v>EPA
UNEP
united States
Environmental Protection
Agency
Administration And
Resources Management
United Nations
Environment
Programme
Volume 3, Number 3
June 1994
EPA/220/N-94-016
CARIBBEAN
CURRENTS
Welcome...
...to Caribbean Currents, Volume Three, Number Three. This quarterly
newsletter is assembled by INFOTERRA/USA in its capacity as the
Regional Service Centre (RSC) for INFOTERRA National Focal Points
(NFPs) in the English and French-speaking Caribbean.
Although the Currents is assembled at INFOTERRA/USA, the content
belongs to you, the readers. You are encouraged to send in any
questions, comments, problems, or interesting issues relevant to the
Region' for inclusion in the Currents. Please see the Guidelines for
Contributions on page 8 for more information.
Special thanks to Maritza Alvarez of CIAC for her contribution to this
issue.
Each issue will also feature a Directory of NFPs in the Region so that
anyone with international environmental questions can contact their
nearest resource. Please feel free to contact one another as well as
your RSC for assistance or materials.
Also, please feel free to share Caribbean Currents with your friends
and colleagues. The Currents should serve as an informational forum
for anyone who lives, works, or is involved in the English and French-
speaking Caribbean Region.
International Environmental Law Sources
Last issue, Caribbean Currents looked at sources of information on U.S. Environmental Laws and
Regulations. This issue's insert describes publications which provide information on environmental laws from
around the world. This includes different types of materials:
• Laws of individual nations
• Agreements between nations
Treaties
• International Conventions
The resources on this list include documents which may provide summaries, analysis, or full text of laws. Each
entiy indicates the kind of information that the document provides.
This is by no means a comprehensive list. If you are aware of any other materials which are ofuse in this field,
please let us know. Share any information you have with the RSC (using the address on page 8) and we will include
it in a future issue of the Currents.
Any information you can provide is useful. Please feel free to fax, write to, or call the RSC with any questions
orcomments you may have. Thank you for your assistance.
7a2) Printed on Recycled Paper
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Environmental Law and the Caribbean Environmental '
Information Center 0
Communities around the world are becoming more concerned with achieving harmony between people and their
environment. People are increasingly aware ofthe need for a sound economy without compromisingthe health
ofthe environment. Nations everywhere are developing important guidelines to help achieve thisbalance-
environmental legislation.
Current legislation addresses a wide range of environmental issues and media at the local, national, and
international levels. Keeping up with this vast array of sources ofinformation can be time-consuming and costly.
The free sharing of environmental guidelines is important for providing citizens, businesses, and government
policy-makers with accurate, up-to-date information with which to make community and national decisions.
Through the law resources in its collection, the Caribbean Environmental Information Center (CIAC) helps meet
the needs of citizens and officials throughout the Caribbean Region. Keeping this in mind, we must consider two
criteria when adding to the collection: materials must be up-to-date and relevant to the purpose ofthe collection.
By reviewing specialized journals and newsletters and consulting with experts in the field of environmental
information, CIAC has been able to meet these criteria.
CIAC provides access to overviews and some full text copies of local and federal environmental laws and
regulations. Some specific materials used at CIAC include:
• The U.S. Code ofFederal Regulations (CFR): ThecompilationofallU.S. Federal Regulations, divided
into 50titlesbysubject(Title40isProtectionoftheEnvironment)
• TheBNADailyandlnternationalEnvironmentReporters: These resources provide very current pointer
information to address the complexity of international environmental laws
• MicroJuris: This on-line database is used to supplement materials in the collection
Another consideration when looking for legal information is the value of resource sharing. This can take place
through electronic networking (such as on-line bulletin boards). It can also take the form of communicating with
other organizations. The INFOTERRA Network provides an excellent framework for such communication.
Communicating with others who work with the same topics makes it easier to cope with the increasing
internationalization of legal environmental issues.
submitted by Maritza Alvarez CIAC Director
Looking
Jor Laws...
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International Environmental Law Sources
This is a list of selected publications which provide information about environmental laws, treaties, and
agreements around the world. It is not a comprehensive list, but does provide a good starting point for
locating useful information.
Although some of these materials are no longer available from the publisher, they are included because
they provide some form of access that is otherwise unavailable. You may wish to check with a local
library to consult these materials. A list of publisher contacts is included at the end of this fact sheet.
INTERNATIONAL LAW RESOURCES
These resources provide information on laws, treaties, and agreements between countries.
BNA International Environment Reporter
Bureau of National Affairs (BNA)
[ISSN: 0149-8738]
Contents: Laws, Treaties, Agreements/Conventions
Global coverage; provides brief analysis of major environmental activities, policies, agreements, and
decisions worldwide; Bi-weekly publication, with a quarterly cumulated index.
A Business Guide to European Community Legislation
John Wiley & Sons (1993)
[ISBN: 0-471-93698-7]
Contents: Agreements/Conventions
Topical analysis of directives in the EC and how they affect business operations; environment is one of
20 topics. Includes an index.
