CONVENTION FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC REGION

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Environmental Treaties and Resource Indicators (ENTRI) -- Full Text

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See the ENTRI thematic guide for more information about the relationships between environmental treaties, national resource indicators, and remotely sensed data.

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Environmental Treaties and Resource Indicators (ENTRI) -- Full Text

See the ENTRI query system for information about the status of this treaty.

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Environmental Treaties and Resource Indicators (ENTRI) -- Full Text

See the ENTRI query system for information about the status of this treaty.

See the ENTRI thematic guide for more information about the relationships between environmental treaties, national resource indicators, and remotely sensed data.

This data access service is provided by the Center for International Earth Science Information Network (CIESIN), which operates the Socioeconomic Data and Applications Center (SEDAC) for the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

Environmental Treaties and Resource Indicators (ENTRI) -- Full Text

See the ENTRI query system for information about the status of this treaty.

See the ENTRI thematic guide for more information about the relationships between environmental treaties, national resource indicators, and remotely sensed data.

CONVENTION FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC REGION Noumea, 24 November 1986 The Parties, Fully aware of the economic and social value of the natural resources of the environment of the South Pacific Region; Taking into account the traditions and cultures of the Pacific people as expressed in accepted customs and practices; Conscious of their responsibility to preserve their natural heritage for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations; Recognizing the special hydrological, geological and ecological characteristics of the region which requires special care and responsible management; Recognizing further the threat to the marine and coastal environment, its ecological equilibrium, resources and legitimate uses posed by pollution and by the insufficient integration of an environmental dimension into the development process; Seeking to ensure that resource development shall be in harmony with the maintenance of the unique environmental quality of the region and the evolving principles of sustained resource management; Realizing fully the need for co-operation amongst themselves and with competent international, regional and sub-regional organizations in order to ensure a co- ordinated and comprehensive development of the natural resources of the region; Recognizing the desirability for the wider acceptance and national implementation of international agreements already in existence concerning the marine and coastal environment; Noting, however, that existing international agreements concerning the marine and coastal environment do not cover, in spite of the progress achieved, all aspects and sources of marine pollution and environmental degradation and do not entirely meet the special requirements of the South Pacific Region; Desirous to adopt the regional convention to strengthen the implementation of the general objective of the Action Plan for Managing the Natural Resources and Environment of the South Pacific Region adopted at Rarotonga, Cook Islands, on 11 March 1982; Have agreed as follows: Article 1 GEOGRAPHICAL COVERAGE 1. This Convention shall apply to the South Pacific Region, hereinafter referred to as "the Convention Area" as defined in paragraph (a) of Article 2. 2. Except as may be otherwise provided in any Protocol to this Convention, the Convention Area shall not include internal waters or archipelagic waters of the Parties as defined in accordance with international law. Article 2 DEFINITIONS For the purposes of this Convention and its Protocols unless otherwise defined in any such Protocol: (a) the "Convention Area" shall comprise: (i) the 200 nautical mile zones established in accordance with international law off: American Samoa Australia (East coast and Islands to eastward including Macquarie Island) Cook Islands Federated States of Micronesia French Polynesia Guam Kiribati Marshall Islands Nauru New Caledonia and Dependencies New Zealand Niue Northern Mariana Islands Palau Papua New Guinea Pitcairn Islands Solomon Islands Tokelau Tonga Tuvalu Vanuatu Wallis and Futuna Western Samoa (ii) those areas of high seas which are enclosed from all sides by the 200 nautical mile zones referred to in sub-paragraph (i); (iii) areas of the Pacific Ocean which have been included in the Convention Area pursuant to Article 3; (b) "dumping" means: Ñ any deliberate disposal at sea of wastes or other matter from vessels, aircraft, platforms or other man- made structures; Ñ any deliberate disposal at sea of vessels, aircraft, platforms or other man-made structures at sea; "dumping" does not include: Ñ the disposal of wastes or other matter incidental to, or derived from the normal operations of vessels, aircraft, platforms or other man-made structures at sea and their equipment, other than wastes or other matter transported by or to vessels, aircraft, platforms or other man-made structures at sea, operating for the purpose of treatment of such wastes or other matter on such vessels, aircraft, platforms or structures; Ñ placement of matter for a purpose other than the mere disposal thereof, provided that such placement is not contrary to the aims of this Convention; (c) "wastes or other matter" means material and substances of any kind, form or description; (d) the following wastes or other matter shall be considered to be non-radioactive: sewage sludge, dredge spoil, fly ash, agricultural wastes, construction materials, vessels, artificial reef building materials and other such materials provided that they have not been contaminated with radio nuclides of anthropogenic origin (except dispersed global fallout from nuclear weapons testing), nor are potential sources of naturally occurring radio nuclides for commercial purposes, nor have been enriched in natural or artificial radio nuclides; If there is a question as to whether the material to be dumped should be considered non-radioactive, for the purposes of this Convention, such material shall not be dumped unless the appropriate national authority of the proposed dumper confirms that such dumping would not exceed the individual and collective dose limits of the International Atomic Energy Agency general principles for the exemption of radiation sources and practices from regulatory control. The national authority shall also take into account the relevant recommendations, standards and guidelines developed by the International Atomic Energy Agency. (e) "vessels" and "aircraft" means waterborne or airborne craft of any type whatsoever. This expression includes air cushioned craft and floating craft, whether self- propelled or not; (f) "pollution'' means the introduction by man, directly or indirectly, of substances or energy into the marine environment (including estuaries) which results or is likely to result in such deleterious effects as harm to living resources and marine life, hazards to human health, hindrance to marine activities including fishing and other legitimate uses of the sea, impairment of quality for use of sea water and reduction of amenities; In applying this definition to the Convention obligations, the Parties shall use their best endeavours to comply with the appropriate standards and recommendations established by competent international organizations, including the International Atomic Energy Agency; (g) "Organisation" means the South Pacific Commission; (h) "Director" means the Director of the South Pacific Bureau for Economic Co-operation. Article 