An Ocean of Plastic: What can a Future "Treaty on Biodiversity in Areas Beyond National Jursidiction" Contribute to Solving a Global Problem

Kirsten Schmalenbach, Julia Katharina Pleiel

Research output: Contribution to journalArticle

Abstract

Plastic waste is threatening our marine environment in a myriad ways. With the negotiations for an international legally binding instrument on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ treaty) currently under way, this article aims to explore realistic contributions a future BBNJ treaty can make to managing the increasing plastic pollution problem. Three possible scenarios for addressing this issue in the treaty are considered legally binding pollutant reduction targets improving coastal and river waste management systems as well as holding the plastics industry responsible for their contribution, although not all of which are suitable.
The BBNJ treaty with its geographically limited scope of protection is not the right place for all-encompassing instruments such as pollutant reduction targets and extended producer responsibilities. In contrast, provisions on coastal and river waste management are identified as promising and suitable for inclusion.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1 - 25
Number of pages25
JournalArchiv des Völkerrechts
Volume2019
Issue numberBand 57, Heft 1
Publication statusPublished - 2019

Keywords

  • Plastic
  • Solving a Global Problem
  • Biodiversity
  • BBNJ

Fields of Science and Technology Classification 2012

  • 505 Law

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