A regional workshop was held in Nadi, Fiji, on “the promotion of the London Protocol and the Noumea Dumping Protocol.” Sponsored and facilitated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and SPREP. Mr. Marah Tairi from the Cook Islands Ministry of Transport and Ms. Roselyn Strickland from the National Environment Service, were amongst other regional participants at the workshop.
Some of the key themes discussed during the workshop included the implementation of the international and regional rules governing the disposal of wastes at sea, under the Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter 1972 (“London Convention”), and its London Protocol 1996 (“London Protocol”). The regional equivalent to those global frameworks such as the Noumea Convention 1986 and its Dumping Protocols 1990 were also mentioned to some extent.
According to Strickland, the Cook Islands is not a party to the London Protocol, and the protection of the marine environment from human activities and other factors has influenced global policies and international law since the conventions and protocols were developed. The workshop provided a comprehensive opportunity for countries to engage and share experiences about their national measures relating to the protection of coastal and marine ecosystems.
Countries that are already parties’ also had the opportunity to enhance institutional capacity and understanding on strengthening their existing national frameworks in managing the prevention of marine pollution from dumping activities.
The workshop also provided a platform for countries from around the pacific region to share their national experiences, challenges, and best practices concerning marine pollution control and legal frameworks governing dumping activities. The workshop also highlighted existing gaps—particularly in national legislation, institutional arrangements, and data monitoring—and identified opportunities for collaboration and capacity building. 11
Lastly, the workshop strengthened regional cooperation and provided practical guidance to support countries in ratifying, aligning with, or effectively implementing the London Protocol and the Noumea Dumping Protocol, contributing to long-term protection of the Pacific Ocean environment.
