The Basel Convention, with over 160 Parties, is the broadest and most
significant treaty on hazardous wastes currently in effect. It was set up to address problems arising from the indiscriminate dumping of hazardous wastes in developing countries by developed countries. During its first decade (1989-1999), the Convention set up a framework for controlling the international movements of hazardous wastes and developed the criteria for the classification and environmentally sound management of these wastes.
Activities
The Secretariat facilitates the implementation of the Convention and related agreements. It also provides assistance on legal and technical issues, gathers statistical data submitted by parties in accordance with the reporting obligations under the Convention and conducts training on the environmentally sound management of hazardous wastes. In its second decade, the Secretariat is focusing on:
promoting the minimization of hazardous wastes;
further reducing the movements of hazardous wastes;
preventing and monitoring illegal traffic;
improving institutional and technical capabilities; and
further developing regional centres for training and technology transfer.
Type of organisation:
Intergovernmental organizations
Established:
1992
Number of staff:
23
Head/Director:
Executive Secretary: Katherine Kummer Peiry
Cooperation
The Secretariat collaborates with other UN organizations, intergovernmental organizations, NGOs and industry on such issues as the disposal of used oils, PCBs, biomedical and health care wastes, electronic wastes, or the stockpiling of obsolete pesticides.
