UNEP’S RESPONSE TO THE GLOBAL CHALLENGE
ACTIVITIES AT REGIONAL LEVEL
Recognizing the severity of the matter, UNEP initiated activities associated with marine litter in 2003 through the work of the Regional Seas Programme (RSP) and therefore the world Programme of Action for the Protection of the Marine surroundings from Land-Based Activities (GPA). Activities at the regional level Regional Seas Programme of UNEP (RSP) UNEP’s Regional Seas Programme, initiated in 1974, provides a legal, administrative, substantive and monetary framework for the implementation of Agenda twenty one for the set up of Implementation of the world Summit on Sustainable Development (2002) and for the Bali Strategic set up (2004). The Regional Seas Programme aims
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Since most of this litter is non-degradable, or only breaks down very slowly, it inevitably accumulates over time. Thus, the problem is continually worsening, in spite of both national and international efforts to control it. As the problem has largely cultural roots (current attitudes and behaviour demonstrate that people do not feel responsible), building awareness and providing information offers some hope for the future.” During Partnership Day at the IGR-2 a new partnership named “Marine litter – a global challenge” was shaped. This initiative creates a global platform for the execution of the UNEP Global Initiative on Marine Litter through the establishment of partnerships, cooperation and coordination of activities for the control and sustainable management of marine litter. The main partners in the “Global Initiative on Marine Litter” include individual Regional Seas Conventions and Action Plans, government …show more content…
Annex V is of particular importance to the maritime community, including shippers, oil platforms, fishers, recreational boaters and cruise lines, as it prohibits the disposal of plastic at sea and regulates the disposal of other types of garbage at sea. Under Annex V of the Convention, garbage includes all types of food, domestic and operational wastes (excluding fresh fish), generated during the normal operation of the vessel and liable to be disposed of continuously or periodically. This annex also requires ports and terminals to provide garbage reception facilities for ships. As of 16 February 2009, 139 countries have ratified Annex V controlling the disposal of plastics and garbage from ships into the oceans. ‘Special Areas’ are designated by MARPOL Annex V as locations where, due to the site’s unique oceanographic, ecological or traffic conditions, all overboard discharges of garbage (except groundup food wastes) are prohibited. Food wastes may not be discharged within 12 nautical miles of the nearest land in ‘Special Areas.’ The status of Special Areas was adopted and entered into force for eight areas (Mediterranean Sea, Baltic Sea, “Gulfs” area, North Sea, Antarctic area, Black Sea, Red Sea and Wider Caribbean region, including the Gulf of Mexico): It is in effect for the first five