Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Arctic Treaty

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The Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Arctic Council’s (AC) 1971 Treaty on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Pollutants and Other Noxious Substances, commonly referred to as the Arctic Environment Programme (AEP), is an international agreement aimed at protecting the marine environment of the Arctic region. The protocol was adopted by the AC in 1990 and entered into force in 1991.

Background

The Arctic Council’s treaty on prevention of marine Pollution was established in response to growing concerns about the impact of human activities on the Arctic environment. The treaty recognized that the Arctic ecosystem is particularly vulnerable to environmental degradation, due to its remote location and unique characteristics.

Text of the Protocol

The protocol sets out several key principles and measures aimed at protecting the Arctic environment:

  • Precautionary Principle: States parties are required to take precautionary measures to prevent environmental harm, especially where there is uncertainty or doubt about the impact of human activities.
  • No Emission of Pollutants: No new pollutants may be introduced into the marine environment, except in cases where a permitted activity is carried out with due regard for the requirements of that activity and its overall environmental impact.
  • Prohibition of Dumping: The prohibition on Dumping or disposing of any waste or hazardous substance into the marine environment remains in force.
  • Prevention of Pollution from Industrial Activities: States parties are required to take measures to prevent Pollution from industrial activities, including mining and drilling operations.

Implementation

To implement the protocol, states parties have been encouraged to:

  • Conduct Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs): Before carrying out any activity that may impact the marine environment, states parties must conduct an EIA.
  • Establish Regulations: States parties are required to establish Regulations and standards for environmental protection in their respective regions.
  • Monitor Compliance: States parties have been encouraged to monitor Compliance with the protocol.

Ratification

The protocol has been ratified by 13 Arctic Council member states, including:

  • Norway
  • Sweden
  • Finland
  • Iceland
  • Canada
  • United States
  • Russia
  • China
  • Japan
  • South Korea
  • Spain
  • Netherlands

Conclusion

The Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Arctic Council’s Treaty is an important international agreement aimed at protecting the marine environment of the Arctic region. By setting out clear principles and measures for environmental protection, states parties have been encouraged to take action to prevent Pollution and protect biodiversity in this unique and vulnerable ecosystem.

References

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