3 ADDITION TO THE CONVENTION AREA Any Party may add areas under its jurisdiction within the Pacific Ocean between the Tropic of Cancer and 60 degrees South latitude and between 130 degrees East longitude and 120 degrees West longitude to the Convention Area. Such addition shall be notified to the Depositary who shall promptly notify the other Parties and the Organisation. Such areas shall be incorporated within the Convention Area ninety days after notification to the Parties by the Depositary provided there has been no objection to the proposal to add new areas by any Party affected by that proposal. If there is any such objection the Parties concerned will consult with a view to resolving the matter. Article 4 GENERAL PROVISIONS 1. The Parties shall endeavour to conclude bilateral or multilateral agreements, including regional or sub- regional agreements, for the protection, development and management of the marine and coastal environment of the Convention Area. Such agreements shall be consistent with this Convention and in accordance with international law. Copies of such agreements shall be communicated to the Organisation and through it to all Parties to this Convention . 2. Nothing in this Convention or its Protocols shall be deemed to affect obligations assumed by a Party under agreements previously concluded. 3. Nothing in this Convention and its Protocols shall be construed to prejudice or affect the interpretation and application of any provision or term in the Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter, 1972. 4. This Convention and its Protocols shall be construed in accordance with international law relating to their subject matter. 5. Nothing in this Convention and its Protocols shall prejudice the present or future claims and legal views of any Party concerning the nature and extent of maritime jurisdiction. 6. Nothing in this Convention shall affect the sovereign right of States to exploit, develop and manage their own natural resources pursuant to their own policies, taking into account their duty to protect and preserve the environment. Each Party shall ensure that activities within its jurisdiction or control do not cause damage to the environment of other States or of areas beyond the limits of its national jurisdiction. Article 5 GENERAL OBLIGATIONS 1. The Parties shall endeavour, either individually or jointly, to take all appropriate measures in conformity with international law and in accordance with this Convention and those Protocols in force to which they are party to prevent, reduce and control pollution of the Convention Area, from any source, and to ensure sound environmental management and development of natural resources, using for this purpose the best practicable means at their disposal, and in accordance with their capabilities. In doing so the Parties shall endeavour to harmonize their policies at the regional level. 2. The Parties shall use their best endeavours to ensure that the implementation of this Convention shall not result in an increase in pollution in the marine environment outside the Convention Area. 3. In addition to the Protocol for the Prevention of Pollution of the South Pacific Region by Dumping and the Protocol Concerning Co-operation in Combating Pollution Emergencies in the South Pacific Region, the Parties shall co-operate in the formulation and adoption of other Protocols prescribing agreed measures, procedures and standards to prevent, reduce and control pollution from all sources or in promoting environmental management in conformity with the objectives of this Convention . 4. The Parties shall, taking into account existing internationally recognized rules, standards, practices and procedures, co-operate with competent global regional and sub-regional organisations to establish and adopt recommended practices, procedures and measures to prevent, reduce and control pollution from all sources and to promote sustained resource management and to ensure the sound development of natural resources in conformity with the objectives of this Convention and its Protocols. and to assist each other in fulfilling their obligations under this Convention and its Protocols. 5. The Parties shall endeavour to establish laws and regulations for the effective discharge of the obligations prescribed in this Convention. Such laws and regulations shall be no less effective than international rules, standards and recommended practices and procedures. Article 6 POLLUTION FROM VESSELS The Parties shall take all appropriate measures to prevent, reduce and control pollution in the Convention Area caused by discharges from vessels, and to ensure the effective application in the Convention Area of the generally accepted international rules and standards established through the competent international organisation or general diplomatic conference relating to the control of pollution from vessels. Article 7 POLLUTION FROM LAND-BASED SOURCES The Parties shall take all appropriate measures to prevent, reduce and control pollution in the Convention Area caused by coastal disposal or by discharges emanating from rivers, estuaries, coastal establishments, outfall structures, or any other sources in their territory. Article 8 POLLUTION FROM SEABED ACTIVITIES The Parties shall take all appropriate measures to prevent, reduce and control pollution in the Convention Area resulting directly or indirectly from exploration and exploitation of the seabed and its subsoil. Article 9 AIRBORNE POLLUTION The Parties shall take all appropriate measures to prevent, reduce and control pollution in the Convention Area resulting from discharges into the atmosphere from activities under their jurisdiction. Article 10 DISPOSAL OF WASTES 1. The Parties shall take all appropriate measures to prevent, reduce and control pollution in the Convention Area caused by dumping from vessels, aircraft, or man- made structures at sea, including the effective application of the relevant internationally recognized rules and procedures relating to the control of dumping of wastes and other matter. The Parties agree to prohibit the dumping of radioactive wastes or other radioactive matter in the Convention Area. Without prejudice to whether or not disposal into the seabed and subsoil of wastes or other matter is "dumping", the Parties agree to prohibit the disposal into the seabed and subsoil of the Convention Area of radioactive wastes or other radioactive matter. 2. This article shall also apply to the continental shelf of a Party where it extends, in accordance with international law, outward beyond the Convention Area . Article 11 STORAGE OF TOXIC AND HAZARDOUS WASTES The Parties shall take all appropriate measures to prevent, reduce and control pollution in the Convention Area resulting from the storage of toxic and hazardous wastes. In particular, the Parties shall prohibit the storage of radioactive wastes or other radioactive matter in the Convention Area. Article 12 TESTING OF NUCLEAR DEVICES The Parties shall take all appropriate measures to prevent, reduce and control pollution in the Convention Area which might result from the testing of nuclear devices. Article 13 MINING AND COASTAL EROSION The Parties shall take all appropriate measures to prevent, reduce and control environmental damage in the Convention Area, in particular coastal erosion caused by coastal engineering, mining activities, sand removal, land reclamation and dredging. Article 14 SPECIALLY PROTECTED AREAS AND PROTECTION OF WILD FLORA AND FAUNA The Parties shall, individually or jointly, take all appropriate measures to protect and preserve rare or fragile ecosystems and depleted, threatened or endangered flora and fauna as well as their habitat in the Convention Area. To this end, the Parties shall, as appropriate, establish protected areas, such as parks and reserves, and prohibit or regulate any activity likely to have adverse effects on the species, ecosystems or biological