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

Barcelona Convention Secretariat

Tatjana.Hema@un.org

http://web.unep.org/unepmap/

Mediterranean Action Plan Coordinating Unit Barcelona Convention Secretariat