OSPARkonventio

The OSPAR Convention, formally the Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic, is an international agreement signed by countries bordering the North-East Atlantic and the European Union. Its primary aim is to protect the marine environment from pollution originating from both land-based and sea-based sources. The convention was established in 1992, succeeding earlier agreements like the Oslo and Paris Conventions.

OSPAR works through a commission composed of the signatory countries and the European Community. This commission develops and implements joint strategies and action plans to address various environmental challenges in the North-East Atlantic. Key areas of focus include preventing and combating pollution, protecting marine ecosystems, and ensuring the sustainable use of marine resources.

The convention categorizes pollution into several types, including radioactive substances, hazardous chemical substances, oil, and sewage sludge. It also addresses issues such as eutrophication, which is the enrichment of water bodies with nutrients, leading to algal blooms and oxygen depletion. Furthermore, OSPAR promotes the conservation of biodiversity and the protection of habitats.

Implementation of the OSPAR Convention involves monitoring marine conditions, setting environmental quality standards, and undertaking joint actions. The parties report regularly on their progress, and the convention serves as a framework for international cooperation in marine environmental protection within its geographical scope.