processes that such areas are designed to protect. The establishment of such areas shall not affect the rights of other Parties or third States under international law. In addition, the Parties shall exchange information concerning the administration and management of such areas. Article 15 CO-OPERATION IN COMBATING POLLUTION IN CASES OF EMERGENCY 1. The Parties shall co-operate in taking all necessary measures to deal with pollution emergencies in the Convention Area, whatever the cause of such emergencies, and to prevent, reduce and control pollution or the threat of pollution resulting therefrom. To this end, the Parties shall develop and promote individual contingency plans and joint contingency plans for responding to incidents involving pollution or the threat thereof in the Convention Area. 2. When a Party becomes aware of a case in which the Convention Area is in imminent danger of being polluted or has been polluted, it shall immediately notify other countries and territories it deems likely to be affected by such pollution, as well as the Organisation. Furthermore it shall inform as soon as feasible, such other countries and territories and the Organisation of any measures it has itself taken to reduce or control pollution or the threat thereof. Article 16 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT 1. The Parties agree to develop and maintain, with the assistance of competent global, regional and subregional organisations as requested, technical guidelines and legislation giving adequate emphasis to environmental and social factors to facilitate balanced development of their natural resources and planning of their major projects which might affect the marine environment in such a way as to prevent or minimise harmful impacts on the Convention Area. 2. Each Party shall, within its capabilities, assess the potential effects of such projects on the marine environment, so that appropriate measures can be taken to prevent any substantial pollution of, or significant and harmful changes within, the Convention Area. 3. With respect to the assessment referred to in paragraph 2, each Party shall, where appropriate, invite: (a) public comment according to its national procedures; (b) other Parties that may be affected to consult with it and submit comments. The results of these assessments shall be communicated to the Organisation, which shall make them available to interested Parties. Article 17 SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL CO-OPERATION 1. The Parties shall co-operate, either directly or with the assistance of competent global, regional and sub- regional organisations, in scientific research, environmental monitoring, and the exchange of data and other scientific and technical information related to the purposes of the Convention. 2. In addition, the Parties shall, for the purposes of this Convention, develop and co-ordinate research and monitoring programmes relating to the Convention Area and co-operate, as far as practicable. in the establishment and implementation of regional, sub-regional and international research programmes. Article 18 TECHNICAL AND OTHER ASSISTANCE The Parties undertake to co-operate, directly and when appropriate through the competent global, regional and sub-regional organisations, in the provision to other Parties of technical and other assistance in fields relating to pollution and sound environmental management of the Convention Area, taking into account the special needs of the island developing countries and territories. Article 19 TRANSMISSION OF INFORMATION The Parties shall transmit to the Organisation information on the measures adopted by them in the implementation of this Convention and of Protocols to which they are Parties, in such form and at such intervals as the Parties may determine. Article 20 LIABILITY AND COMPENSATION The Parties shall co-operate in the formulation and adoption of appropriate rules and procedures in conformity with international law in respect of liability and compensation for damage resulting from pollution of the Convention Area. Article 21 INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS 1. The Organisation shall be responsible for carrying out the following secretariat functions: (a) to prepare and convene the meetings of Parties; (b) to transmit to the Parties notifications, reports and other information received in accordance with this Convention and its Protocols; (c) to perform the functions assigned to it by the Protocols to this Convention; (d) to consider enquiries by, and information from, the Parties and to consult with them on questions relating to this Convention and the Protocols; (e) to co-ordinate the implementation of cooperative activities agreed upon by the Parties; (f) to ensure the necessary co-ordination with other competent global, regional and sub-regional bodies; (g) to enter into such administrative arrangements as may be required for the effective discharge of the secretariat functions; (h) to perform such other functions as may be assigned to it by the Parties; and (i) to transmit to the South Pacific Conference and the South Pacific Forum the reports of ordinary and extraordinary meetings of the Parties. 2. Each Party shall designate an appropriate national authority to serve as the channel of communication with the Organisation for the purposes of this Convention. Article 22 MEETINGS OF THE PARTIES 1. The Parties shall hold ordinary meetings once every two years. Ordinary meetings shall review the implementation of this Convention and its Protocols and, in particular, shall: (a) assess periodically the state of the environment in the Convention Area; (b) consider the information submitted by the Parties under Article 19; (c) adopt, review and amend as required annexes to this Convention and to its Protocols, in accordance with the provisions of Article 25; (d) make recommendations regarding the adoption of any Protocols or any amendments to this Convention or its Protocols in accordance with the provisions of Articles 23 and 24; (e) establish working groups as required to consider any matters concerning this Convention and its Protocols; (f) consider co-operative activities to be undertaken within the framework of this Convention and its Protocols, including their financial and institutional implications and to adopt decisions relating thereto; (g) consider and undertake any additional action that may be required for the achievement of the purposes of this Convention and its Protocols; and (h) adopt by consensus financial rules and budget prepared in consultation with the Organisation, to determine, inter alia, the financial participation of the Parties under this Convention and those Protocols to which they are party. 2. The Organisation shall convene the first ordinary meeting of the Parties not later than one year after the date on which the Convention enters into force in accordance with Article 31. 3. Extraordinary meetings shall be convened at the request of any Party or upon the request of the Organisation, provided that such requests are supported by at least two-thirds of the Parties. It shall be the function of an extraordinary meeting of the Parties to consider those items proposed in the request for the holding of the extraordinary meeting and any other items agreed to by all the Parties attending the meeting. 4. The Parties shall adopt by consensus at their first ordinary meeting, rules of procedure for their meetings. Article 23 ADOPTION OF PROTOCOLS 1. The Parties may, at a conference of plenipotentiaries, adopt Protocols to this Convention pursuant to paragraph 3 of Article 5. 2. If so requested by a majority of the Parties, the Organisation shall convene a conference of plenipotentiaries for the purpose of adopting Protocols to this Convention. Article 24 AMENDMENT OF THE CONVENTION AND ITS PROTOCOLS 1. Any Party may pCONVENTION FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC REGION

