CARICOM Customs Handbook - Guide to Multilateral Environment Agreements

The Basel Convention was created to respond to increased public concern about toxic wastes in the
1980s. Tighter environmental regulation in industrialized countries resulted in sharp increases in
the cost of hazardous waste disposal in these countries. Traders started shipping hazardous waste
to less developed countries in Africa, Eastern Europe and other regions. There were concerns about
toxic ships sailing from port to port trying to offload their poisonous cargo. In some cases, toxic
waste shipments were dumped indiscriminately, spilled accidentally or managed improperly, causing
severe health and environmental problems. Such incidents received international attention, and as
a result the Basel Convention was negotiated under the auspices of the United Nations Environment
Programme (UNEP).

Online only

Call Number: [EL]

ISBN/ISSN: 978-976-600-284-8

Physical Description: 52p. : ill. (col.) ;