Basel Convention

KIRIBATI

Status of Ratification/Accession/Acceptance/Approval:	07.09.2000 (a)
Ratification/Acceptance of the Amendment to the Basel Convention:	Not yet as of 20.11.2002

Competent Authority	Focal Point
Environment and Conservation Division Ministry of Environment and Social Development Environment and Social P.O. Box 234, Bikenibeu, Tawara tel: [phone] and 28-507 fax: [phone] e-mail: [e-mail]	Permanent Secretary Ministry of Environment and Social Development P.O. Box 234, Bikemibeu, Tarawa tel: [phone] and 28-211 fax: [phone] e-mail: [e-mail]

National Definition

“Waste” includes matter whether liquid, solid, gaseous or radioactive, whether toxic or not, which is discharged into the environment; or which is the byproduct of any process activity, or development with no apparent value or beneficial function. According to the Environment Regulations 2001, “hazardous waste” is any waste which contains explosives, gases, flammable solids, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, oxidizing agents, organic peroxides, asbestos or substances which emit flammable gases. There are no wastes defined as, or considered to be hazardous wastes by national legislation in accordance with Art. 1, para 1(b) of the Basel Convention. In Kiribati there are no wastes other than those pursuant to Art. 1 (1)a and/or Art. 1 (1)b of the Basel Convention that require special consideration when subjected to transboundary movement.

Restrictions on Transboundary Movement	Amendment to the Basel Convention The amendment to the Basel Convention (Decision III/1) has not been implemented in Kiribati.
	Restrictions on export for final disposal and for recovery Kiribati has no restrictions on the export of hazardous wastes and other wastes for final disposal and for recovery.
	Restrictions on import for final disposal Kiribati restricts the import of hazardous wastes and other wastes for final disposal. The restriction covers all hazardous wastes.
	Restrictions on import for recovery Kiribati is in a preparatory process to restrict the import of hazardous wastes and other wastes for recovery.
	Restrictions on transit Kiribati has no restrictions on the transit of hazardous wastes and other wastes.

Reduction and/or Elimination of Hazardous Waste Generation	National strategies/policies The Environment and Conservation Division focuses on waste management, e.g. re-use the waste for landfill; and recycling aluminium cans.
	Legislation, regulations and guidelines The Environment Act (1999) lays framework for environment protection in Kiribati. No provisions for management of hazardous wastes.
	Economic instruments/ initiatives None.
	Measures taken by industries/waste generators None.
	Others The Government of Kiribati has implemented the National Marine Contingency Plan for the prevention of hazardous waste disposal in the marine environment.

Transboundary Movement Reduction Measures	National strategies/policies None.
	Legislation, regulations and guidelines No provisions for management of hazardous wastes.
	Economic instruments/ initiatives None.
	Measures taken by industries/waste generators None.
	Others None.

Disposal/ Recovery Facilities

There are no recovery and disposal facilities, but off-island disposal within the Pacific region (eg. New Zealand and Australia) are being explored.

Bilateral, Multilateral or Regional Agreements

None.

Technical Assistance and Training Available

None.

Basel Convention

Country Fact Sheet