Which environmental issues are addressed by the Cartagena Convention protocols?

The Cartagena Convention (officially the Convention for the Protection and Development of the Marine Environment of the Wider Caribbean Region) addresses the management and preservation of the marine environment through three specific protocols:

• Combating oil spills: Established in 1983, this protocol focuses on regional cooperation to manage and respond to oil spill incidents.1
• Specially protected areas and wildlife: Launched in 1990, this protocol provides a framework for the conservation of critical habitats and species within the region.1
• Land-based marine pollution: Adopted in 1999, this protocol aims to prevent, reduce, and control pollution originating from land-based sources, which is essential for maintaining the health of the Caribbean's marine ecosystems.1

These measures reflect a commitment by signatory nations to protect and manage the common waters of the wider Caribbean region collectively.1