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Environmental Treaties and Resource Indicators (ENTRI) -- Full Text

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CONVENTION FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC REGION Noumea, 24 November 1986 The Parties, Fully aware of the economic and social value of the natural resources of the environment of the South Pacific Region; Taking into account the traditions and cultures of the Pacific people as expressed in accepted customs and practices; Conscious of their responsibility to preserve their natural heritage for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations; Recognizing the special hydrological, geological and ecological characteristics of the region which requires special care and responsible management; Recognizing further the threat to the marine and coastal environment, its ecological equilibrium, resources and legitimate uses posed by pollution and by the insufficient integration of an environmental dimension into the development process; Seeking to ensure that resource development shall be in harmony with the maintenance of the unique environmental quality of the region and the evolving principles of sustained resource management; Realizing fully the need for co-operation amongst themselves and with competent international, regional and sub-regional organizations in order to ensure a co- ordinated and comprehensive development of the natural resources of the region; Recognizing the desirability for the wider acceptance and national implementation of international agreements already in existence concerning the marine and coastal environment; Noting, however, that existing international agreements concerning the marine and coastal environment do not cover, in spite of the progress achieved, all aspects and sources of marine pollution and environmental degradation and do not entirely meet the special requirements of the South Pacific Region; Desirous to adopt the regional convention to strengthen the implementation of the general objective of the Action Plan for Managing the Natural Resources and Environment of the South Pacific Region adopted at Rarotonga, Cook Islands, on 11 March 1982; Have agreed as follows: Article 1 GEOGRAPHICAL COVERAGE 1. This Convention shall apply to the South Pacific Region, hereinafter referred to as "the Convention Area" as defined in paragraph (a) of Article 2. 2. Except as may be otherwise provided in any Protocol to this Convention, the Convention Area shall not include internal waters or archipelagic waters of the Parties as defined in accordance with international law. Article 2 DEFINITIONS For the purposes of this Convention and its Protocols unless otherwise defined in any such Protocol: (a) the "Convention Area" shall comprise: (i) the 200 nautical mile zones established in accordance with international law off: American Samoa Australia (East coast and Islands to eastward including Macquarie Island) Cook Islands Federated States of Micronesia French Polynesia Guam Kiribati Marshall Islands Nauru New Caledonia and Dependencies New Zealand Niue Northern Mariana Islands Palau Papua New Guinea Pitcairn Islands Solomon Islands Tokelau Tonga Tuvalu Vanuatu Wallis and Futuna Western Samoa (ii) those areas of high seas which are enclosed from all sides by the 200 nautical mile zones referred to in sub-paragraph (i); (iii) areas of the Pacific Ocean which have been included in the Convention Area pursuant to Article 3; (b) "dumping" means: Ñ any deliberate disposal at sea of wastes or other matter from vessels, aircraft, platforms or other man- made structures; Ñ any deliberate disposal at sea of vessels, aircraft, platforms or other man-made structures at sea; "dumping" does not include: Ñ the disposal of wastes or other matter incidental to, or derived from the normal operations of vessels, aircraft, platforms or other man-made structures at sea and their equipment, other than wastes or other matter transported by or to vessels, aircraft, platforms or other man-made structures at sea, operating for the purpose of treatment of such wastes or other matter on such vessels, aircraft, platforms or structures; Ñ placement of matter for a purpose other than the mere disposal thereof, provided that such placement is not contrary to the aims of this Convention; (c) "wastes or other matter" means material and substances of any kind, form or description; (d) the following wastes or other matter shall be considered to be non-radioactive: sewage sludge, dredge spoil, fly ash, agricultural wastes, construction materials, vessels, artificial reef building materials and other such materials provided that they have not been contaminated with radio nuclides of anthropogenic origin (except dispersed global fallout from nuclear weapons testing), nor are potential sources of naturally occurring radio nuclides for commercial purposes, nor have been enriched in natural or artificial radio nuclides; If there is a question as to whether the material to be dumped should be considered non-radioactive, for the purposes of this Convention, such material shall not be dumped unless the appropriate national authority of the proposed dumper confirms that such dumping would not exceed the individual and collective dose limits of the International Atomic Energy Agency general principles for the exemption of radiation sources and practices from regulatory control. The national authority shall also take into account the relevant recommendations, standards and guidelines developed by the International Atomic Energy Agency. (e) "vessels" and "aircraft" means waterborne or airborne craft of any type whatsoever. This expression includes air cushioned craft and floating craft, whether self- propelled or not; (f) "pollution'' means the introduction by man, directly or indirectly, of substances or energy into the marine environment (including estuaries) which results or is likely to result in such deleterious effects as harm to living resources and marine life, hazards to human health, hindrance to marine activities including fishing and other legitimate uses of the sea, impairment of quality for use of sea water and reduction of amenities; In applying this definition to the Convention obligations, the Parties shall use their best endeavours to comply with the appropriate standards and recommendations established by competent international organizations, including the International Atomic Energy Agency; (g) "Organisation" means the South Pacific Commission; (h) "Director" means the Director of the South Pacific Bureau for Economic Co-operation. Article 3 ADDITION TO THE CONVENTION AREA Any Party may add areas under its jurisdiction within the Pacific Ocean between the Tropic of Cancer and 60 degrees South latitude and between 130 degrees East longitude and 120 degrees West longitude to the Convention Area. Such addition shall be notified to the Depositary who shall promptly notify the other Parties and the Organisation. Such areas shall be incorporated within the Convention Area ninety days after notification to the Parties by the Depositary provided there has been no objection to the proposal to add new areas by any Party affected by that proposal. If there is any such objection the Parties concerned will consult with a view to resolving the matter. Article 4 GENERAL PROVISIONS 1. The Parties shall endeavour to conclude bilateral or multilateral agreements, including regional or sub- regional agreements, for the protection, development and management of the marine and coastal environment of the Convention Area. Such agreements shall be consistent with this Convention and in accordance with international law. Copies of such agreements shall be communicated to the Organisation and through it to all Parties to this Convention . 2. Nothing in this Convention or its Protocols shall be deemed to affect obligations assumed by a Party under agreements previously concluded. 3. Nothing in this Convention and its Protocols shall be construed to prejudice or affect the interpretation and application of any provision or term in the Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter, 1972. 4. This Convention and its Protocols shall be construed in accordance with international law relating to their subject matter. 5. Nothing in this Convention and its Protocols shall prejudice the present or future claims and legal views of any Party concerning the nature and extent of maritime jurisdiction. 