pressing need to protect the marine environment and human health from land-based point and non-point sources of marine pollution. The main sources of point or direct sources of pollution to the Caribbean Sea are:

• Domestic Sewage
• Oil refineries
• Sugar factories and distilleries
• Food processing
• Beverage manufacturing
• Pulp and paper manufacturing
• Chemical industries

However the single largest point source category of pollution is domestic sewage and the main non-point source of pollution is run-off from the land.

How is it being addressed? 

The LBS Protocol is a regional mechanism assisting the UN Member States in the WCR to meet the goals of two international agreements: the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the Global Plan of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-Based Activities (GPA). UNCLOS calls upon States to adopt laws and regulations to prevent, reduce and control pollution of the marine environment from land-based sources. The GPA highlights the need for action to reduce the pollutant load to the seas from land-based sources and activities.

The LBS Protocol provides the framework for addressing pollution based on national and regional needs and priorities. It focuses on addressing the sources of pollution and includes the promotion of Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), application of the most appropriate technologies and best management practices. Also, it promotes the establishment of pollution standards and schedules for implementation.

The Protocol, as adopted, is perhaps the most significant agreement of its kind with the inclusion of regional effluent limitations for domestic wastewater (sewage) and requiring specific plans to address agricultural non-point sources of pollution. Specific schedules for implementation have also been included in the Protocol.

The LBS Protocol was adopted on October 6, 1999 in Aruba and entered into force on August 13, 2010.

What needs to be done locally?

Each country must comply with the provisions of the Protocol on a phased basis after the Protocol enters into force for a country. The following will apply:

Other general obligations include the development and implementation of appropriate plans, programmes and measures to prevent, reduce or control pollution from land-based sources and activities on national territory, including the use of most appropriate technology and management approaches such as integrated coastal area management.

For further information please visit: www.cep.unep.org/cartagena-convention/lbs-protocol/protocol-concerning-pollution-from-land-based-sources-and-activities