The Bamako Convention, established in 1991, prohibits the importation of hazardous waste into Africa and the inter-country transportation of such waste. Its primary objective is to ensure the safety of both people and the environment by preventing harm caused by dangerous waste. Only member countries of the Organization of African Unity are eligible to adhere to the provisions of the Bamako Convention. Additionally, the convention emphasizes the importance of waste reduction and discourages the disposal of waste in oceans or other water bodies.
The Bamako Convention, established in 1991, serves as a treaty to safeguard Africa from the importation of hazardous wastes and regulate their movement within the continent. Its primary objective is to safeguard human health and the environment by prohibiting the importation of hazardous wastes, preventing the dumping of waste in seas and internal waters, and reducing waste generation. Only countries that are members of the Organization of African Unity (OAU) can become parties to this convention. The treaty not only forbids the transfer of hazardous wastes from developed countries to African nations but also restricts the movement of such wastes among African countries. For instance, if a European company wishes to dispose of hazardous waste, it cannot simply send it to an African country that is a party to the Bamako Convention. Instead, the company must find a disposal method within Europe or in a country that is not a party to the treaty. The Bamako Convention plays a crucial role in safeguarding the environment and human health in Africa by preventing the importation of hazardous wastes and controlling their movement within the continent. This ensures that African countries are not exploited as dumping grounds for toxic materials.
The Bamako Convention is a treaty adopted by African countries in 1991 to regulate the importation and disposal of hazardous waste in Africa.
As of 2021, 30 African countries have ratified the Bamako Convention, including Algeria, Egypt, Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa.
The main purpose of the Bamako Convention is to prevent the dumping of hazardous waste in Africa and promote environmentally sound management of such waste within the continent.
The Bamako Convention covers a wide range of hazardous waste, including industrial waste, chemical waste, medical waste, and electronic waste.
Parties to the Bamako Convention are required to take measures to prevent the importation of hazardous waste, ensure the safe disposal of such waste, and promote the reduction and recycling of waste.
Yes, parties to the Bamako Convention are expected to establish penalties for violations of the treaty, which may include fines, imprisonment, or other appropriate sanctions.
The Bamako Convention defines hazardous waste as any waste that poses a significant risk to human health or the environment due to its toxic, corrosive, explosive, flammable, or infectious nature.
Yes, the Bamako Convention encourages international cooperation among parties to facilitate the exchange of information, technology, and expertise in the management of hazardous waste.
Non-African countries can become parties to the Bamako Convention by acceding to or ratifying the treaty, subject to the approval of the existing parties.
The implementation of the Bamako Convention is monitored through regular meetings of the parties, reporting requirements, and the establishment of a Secretariat to facilitate coordination and cooperation among the parties.
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This glossary post was last updated: 16th April 2024.
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