6. Nothing in this Convention shall affect the sovereign right of States to exploit, develop and manage their own natural resources pursuant to their own policies, taking into account their duty to protect and preserve the environment. Each Party shall ensure that activities within its jurisdiction or control do not cause damage to the environment of other States or of areas beyond the limits of its national jurisdiction. Article 5 GENERAL OBLIGATIONS 1. The Parties shall endeavour, either individually or jointly, to take all appropriate measures in conformity with international law and in accordance with this Convention and those Protocols in force to which they are party to prevent, reduce and control pollution of the Convention Area, from any source, and to ensure sound environmental management and development of natural resources, using for this purpose the best practicable means at their disposal, and in accordance with their capabilities. In doing so the Parties shall endeavour to harmonize their policies at the regional level. 2. The Parties shall use their best endeavours to ensure that the implementation of this Convention shall not result in an increase in pollution in the marine environment outside the Convention Area. 3. In addition to the Protocol for the Prevention of Pollution of the South Pacific Region by Dumping and the Protocol Concerning Co-operation in Combating Pollution Emergencies in the South Pacific Region, the Parties shall co-operate in the formulation and adoption of other Protocols prescribing agreed measures, procedures and standards to prevent, reduce and control pollution from all sources or in promoting environmental management in conformity with the objectives of this Convention . 4. The Parties shall, taking into account existing internationally recognized rules, standards, practices and procedures, co-operate with competent global regional and sub-regional organisations to establish and adopt recommended practices, procedures and measures to prevent, reduce and control pollution from all sources and to promote sustained resource management and to ensure the sound development of natural resources in conformity with the objectives of this Convention and its Protocols. and to assist each other in fulfilling their obligations under this Convention and its Protocols. 5. The Parties shall endeavour to establish laws and regulations for the effective discharge of the obligations prescribed in this Convention. Such laws and regulations shall be no less effective than international rules, standards and recommended practices and procedures. Article 6 POLLUTION FROM VESSELS The Parties shall take all appropriate measures to prevent, reduce and control pollution in the Convention Area caused by discharges from vessels, and to ensure the effective application in the Convention Area of the generally accepted international rules and standards established through the competent international organisation or general diplomatic conference relating to the control of pollution from vessels. Article 7 POLLUTION FROM LAND-BASED SOURCES The Parties shall take all appropriate measures to prevent, reduce and control pollution in the Convention Area caused by coastal disposal or by discharges emanating from rivers, estuaries, coastal establishments, outfall structures, or any other sources in their territory. Article 8 POLLUTION FROM SEABED ACTIVITIES The Parties shall take all appropriate measures to prevent, reduce and control pollution in the Convention Area resulting directly or indirectly from exploration and exploitation of the seabed and its subsoil. Article 9 AIRBORNE POLLUTION The Parties shall take all appropriate measures to prevent, reduce and control pollution in the Convention Area resulting from discharges into the atmosphere from activities under their jurisdiction. Article 10 DISPOSAL OF WASTES 1. The Parties shall take all appropriate measures to prevent, reduce and control pollution in the Convention Area caused by dumping from vessels, aircraft, or man- made structures at sea, including the effective application of the relevant internationally recognized rules and procedures relating to the control of dumping of wastes and other matter. The Parties agree to prohibit the dumping of radioactive wastes or other radioactive matter in the Convention Area. Without prejudice to whether or not disposal into the seabed and subsoil of wastes or other matter is "dumping", the Parties agree to prohibit the disposal into the seabed and subsoil of the Convention Area of radioactive wastes or other radioactive matter. 2. This article shall also apply to the continental shelf of a Party where it extends, in accordance with international law, outward beyond the Convention Area . Article 11 STORAGE OF TOXIC AND HAZARDOUS WASTES The Parties shall take all appropriate measures to prevent, reduce and control pollution in the Convention Area resulting from the storage of toxic and hazardous wastes. In particular, the Parties shall prohibit the storage of radioactive wastes or other radioactive matter in the Convention Area. Article 12 TESTING OF NUCLEAR DEVICES The Parties shall take all appropriate measures to prevent, reduce and control pollution in the Convention Area which might result from the testing of nuclear devices. Article 13 MINING AND COASTAL EROSION The Parties shall take all appropriate measures to prevent, reduce and control environmental damage in the Convention Area, in particular coastal erosion caused by coastal engineering, mining activities, sand removal, land reclamation and dredging. Article 14 SPECIALLY PROTECTED AREAS AND PROTECTION OF WILD FLORA AND FAUNA The Parties shall, individually or jointly, take all appropriate measures to protect and preserve rare or fragile ecosystems and depleted, threatened or endangered flora and fauna as well as their habitat in the Convention Area. To this end, the Parties shall, as appropriate, establish protected areas, such as parks and reserves, and prohibit or regulate any activity likely to have adverse effects on the species, ecosystems or biological processes that such areas are designed to protect. The establishment of such areas shall not affect the rights of other Parties or third States under international law. In addition, the Parties shall exchange information concerning the administration and management of such areas. Article 15 CO-OPERATION IN COMBATING POLLUTION IN CASES OF EMERGENCY 1. The Parties shall co-operate in taking all necessary measures to deal with pollution emergencies in the Convention Area, whatever the cause of such emergencies, and to prevent, reduce and control pollution or the threat of pollution resulting therefrom. To this end, the Parties shall develop and promote individual contingency plans and joint contingency plans for responding to incidents involving pollution or the threat thereof in the Convention Area. 2. When a Party becomes aware of a case in which the Convention Area is in imminent danger of being polluted or has been polluted, it shall immediately notify other countries and territories it deems likely to be affected by such pollution, as well as the Organisation. Furthermore it shall inform as soon as feasible, such other countries and territories and the Organisation of any measures it has itself taken to reduce or control pollution or the threat thereof. Article 16 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT 1. The Parties agree to develop and maintain, with the assistance of competent global, regional and subregional organisations as requested, technical guidelines and legislation giving adequate emphasis to environmental and social factors to facilitate balanced development of their natural resources and planning of their major projects which might affect the marine environment in such a way as to prevent or minimise harmful impacts on the Convention Area. 2. Each Party shall, within its capabilities, assess the potential effects of such projects on the marine environment, so that appropriate measures can be taken to prevent any substantial pollution of, or significant and harmful changes within, the Convention Area. 3. With respect to the assessment referred to in paragraph 2, each Party shall, where appropriate, invite: (a) public comment according to its national procedures; (b) other Parties that may be affected to consult with it and submit comments. The results of these assessments shall be communicated to the Organisation, which shall make them available to interested Parties. Article 17 SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL CO-OPERATION 1. The Parties shall co-operate, either directly or with the assistance of competent global, regional and sub- regional organisations, in scientific research, environmental monitoring, and the exchange of data and other scientific and technical information related to the purposes of the Convention. 