Governance & Policy
OSPAR Convention
Definition
The OSPAR Convention, adopted in 1992 and in force since 1998, commits sixteen governments and the EU to protect the marine environment of the North-East Atlantic. It merged earlier Oslo and Paris conventions, controls dumping and offshore oil and gas discharges, and under its biodiversity annex designates marine protected areas, including in areas beyond national jurisdiction.
References
Scope, annexes and parties
High-seas governance context
Overview
What it means
One of the most industrialised sea areas on Earth is managed through binding regional cooperation rather than national rules alone.
How it is used
Offshore operators follow OSPAR discharge standards; its commission coordinates North-East Atlantic MPAs and quality-status reporting.
Why it matters
It is the working model of regional seas governance and a key partner for implementing the High Seas Treaty in the Atlantic.