The Basel Convention addresses the issue of the trans-boundary movement and disposal of waste, and was adopted in Basel, Switzerland in 1989. It responds to the threats posed by increasing international traffic of hazardous waste, and the disposal of this waste in developing countries, many of which are unwilling or unknowing recipients. In spite of not having the necessary technology and expertise to manage this waste, such countries are often forced to accept large quantities of waste due to economic desperation.

The long-term objective of this convention is to reduce waste generation to a minimum in terms of quantity and level of toxicity. It recognizes the right of any state to ban the import of foreign hazardous waste (as Namibia has done), and stresses that waste should be correctly disposed of in its country of origin.

The convention does, however, permit the controlled trans-boundary movement of waste, but under strict conditions and only where such movement does not affect human life or the environment. It recognizes that developing countries have limited ability to manage their own waste, and encourages the training of personnel and transfer of technology from more advanced states.

Namibia is in the process of acceding this convention.
There is a dedicated DEA programme on Pollution Control and Hazardous Waste Management.

Click here to read the full text of the convention.

Namibia's official contact person: Teofilus Nghtila