Status of Multilateral Treaties in the Field of Environment and Conservation
International Union for Conservation of Nature & Resources-IUCN (3rd ed., 1993)
[ISBN: 2-88032-090-9]
Contents: Agreements/Conventions
Foldout charts divided into two sections: list of conventions open worldwide and multilateral
restricted to specified states. Indicates status of each agreement by country in a checklist format.
Basic Documents of International Environmental Law
Kluwer Academic Press (1992)
[ISBN: 185-333-628-9]
Contents: Laws; Treaties; Agreements/Conventions
Global coverage; organized by subjects with full texts of many documents.
Directory of Community Legislation in Force and Other Acts of the Community Institutions
UNIPUB (1993)
[ISBN: 92-77-54034-6]
Contents: Laws
A topical pointer to legislation of the EC, including environmental legislation and agreements. Useful
to identify law numbers, but does not include texts.
International Environmental Law: Basic Instruments and References
Transnational Publishers (1992)
[ISBN: 0-941320-68-5]
Contents: Treaties; Agreements/Conventions
Global coverage; contains topical checklists for over 800 agreements and full text for 85.
Yearbook of International Environmental Law
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International Environmental Law Sources
Kluwer Academic Publishers
Vol. 3 (1992) [ISBN: 1-85333-791-9]
Vol. 2 (1991) [ISBN: 1-85333-718-8]
Vol. 1 (1990) (no longer available from publisher)
Contents: Agreements/Conventions
Texts and discussions of major international agreements; annual publication with (so far) 3 volumes;
some of the documents are also available electronically (sent with publication). Each volume is well-indexed.
International Agreements to Protect the Environment and Wildlife
U.S. International Trade Commission (1991) (no longer available from publisher)
Contents: Treaties; Agreements/Conventions
Provides summaries of treaties and agreements, all of which include U.S. as a party. Many entries
indicate which U.S. Agency is responsible for administration of the agreement. Arranged by subject with an
index.
International Environmental Law Primary Materials
Transnational Publishers (1991)
[ISBN: 0-941320-67-7]
Contents: Agreements/Conventions
Includes texts of bilateral, regional, and global agreements through 1990, some of which include lists of
nations which are party to the agreements.
Selected Multilateral Treaties in the Field of the Environment
State Mutual Book Service
Vol. 2 (1991) [ISBN: 92-807-1212-8]
Vol. 1 (1983) [ISBN: 92-807-1025-7]
Contents: Laws; Agreements/Conventions
Truly a world-wide resource, providing full text and capsule summaries. Very good index and table of
contents. Two volumes so far.
The North Sea: Basic Legal Documents on Regional Environmental Cooperation
Kluwer Academic Publishers (1990)
[ISBN: 0-7923-0919-7]
Contents: Treaties; Agreements/Conventions
Contains texts of environmental agreements relating to the North Sea Region. Includes some back-
ground and summary material. Includes a thorough index.
Environmental Policy of the European Communities;
Kluwer Academic Publishers (1989)
[ISBN: 1-85333-225-9]
Contents: Laws
Two-volume set giving brief summaries of EC environmental activities and agreements on specific
subjects.
Register of International Treaties and Other Agreements in the Field of the Environment
United Nations (UNIPUB) (1989) (no longer available from publisher)
Contents: Treaties
Listing (with brief summaries) of environmental agreements between nations around the world.
International Wildlife Law: An Analysis of International Treaties Concerned with the Conservation
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International Environmental Law Sources
of Wildlife
State Mutual Book Service (1985)
[ISBN: 0-906496-46-2; Paperback, 0-906496-22-5]
Contents: Treaties
Texts of some of the documents, commentary and analysis for others; strictly wildlife laws.
SOURCES OF NATIONAL LAWS
These resources provide information on the individual laws of different countries.
International Environmental Law Special Report
Government Institutes (1992)
[ISBN 0-86587-305-4]
Contents: Laws
Overview of laws for specific countries, primarily in Europe and Asia. Provides good background
information and some checklists.
Air Pollution Control in the European Community; Implementation of the EC Directives in the
Twelve Member States
Kluwer Academic Publishers (1991)
[ISBN 1-85333-567-3]
Contents: Laws
Discusses the implementation of EC Air Directives in each of the 12 Member States (e.g., Lead
Content of Petrol).
Clean Air Around the World; Murley, Loveday
International Union of Air Pollution Prevention Associations (1991)
[ISBN: 1-871688-01-9]
Contents: Laws
Provides overviews of major air pollution concerns in several nations (primarily European) and de-
scribes the laws and regulations in force to address these concerns in each nation.
International Environmental Law Sourcebook
Butterworth Legal Publishers (1991)
Contents: Laws
Primarily Western and Industrialized nations; provides a discussion of environmental legislation and
regulation; some entries include lists of primary laws.
Encyclopedia of the United Nations and International Agreements
Taylor and Francis (1990)
[ISBN: 0-85066-833-6]
Contents: Laws; Treaties; Agreements/Conventions
Contains very brief synopses of U.N. organizations and international agreements; You must know the
full, correct name of a law or agreement to track it easily.
