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Convention on the Law of the Non-navigational Uses of International
Watercourses, 1997
http://www.un.org/law/ilc/texts/nonnav.htm
Date of Entry into Force:
Not in force yet
Relevant Provision(s):
Applies to the protection, preservation and management of international watercourses, defined as systems of
surface and ground waters that constitute a unitary whole and of which parts are situated in different States (Article 1 and
2).
Recognizes a watercourse State's right to equitably and reasonably use the watercourse and the duty to cooperate
to protect and preserve the ecosystems of international watercourses and to develop them sustainably (Articles 5 and 20).
Specific provision on alien species, which addresses only prevention:
"Watercourses States shall take all measures necessary to prevent the introduction of species, alien or new, into an international
watercourse which may have effects detrimental to the ecosystem of the watercourse resulting in significant harm to other
watercourse States (Article 22)."
Watercourse States are also obliged to protect the marine environment into which the international watercourse
feeds (Article 23)
General obligation not to cause significant harm that requires a State causing significant harm to eliminate or
mitigate the harm and to discuss compensation, where applicable (Article 7).
General obligation on Parties to cooperate and to exchange information (Articles 8, 9, 30 and 31). Detailed
provisions cover notification for planned and emergency situations (Articles 11-19 and 28).
None of these provisions are alien-specific, but apply generally to all obligations under the Convention.
(Article 12) Purpose of notification to allow potentially affected States evaluate the possible effects of any planned measures.
Draft International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast
Water and Sediments
http://globallast.imo.org/index.asp?page=mepc.htm
Date of Entry into Force:
Not in Force Yet
Assessment Countries' Participation:
N/A
Relevant Provision(s):
Article 2, Sec. 5 calls on the Parties to "undertake to encourage the continued development of Ballast Water
Management and Standards to prevent, minimize and ultimately eliminate the transfer of Harmful Aquatic Organisms and
Pathogens through the control and management of ships' Ballast Water and Sediments.
Article 4 on the "Control of the Transfer of Harmful Aquatic Organisms and Pathogens Through Ships' Ballast
Water and Sediments" calls on each Party to ensure that the ships that fly their flag comply with the requirements of the
Convention and each Party shall develop national policies, strategies or programs for Ballast Water Management.
Article 5 "Sediment Reception Facilities" states that each Party will undertake that there are "adequate reception
facilities" at all ports and terminals where cleaning or repair ballast tanks occurs. Article 6 covers "Scientific and Technical
Research and Monitoring." It calls for Parties to individually or jointly " (a) promote and facilitate scientific and technical
research on Ballast Water Management; (b) monitor the effects of Ballast Water Management in waters under their
jurisdiction."