2. In addition, the Parties shall, for the purposes of this Convention, develop and co-ordinate research and monitoring programmes relating to the Convention Area and co-operate, as far as practicable. in the establishment and implementation of regional, sub-regional and international research programmes. Article 18 TECHNICAL AND OTHER ASSISTANCE The Parties undertake to co-operate, directly and when appropriate through the competent global, regional and sub-regional organisations, in the provision to other Parties of technical and other assistance in fields relating to pollution and sound environmental management of the Convention Area, taking into account the special needs of the island developing countries and territories. Article 19 TRANSMISSION OF INFORMATION The Parties shall transmit to the Organisation information on the measures adopted by them in the implementation of this Convention and of Protocols to which they are Parties, in such form and at such intervals as the Parties may determine. Article 20 LIABILITY AND COMPENSATION The Parties shall co-operate in the formulation and adoption of appropriate rules and procedures in conformity with international law in respect of liability and compensation for damage resulting from pollution of the Convention Area. Article 21 INSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS 1. The Organisation shall be responsible for carrying out the following secretariat functions: (a) to prepare and convene the meetings of Parties; (b) to transmit to the Parties notifications, reports and other information received in accordance with this Convention and its Protocols; (c) to perform the functions assigned to it by the Protocols to this Convention; (d) to consider enquiries by, and information from, the Parties and to consult with them on questions relating to this Convention and the Protocols; (e) to co-ordinate the implementation of cooperative activities agreed upon by the Parties; (f) to ensure the necessary co-ordination with other competent global, regional and sub-regional bodies; (g) to enter into such administrative arrangements as may be required for the effective discharge of the secretariat functions; (h) to perform such other functions as may be assigned to it by the Parties; and (i) to transmit to the South Pacific Conference and the South Pacific Forum the reports of ordinary and extraordinary meetings of the Parties. 2. Each Party shall designate an appropriate national authority to serve as the channel of communication with the Organisation for the purposes of this Convention. Article 22 MEETINGS OF THE PARTIES 1. The Parties shall hold ordinary meetings once every two years. Ordinary meetings shall review the implementation of this Convention and its Protocols and, in particular, shall: (a) assess periodically the state of the environment in the Convention Area; (b) consider the information submitted by the Parties under Article 19; (c) adopt, review and amend as required annexes to this Convention and to its Protocols, in accordance with the provisions of Article 25; (d) make recommendations regarding the adoption of any Protocols or any amendments to this Convention or its Protocols in accordance with the provisions of Articles 23 and 24; (e) establish working groups as required to consider any matters concerning this Convention and its Protocols; (f) consider co-operative activities to be undertaken within the framework of this Convention and its Protocols, including their financial and institutional implications and to adopt decisions relating thereto; (g) consider and undertake any additional action that may be required for the achievement of the purposes of this Convention and its Protocols; and (h) adopt by consensus financial rules and budget prepared in consultation with the Organisation, to determine, inter alia, the financial participation of the Parties under this Convention and those Protocols to which they are party. 2. The Organisation shall convene the first ordinary meeting of the Parties not later than one year after the date on which the Convention enters into force in accordance with Article 31. 3. Extraordinary meetings shall be convened at the request of any Party or upon the request of the Organisation, provided that such requests are supported by at least two-thirds of the Parties. It shall be the function of an extraordinary meeting of the Parties to consider those items proposed in the request for the holding of the extraordinary meeting and any other items agreed to by all the Parties attending the meeting. 4. The Parties shall adopt by consensus at their first ordinary meeting, rules of procedure for their meetings. Article 23 ADOPTION OF PROTOCOLS 1. The Parties may, at a conference of plenipotentiaries, adopt Protocols to this Convention pursuant to paragraph 3 of Article 5. 2. If so requested by a majority of the Parties, the Organisation shall convene a conference of plenipotentiaries for the purpose of adopting Protocols to this Convention. Article 24 AMENDMENT OF THE CONVENTION AND ITS PROTOCOLS 1. Any Party may propose amendments to this Convention. Amendments shall be adopted by a conference of plenipotentiaries which shall be convened by the Organisation at the request of two-thirds of the Parties. 2. Any Party to this Convention may propose amendments to any Protocol. Such amendments shall be adopted by a conference of plenipotentiaries which shall be convened by the Organisation at the request of two-thirds of the Parties to the Protocol concerned. 3. A proposed amendment to the Convention or any Protocol shall be communicated to the Organisation which shall promptly transmit such proposal for consideration to all the other Parties. 4. A conference of plenipotentiaries to consider a proposed amendment to the Convention or any Protocol shall be convened not less than ninety days after the requirements for the convening of the Conference have been met pursuant to paragraphs 1 or 2, as the case may be. 5. Any amendment to this Convention shall be adopted by a three-fourths majority vote of the Parties to the Convention which are represented at the conference of plenipotentiaries and shall be submitted by the Depositary for acceptance by all Parties to the Convention. Amendments to any Protocol shall be adopted by a three-fourths majority vote of the Parties to the Protocol which are represented at the conference of plenipotentiaries and shall be submitted by the Depositary for acceptance by all Parties to the Protocol. 6. Instruments of ratification, acceptance or approval of amendments shall be deposited with the Depositary. Amendments shall enter into force between Parties having accepted such amendments of the instruments on the thirtieth day following the date of receipt by the Depositary of the instruments of at least three-fourths of the Parties to this Convention or to the Protocol concerned, as the case may be. Thereafter the amendments shall enter into force for any other Party on the thirtieth day after the date on which that Party deposits its instrument. 7. After the entry into force of an amendment to this Convention or to a Protocol, any new Party to the Convention or such Protocol shall become a Party to the Convention or Protocol as amended. Article 25 ANNEXES AND AMENDMENT OF ANNEXES 1. Annexes to this Convention or to any Protocol shall form an integral part of the Convention or such Protocol respectively. 2. Except as may be otherwise provided in any Protocol with respect to its annexes, the following procedures shall apply to the adoption and entry into force of any amendments to annexes to this Convention or to annexes to any Protocol: (a) any Party may propose amendments to the annexes to this Convention or annexes to any Protocol; (b) any proposed amendment shall be notified by the Organisation to the Parties not less than sixty days before the convening of a meeting of the Parties unless this requirement is waived by the meeting; (c) such amendments shall be adopted at a meeting of the Parties by a three-fourths majority vote of the Parties to the instrument in question; (d) the Depositary shall without delay communicate the amendments so adopted to all Parties; (e) any Party that is unable to approve an amendment to the annexes to this Convention or to annexes to any Protocol shall so notify in writing to the Depositary within one hundred days from the date of the communication of the amendment by the Depositary. A Party may at any time substitute an acceptance for a previous declaration of objection, and the amendment shall thereupon enter into force for that Party; (f ) the Depositary shall without delay notify all Parties of any notification received pursuant to the preceding sub-paragraph; and (g) on expiry of the period referred to in subparagraph (e) above, the amendment to the annex shall become effective for all Parties to this Convention or to the Protocol concerned which have not submitted a notification in accordance with the provisions of that sub-paragraph. 3. The adoption and entry into force of a new annexCONVENTION FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC REGION

