What is the Basel Convention?

The Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal is a pivotal international treaty aimed at reducing the movement of hazardous waste between nations, particularly from developed to less developed countries. This treaty, which came into force in 1992, seeks to protect human health and the environment against the adverse effects of hazardous waste. Over the decades, the Basel Convention has evolved to address emerging challenges and adapt to the changing global landscape of waste management.  

Why was the Basel Convention introduced?  

In the developed world, the mid- to late-20th century witnessed a surge in industrial activities, leading to increased generation of hazardous wastes. Developed countries, faced with stringent environmental regulations and high disposal costs, began exporting hazardous wastes to developing nations where regulations were lax or non-existent. This practice posed significant health and environmental risks to recipient countries, prompting international concern.  

In response, the Basel Convention was adopted. Negotiations began in the mid-1980s under the auspices of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the treaty was formally adopted on March 22, 1989, entering into force on May 5, 1992, following the requisite 20 ratifications. The convention has since been ratified by 188 parties, making it one of the most widely endorsed environmental treaties.  

What does the Basel Convention ban?  

The Basel Convention has three primary objectives: to minimize the generation of hazardous wastes, to ensure their environmentally sound management as closely as possible to the source of generation, and to reduce the transboundary movement of hazardous wastes to a minimum.  

Exporting countries must obtain consent from the importing country before shipping hazardous wastes. This provision ensures that recipient countries are fully aware of the nature and potential risks of the wastes they are importing.  

Parties are required to take appropriate measures to ensure hazardous wastes are managed in a manner that protects human health and the environment. This includes the development of national strategies for waste minimization and disposal.  

The convention defines illegal traffic in hazardous wastes as a criminal activity, with parties required to introduce national legislation to prevent and punish such activities.  

How has the Basel Convention evolved over the years?   

Since its inception, the Basel Convention has undergone significant evolution to address new challenges and enhance its effectiveness.   

Interestingly, one amendment, adopted in 1995, prohibits all exports of hazardous wastes from member states of the European Union, OECD, and Liechtenstein to other countries – but this is not yet in force as it requires full ratification. Nevertheless, it represents a significant step towards reducing hazardous waste exports to developing countries. The convention has developed a series of technical guidelines to assist parties in the environmentally sound management of specific waste streams, such as electronic waste and persistent organic pollutants (POPs). The convention has fostered numerous partnerships with industry and non-governmental organizations to promote best practices in waste management and enhance capacity building in developing countries.  

Does the Basel Convention need further amendments?  

Today, the Basel Convention remains a cornerstone of global efforts to manage hazardous wastes. However, several challenges persist. While the convention sets out a comprehensive framework, its effectiveness depends on national implementation and enforcement. Many developing countries lack the necessary infrastructure, technical expertise, and financial resources to fully comply with their obligations under the convention.  

The rapid pace of technological advancement has led to the emergence of new waste streams, such as electronic waste (e-waste), which pose unique challenges for waste management. The convention has had to continuously adapt to address these emerging issues.  

Despite the convention’s efforts, significant disparities remain in waste management practices between developed and developing countries. Addressing these disparities requires enhanced international cooperation, technology transfer, and financial assistance.  

The Basel Convention has made substantial progress in regulating the transboundary movement of hazardous wastes and promoting their environmentally sound management. Its comprehensive framework and evolving provisions have addressed many of the challenges posed by hazardous wastes. However, ongoing efforts are needed to ensure its full implementation and to address emerging issues in waste management. As the global community continues to grapple with the complexities of hazardous waste, the Basel Convention will remain an essential tool for protecting human health and the environment.