Basel Convention 1989

The Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal was adopted in 1989 and entered into force in 1992. It is an international treaty designed to reduce the movement of hazardous waste between nations, and specifically to prevent the transfer of hazardous waste from developed to less developed countries (LDCs). The convention also obligates its parties to ensure the environmentally sound management (ESM) of hazardous waste to protect human health and the environment.

Key Objectives of the Basel Convention:

1. Reduce hazardous waste generation: Encourage nations to minimize the production of hazardous waste as much as possible.

2. Environmentally sound management: Ensure that hazardous wastes are managed in an environmentally responsible manner.

3. Regulate transboundary movements: Allow hazardous waste transfers across borders only when the receiving state consents and the waste can be managed safely.

4. Prohibit shipments to countries lacking capacity: Restrict movements of hazardous waste to countries that do not have the capacity to handle it safely.

5. Promote global cooperation: Encourage international collaboration to address hazardous waste issues and promote safe practices.

Key Provisions:

Prior Informed Consent (PIC): Exporting hazardous waste requires prior notification and consent from the receiving country.

Illegal Traffic: The convention defines illegal movement of hazardous waste as a criminal activity.

Technical Guidelines: It provides guidelines to help countries manage hazardous waste and prevent environmental harm.

The Basel Convention has been significant in addressing concerns over hazardous waste management, particularly in the context of the "global waste trade," where industrialized nations sometimes export harmful waste to less regulated, poorer regions.