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CONVENTION FOR THE PROTECTION OF THE NATURAL 
RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT OF THE SOUTH PACIFIC 
REGION

Noumea, 24 November 1986

    The Parties,

    Fully aware of the economic and social value of the 
natural resources of the environment of the South Pacific 
Region;

    Taking into account the traditions and cultures of 
the Pacific people as expressed in accepted customs and 
practices;

    Conscious of their responsibility to preserve their 
natural heritage for the benefit and enjoyment of present 
and future generations;

    Recognizing the special hydrological, geological and 
ecological characteristics of the region which requires 
special care and responsible management;

    Recognizing further the threat to the marine and 
coastal environment, its ecological equilibrium, 
resources and legitimate uses posed by pollution and by 
the insufficient integration of an environmental 
dimension into the development process;

    Seeking to ensure that resource development shall be 
in harmony with the maintenance of the unique 
environmental quality of the region and the evolving 
principles of sustained resource management;

    Realizing fully the need for co-operation amongst 
themselves and with competent international, regional and 
sub-regional organizations in order to ensure a co-
ordinated and comprehensive development of the natural 
resources of the region;

    Recognizing the desirability for the wider acceptance 
and national implementation of international agreements 
already in existence concerning the marine and coastal 
environment;

    Noting, however, that existing international 
agreements concerning the marine and coastal environment 
do not cover, in spite of the progress achieved, all 
aspects and sources of marine pollution and environmental 
degradation and do not entirely meet the special 
requirements of the South Pacific Region;

    Desirous to adopt the regional convention to 
strengthen the implementation of the general objective of 
the Action Plan for Managing the Natural Resources and 
Environment of the South Pacific Region adopted at 
Rarotonga, Cook Islands, on 11 March 1982;

    Have agreed as follows:


Article 1

GEOGRAPHICAL COVERAGE

1. This Convention shall apply to the South Pacific 
Region, hereinafter referred to as "the Convention Area" 
as defined in paragraph (a) of Article 2.

2. Except as may be otherwise provided in any Protocol to 
this Convention, the Convention Area shall not include 
internal waters or archipelagic waters of the Parties as 
defined in accordance with international law.


Article 2

DEFINITIONS

    For the purposes of this Convention and its Protocols 
unless otherwise defined in any such Protocol:

(a) the "Convention Area" shall comprise:

   (i) the 200 nautical mile zones established in 
accordance with international law off:

American Samoa
Australia (East coast and Islands to eastward including 
Macquarie Island)
Cook Islands
Federated States of Micronesia
French Polynesia
Guam
Kiribati
Marshall Islands
Nauru
New Caledonia and Dependencies
New Zealand
Niue
Northern Mariana Islands
Palau
Papua New Guinea
Pitcairn Islands
Solomon Islands
Tokelau
Tonga
Tuvalu
Vanuatu
Wallis and Futuna
Western Samoa

  (ii) those areas of high seas which are enclosed from 
all sides by the 200 nautical mile zones referred to in 
sub-paragraph (i);

  (iii) areas of the Pacific Ocean which have been 
included in the Convention Area pursuant to Article 3;

(b) "dumping" means:

    Ñ any deliberate disposal at sea of wastes or other 
matter from vessels, aircraft, platforms or other man-
made structures;

   Ñ any deliberate disposal at sea of vessels, aircraft, 
platforms or other man-made structures at sea;

"dumping" does not include:

   Ñ the disposal of wastes or other matter incidental 
to, or derived from the normal operations of vessels, 
aircraft, platforms or other man-made structures at sea 
and their equipment, other than wastes or other matter 
transported by or to vessels, aircraft, platforms or 
other man-made structures at sea, operating for the 
purpose of treatment of such wastes or other matter on 
such vessels, aircraft, platforms or structures;

   Ñ placement of matter for a purpose other than the 
mere disposal thereof, provided that such placement is 
not contrary to the aims of this Convention;

(c) "wastes or other matter" means material and 
substances of any kind, form or description;

(d) the following wastes or other matter shall be 
considered to be non-radioactive: sewage sludge, dredge 
spoil, fly ash, agricultural wastes, construction 
materials, vessels, artificial reef building materials 
and other such materials provided that they have not been 
contaminated with radio nuclides of anthropogenic origin 
(except dispersed global fallout from nuclear weapons 
testing), nor are potential sources of naturally 
occurring radio nuclides for commercial purposes, nor 
have been enriched in natural or artificial radio 
nuclides;

    If there is a question as to whether the material to 
be dumped should be considered non-radioactive, for the 
purposes of this Convention, such material shall not be 
dumped unless the appropriate national authority of the 
proposed dumper confirms that such dumping would not 
exceed the individual and collective dose limits of the 
International Atomic Energy Agency general principles for 
the exemption of radiation sources and practices from 
regulatory control. The national authority shall also 
take into account the relevant recommendations, standards 
and guidelines developed by the International Atomic 
Energy Agency.

(e) "vessels" and "aircraft" means waterborne or airborne 
craft of any type whatsoever. This expression includes 
air cushioned craft and floating craft, whether self-
propelled or not;

(f) "pollution'' means the introduction by man, directly 
or indirectly, of substances or energy into the marine 
environment (including estuaries) which results or is 
likely to result in such deleterious effects as harm to 
living resources and marine life, hazards to human 
health, hindrance to marine activities including fishing 
and other legitimate uses of the sea, impairment of 
quality for use of sea water and reduction of amenities;

    In applying this definition to the Convention 
obligations, the Parties shall use their best endeavours 
to comply with the appropriate standards and 
recommendations established by competent international 
organizations, including the International Atomic Energy 
Agency;

(g) "Organisation" means the South Pacific Commission;

(h) "Director" means the Director of the South Pacific 
Bureau for Economic Co-operation.


