COMBATING OIL POLLUTION IN CHINA1

Abstract

ABSTRACT China is accelerating its economic growth now, but prevention of pollution also has been put on the priority agenda of the government and has become a basic policy of the country. The first National Environmental Protection Law (for trial implementation) was adopted in 1979. Since then, more than five national laws and regulations relating to the prevention of marine pollution, as well as other laws for the prevention of air and land pollution have been approved. The focus of this paper is on the marine pollution situation which China is facing, the problems China is dealing with, and the difficulties remaining. Regulations for the prevention of oil pollution have been published in The Regulations Concerning The Prevention Of Pollution Of Sea Areas By Vessels Of The People's Republic Of China, based on those of The International Convention For The Prevention Of Pollution From Ships, 1973, As Modified By The Protocol Of 1978 Relating Thereto (MARPOL 73/78). The pollution control organization from national to regional levels, their activities and achievements, difficulties in implementation of both national and international regulations, and the technical assistance available from international bodies, such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO), United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and foreign countries such as Norway and Sweden are introduced.