Dumped munitions in the framework of the UN Environment/MAP Barcelona Convention The Challenges of Unexploded Munitions Brussels, 20 February 2019 Session 4 - Status, Challenges and Solutions (?) for Unexploded Munitions in the Adriatic Sea Tatjana Hema Deputy Coordinator UN Environment/Mediterranean Action Plan Coordinating Unit Barcelona Convention Secretariat Mediterranean Action Plan Coordinating Unit Barcelona Convention Secretariat
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Dumped munitions in the framework of theUN Environment/MAP Barcelona Convention
The Challenges of Unexploded Munitions
Brussels, 20 February 2019
Session 4 - Status, Challenges and Solutions (?) for Unexploded Munitions in the Adriatic Sea
Tatjana Hema
Deputy Coordinator
UN Environment/Mediterranean Action Plan Coordinating Unit
Barcelona Convention Secretariat
Mediterranean Action Plan Coordinating Unit Barcelona Convention Secretariat
MAP - Barcelona Convention: Overview • Barcelona resolution on MAP adopted in
1975, The Convention 1976. Both Amended in 1995
• 22 Contracting Parties including the EU
• The Convention is Complemented by 7 Protocols: Dumping, Prevention and Emergency, LBS, Hazardous Wastes, SPA/BD, Offshore, ICZM
• MSSD, Other Policies, Integrated Policies and Action Plans to combat and prevent pollution and protect/conserve marine and coastal biodiversity
• Ecosystem approach as the overarching principle → achieve/maintain Good Environmental Status of the Mediterranean Sea and Coasts
• 11 Ecological Objectives for the Med sea and coast adopted in 2012. IMAP to monitor their achievement adopted in 2016
• MAP vision: “A healthy Mediterranean with marine and coastal ecosystems that are productive and biologically diverse for the benefit of present and future generations”
Provisions under the BC Dumping Protocol
▪ 1976 Dumping Protocol
• Dumping is in principle allowed under a general permit
• Dumping of certain materials requires a special permit
• “Black list” of materials for which dumping is prohibited
▪ 1995 amendments
• General dumping prohibition
• Short list of materials for which dumping requires a special permit
• List of “permitted” materials more restricted than in London Convention Protocol 1996
• Ratified by 15 CP, not yet in force
Ratifications of BC Dumping Protocol and LC-LP
BC Contracting Parties
1976 BC Dumping Protocol
1995 amendments
1972 London Convention
1996 London Protocol
Albania X X
Algeria X
Bosnia-Herzegovina
X
Croatia X X X
Cyprus X X X
Egypt X X X X
France X X X X
Greece X X
Israel X
Italy X X X X
Lebanon X
Ratifications of BC Dumping Protocol and LC-LP
BC Contracting Parties
1976 BC Dumping Protocol
1995amendments
1972 London Convention
1996 London Protocol
Libya X X
Malta X X X
Monaco X X X
Montenegro X
Morocco X X X X
Slovenia X X X X
Spain X X X X
Syria X X X
Tunisia X X X
Turkey X X
EU X X
Status of ratification of Dumping Protocol in the Adriatic
List of materials exempted from dumping prohibition under 1995 amendments
• Dredged material
• Fish waste or organic materials resulting from the processing of fish and other marine organisms
• Platforms and other man-made structures
• Inert uncontaminated geological materials
• In addition, placement of matter for a purpose other than the mere disposal thereof is not considered as dumping and therefore is allowed, provided that such placement is not contrary to the aims of the Protocol
→ most common application for construction of artificial reefs
Status of dumped munitions in the Mediterranean
• Last assessment on this specific issue undertaken in 2007 (UNEP(DEPI)/MED WG. 316/Inf.12)
• Many sites remain uncharted and, for the most part, few data are made available on quantities and types of ordnance dumped on the Mediterranean seabed
• Reporting of dumped munitions is not specifically considered in the Dumping Protocol
• 29 ammunitions dumping areas as well as “firing practice and exercise areas” were identified through consultation of nautical charts and sailor notices, mainly in the Adriatic Sea
• It is considered that the identified areas do not represent the real number of dumping sites of ammunitions and war surplus
• Interviews with fishermen have represented a very important source of information
Mapping of dumped munitions (MAP 2007)
Impacts and assessment needs
• According to the 2007 assessment, the amount of dumped munitions, subject to the corrosive action of sea water which causes the release of chemical products, is considered as a relevant source of persistent pollutants in the Mediterranean
• There is need for in-depth scientific investigations and more data suitable to provide a sound scientific base
• Role of IMAP for the monitoring and assessment of marine pollution, including from munitions (2017 MED QSR delivered, next QSR expected in 2023)
• Need to further assess the environmental, and socio-economic impact of dumped munitions
• Barcelona Convention Reporting System (revised format adopted by COP 20, 2017) as a source of information on dumping sites and quantities
Identified gaps
• Amendments to the Dumping Protocol not yet in force
• Not all Adriatic countries have ratified the amendments to the Dumping Protocol
• Lack of data and information about the sites/ types/ quantities of historically dumped munitions
• Knowledge gaps regarding the environmental, and socio-economic impacts of dumped munitions
• The real number of dumping sites of ammunitions in the Mediterranean is expected to be higher than the 2007 identified areas
• Not explicit reporting obligation for this type of waste under the Dumping Protocol
• Lack of awareness and capacities on this issue
Way forward
• Awareness Raising to promote prohibition of dumping of ammunitions at sea as a high risk for people, maritime security and marine environment
• Implementation of IMAP and further integration of dumping sites/areas monitoring (offshore areas) in its scope
• Further assessment of existing dump sites including dumped munitions
• Possible integration of dumped munitions identification and assessment into ICZM and MSP processes
• Awareness raising, capacity building and involvement of fishermen and other local stakeholders
Thank you
Tatjana Hema
Deputy Coordinator
UN Environment/Mediterranean Action Plan Coordinating Unit