Supplement 1.1e: The Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter 1972
and 1996 Protocol Thereto
Short: The London Convention and Protocol

The London Convention is one of the first global conventions to protect the marine environment from human activities and has been in force since 1975.

Its objective is to promote the effective control of all sources of marine pollution and to take all practicable steps to prevent pollution of the sea by dumping of wastes and other matter. Currently, 85 States are Parties to this Convention.

In 1996, the "London Protocol" was agreed to further modernise the Convention and, eventually, replace it. Under the Protocol, all dumping is prohibited, except for possibly acceptable wastes on the so-called "reverse list".

The London Protocol entered into force on 24 March 2006 and has currently 32 State Parties.

Important achievements under the London Convention and its Protocol

• The unregulated dumping and incineration activities that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s have been halted.
• Dumping of certain types of waste has been eliminated.
• Prohibitions are in force for dumping of industrial and radioactive wastes, as well as for incineration at sea of industrial waste and sewage sludge.
• Guidelines have been developed for all wastes on the reverse list
• Guidance on the national implementation of the London Protocol has been developed.
• Guidelines have also been developed for the sampling and analysis of dredged material intended for disposal at sea.

More information on the London Convention and Protocol can be found at www.londonconvention.org.