Challenges for developing countries in the implementation of the London Protocol and the MARPOL Convention for prevention of pollution of the marine environment

Marine litter is a growing problem with serious environmental, economic, and human health implications. The marine environment is polluted by the intentional or accidental disposal of waste by individuals or businesses, as well as by wind, rainwater, or sewage. It is estimated that more than 6.4 million tons of waste enter the marine ecosystem annually, with 80% coming from land sources and the remaining 20% from marine sources. Different organizations have developed international treaties of global application to protect the marine environment from pollution. There are two important conventions that aim to protect the marine environment. They are: 1. The “Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping of Wastes and Other Matter 1972”, the “London Convention” for short and the “London Protocol”. 2. The “International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL)”. Both treaties aim to prevent pollution. The London Protocol restricts the dumping of Dredged material; Sewage sludge; Industrial fish processing; Vessels and offshore platforms or other man-made structures at sea; Inert, inorganic geological material; Organic material of natural origin and Bulky items including iron, steel, concrete and similar non-injurious materials where physical impact is a concern, and only in those circumstances where such wastes occur in locations, such as small islands with isolated communities, where there is no practical access to disposal options other than landfilling. MARPOL addresses pollution from ships caused by operational or accidental factors through its six annexes regulating pollution by: I. Oil; II. Noxious Liquid Substances in Bulk; III. Harmful Substances Carried by Sea in Packaged Form; IV. Sewage from Ships; V. Garbage from Ships and VI. Air Pollution from Ships. This article reports a research conducted to assess the implications for Costa Rica of adhering to or not to these conventions. The conclusion is that while signing the treaties is relatively straightforward, implementing the directives and guidelines provided by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) presents challenges. Barriers to compliance include lack of accurate information existing in the country, inconsistent regulations, and local institutions not taking responsibility due to limited knowledge, resources, and other factors.