Article 3

ADDITION TO THE CONVENTION AREA

    Any Party may add areas under its jurisdiction within 
the Pacific Ocean between the Tropic of Cancer and 60 
degrees South latitude and between 130 degrees East 
longitude and 120 degrees West longitude to the 
Convention Area. Such addition shall be notified to the 
Depositary who shall promptly notify the other Parties 
and the Organisation. Such areas shall be incorporated 
within the Convention Area ninety days after notification 
to the Parties by the Depositary provided there has been 
no objection to the proposal to add new areas by any 
Party affected by that proposal. If there is any such 
objection the Parties concerned will consult with a view 
to resolving the matter.


Article 4

GENERAL PROVISIONS

1. The Parties shall endeavour to conclude bilateral or 
multilateral agreements, including regional or sub-
regional agreements, for the protection, development and 
management of the marine and coastal environment of the 
Convention Area. Such agreements shall be consistent with 
this Convention and in accordance with international law. 
Copies of such agreements shall be communicated to the 
Organisation and through it to all Parties to this 
Convention .

2. Nothing in this Convention or its Protocols shall be 
deemed to affect obligations assumed by a Party under 
agreements previously concluded.

3. Nothing in this Convention and its Protocols shall be 
construed to prejudice or affect the interpretation and 
application of any provision or term in the Convention on 
the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes 
and Other Matter, 1972.

4. This Convention and its Protocols shall be construed 
in accordance with international law relating to their 
subject matter.

5. Nothing in this Convention and its Protocols shall 
prejudice the present or future claims and legal views of 
any Party concerning the nature and extent of maritime 
jurisdiction.

6. Nothing in this Convention shall affect the sovereign 
right of States to exploit, develop and manage their own 
natural resources pursuant to their own policies, taking 
into account their duty to protect and preserve the 
environment. Each Party shall ensure that activities 
within its jurisdiction or control do not cause damage to 
the environment of other States or of areas beyond the 
limits of its national jurisdiction.



Article 5

GENERAL OBLIGATIONS

1. The Parties shall endeavour, either individually or 
jointly, to take all appropriate measures in conformity 
with international law and in accordance with this 
Convention and those Protocols in force to which they are 
party to prevent, reduce and control pollution of the 
Convention Area, from any source, and to ensure sound 
environmental management and development of natural 
resources, using for this purpose the best practicable 
means at their disposal, and in accordance with their 
capabilities. In doing so the Parties shall endeavour to 
harmonize their policies at the regional level.

2. The Parties shall use their best endeavours to ensure 
that the implementation of this Convention shall not 
result in an increase in pollution in the marine 
environment outside the Convention Area.

3. In addition to the Protocol for the Prevention of 
Pollution of the South Pacific Region by Dumping and the 
Protocol Concerning Co-operation in Combating Pollution 
Emergencies in the South Pacific Region, the Parties 
shall co-operate in the formulation and adoption of other 
Protocols prescribing agreed measures, procedures and 
standards to prevent, reduce and control pollution from 
all sources or in promoting environmental management in 
conformity with the objectives of this Convention .

4. The Parties shall, taking into account existing 
internationally recognized rules, standards, practices 
and procedures, co-operate with competent global regional 
and sub-regional organisations to establish and adopt 
recommended practices, procedures and measures to 
prevent, reduce and control pollution from all sources 
and to promote sustained resource management and to 
ensure the sound development of natural resources in 
conformity with the objectives of this Convention and its 
Protocols. and to assist each other in fulfilling their 
obligations under this Convention and its Protocols.

5. The Parties shall endeavour to establish laws and 
regulations for the effective discharge of the 
obligations prescribed in this Convention. Such laws and 
regulations shall be no less effective than international 
rules, standards and recommended practices and 
procedures.


Article 6

POLLUTION FROM VESSELS

    The Parties shall take all appropriate measures to 
prevent, reduce and control pollution in the Convention 
Area caused by discharges from vessels, and to ensure the 
effective application in the Convention Area of the 
generally accepted international rules and standards 
established through the competent international 
organisation or general diplomatic conference relating to 
the control of pollution from vessels.


Article 7

POLLUTION FROM LAND-BASED SOURCES

    The Parties shall take all appropriate measures to 
prevent, reduce and control pollution in the Convention 
Area caused by coastal disposal or by discharges 
emanating from rivers, estuaries, coastal establishments, 
outfall structures, or any other sources in their 
territory.


Article 8

POLLUTION FROM SEABED ACTIVITIES

    The Parties shall take all appropriate measures to 
prevent, reduce and control pollution in the Convention 
Area resulting directly or indirectly from exploration 
and exploitation of the seabed and its subsoil.


Article 9

AIRBORNE POLLUTION

    The Parties shall take all appropriate measures to 
prevent, reduce and control pollution in the Convention 
Area resulting from discharges into the atmosphere from 
activities under their jurisdiction.



Article 10

DISPOSAL OF WASTES

1. The Parties shall take all appropriate measures to 
prevent, reduce and control pollution in the Convention 
Area caused by dumping from vessels, aircraft, or man-
made structures at sea, including the effective 
application of the relevant internationally recognized 
rules and procedures relating to the control of dumping 
of wastes and other matter. The Parties agree to prohibit 
the dumping of radioactive wastes or other radioactive 
matter in the Convention Area. Without prejudice to 
whether or not disposal into the seabed and subsoil of 
wastes or other matter is "dumping", the Parties agree to 
prohibit the disposal into the seabed and subsoil of the 
Convention Area of radioactive wastes or other 
radioactive matter.

2. This article shall also apply to the continental shelf 
of a Party where it extends, in accordance with 
international law, outward beyond the Convention Area .


Article 11

STORAGE OF TOXIC AND HAZARDOUS WASTES

    The Parties shall take all appropriate measures to 
prevent, reduce and control pollution in the Convention 
Area resulting from the storage of toxic and hazardous 
wastes. In particular, the Parties shall prohibit the 
storage of radioactive wastes or other radioactive matter 
in the Convention Area.



Article 12

TESTING OF NUCLEAR DEVICES

    The Parties shall take all appropriate measures to 
prevent, reduce and control pollution in the Convention 
Area which might result from the testing of nuclear 
devices.


Article 13

MINING AND COASTAL EROSION

    The Parties shall take all appropriate measures to 
prevent, reduce and control environmental damage in the 
Convention Area, in particular coastal erosion caused by 
coastal engineering, mining activities, sand removal, 
land reclamation and dredging.


Article 14

SPECIALLY PROTECTED AREAS AND PROTECTION OF WILD FLORA 
AND FAUNA

    The Parties shall, individually or jointly, take all 
appropriate measures to p