Implementation of the International North Sea Conference. Declarations by Belgium: the case of Toxics Reductions Programmes
Maes, F. (1998). Implementation of the International North Sea Conference. Declarations by Belgium: the case of Toxics Reductions Programmes. Int. J. Mar. Coast. Law 13(3): 337-354 In: International Journal of Marine and Coastal Law. Kluwer Law International: The Hague; Gaithersburg; London; Boston. ISSN 0927-3522; e-ISSN 1571-8085, more | |
Keywords | Control > Pollution control Environments > Aquatic environment > Marine environment International agreements International agreements > Pollution convention International law Legislation > Environmental legislation > Pollution legislation Materials > Hazardous materials Organizations > International organizations Policies Political aspects Pollutants Pollutants > Hazardous materials > Chemical pollutants Pollution > Water pollution > Marine pollution Protection > Environmental protection Toxicants ANE, Belgium [Marine Regions]; ANE, North Sea [Marine Regions] Marine/Coastal |
Abstract | In June 1995 the Fourth North Sea Conference Declaration was signed by the Ministers responsible for the protection of the North Sea, by the European Commission and by the government of the Swiss Confederation. The North Sea Conference Declarations have a history dating back to 1984 when the first Ministerial Conference on the protection of the North Sea was held in Bremen, followed by the Second North Sea Conference Declaration signed in London in 1987 and the Third North Sea Conference Declaration signed in the Hague in 1990. The North Sea Ministerial Declarations are political commitments which can, however, create legal effects. This article describes the methods of implementation of the Declarations in general, i.e., indirectly through international organizations or directly by the government concerned. It then goes on to explain the toxic reduction provisions of the first, second, third and fourth North Sea Conference Declarations. Finally, it examines the actions taken by Belgium to implement the Declarations, taking into consideration specific instruments, substances and amount of reductions, and the relationship between the federal government and regions and mechanisms for cooperation. |
|