Law and Practice Relating to Pollution Control in...
Commission of the EC (1982) {no longer available from publisher)
Contents: Laws
This series presents (in one nation per volume) an overview and detailed summaries of environmental
problems and regulations in the EC. Each volume is indexed.
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International Environmental Law Sources
PUBLISHER CONTACTS
B N A Books: Div. of Bureau of National Affairs, Inc.
1231 25th St, NW
Washington, DC 20037
USA
Telephone: 202-833-7480
U.S. Toll Free Number: 800-372-1033
Butterworth U. S., Legal Publishers, Incorporated
8 Industrial Way., Bldg. C
Salem, NH 03079-2837
USA
Telephone: 603-890-6001
U.S. Toll Free Number: 800-548-4001 (orders)
Government Institutes, Incorporated
4 Research PI., Suite 200
Rockville, MD 20850
USA
Telephone: 301-921-2355
International Union of Air Pollution Prevention
Associations
136 North Street
BriglitionBNl 1RG
UNTIED KINGDOM
Telephone: 44-273-26-313
IUCN Publications
Rue Mauverney 28
1196 Gland
SWITZERLAND
Telephone: 41-22-999-0001
Kluwer Academic Publishers
101 Philip Dr., Assinippi Pk.
Norwell, MA 02061
USA
Telephone: 617-871-6600
State Mutual Book & Periodical Service,
Limited
521 Fifth Ave., 17thFlr.
New York, NY 10175
USA
Telephone: 212-682-5844
Taylor & Francis, Incorporated
1101 \fermont Ave., Suite 200
Washington, DC 20005
USA
Telephone: 202-289-2174
U.S. Toll Free Number: 800-821-8312
Transnational Publishers, Incorporated
1 Bridge St.
Irvington-on-Hudson, NY 10533
USA
Telephone: 914-591-4288
UN1PUB
4611 -F Assembly Dr.
Lanham,MD 20706-4391
USA
Telephone: 301-459-7666
U.S. Toll Free Number: 800-274-4888
Wiley, John, & Sons, Incorporated
605 Third Ave.
New York, NY 10158-0012
USA
Telephone: 212-850-6000
U.S. Toll Free Number: 800-225-5945 (orders)
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Please feel free to contact 1NFOTERRA/USA if you have additional questions or problems. Although
we do not serve as a depository for international environmental laws, we may be able to suggest
additional sources that would be of use to you.
May 1994
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Welcome to The
Bulletin Board
Each issue, we will publish questions or concerns of interest to Currents
readers. Anyone who has materials or information that they feel will be
helpful should feel free to respond You may either respond directly to the
reader who has placed the item, or send the materials to INFOTERRA/USA
for forwarding.
mi "Mi
Bulletin Board
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DOCUMENTS
AVAILABLE
INFOTERRA/USA has free copies of the
following publications available.
Ifyou would like copies of any ofthese
documents, please let us know.
• Chemicals In Your Community
• Your Car (orTruck) and the
Environment
• School Recycling Programs: A
Handbookfor Educators
• Ride the Wave of the Future,
Recycle Today! (poster)
• EPA Pollution Prevention
Accomplishments: 1993, Policy
Leads to Action
• On the Trail of the Missing Ozone
(educational comic book)
T o request copies of these documents, just
write to INFOTERRA/USA using the
contact information on page 8.
Information Needed on
Pollution Prevention
INFOTERRA/USAreceives many
requests for information on pollution
prevention programs. Although we have a
number of publications on pollution
prevention in the United States, we are
interested in collecting information on
programs in yourcountries. Any materials
that you can provide, including contacting
information, would be greatly appreciated.
We are interested in national or local
programs.
Please contact INFOTERRA/USA using
the information on page 8 ifyou can
provide any assistance. Thank you for
your participation!
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1 ''' «.
Send your Bulletins to the RSC for publication in the next issue. See
the Directory on page 8 for information on submitting items.
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About the NFP Directory
This directory reflects changes and additions to the 1NFOTERRA Directory of National Focal Points
distributed by INFOTERRA/PAC, dated April 1993. Please check this information to verify that it is correct
and up-to-date. If you have any changes or corrections, please notify the RSC as soon as possible. We will
be happy to relay the information to the PAC.
NFP DIRECTORY
Dr. Donald Cooper
MargueriteBlemur
Department ofEnvironmental Health Services
Ministere de I'Agriculture et des Resources Naturelles
P.O.BoxN-3729
et du Developpement Rural
Nassau, THE BAHAMAS
P.O.Box 1441
Telephone: (809)3224908 FAX: (809) 322-3607
Port-au-Prince, HAITI
Telephone: 509-22-1867 FAX: 509-22-3599
Vernese Inniss
Administrative Officer (Environment)
Jeanetta Phillips
Ministry of Labour, Consumer Affairs and
Natural Resources Conservation Divison
the Environment
Ministry of Tourism & the Environment
Marine House, Hastings
53 1/2 Molynes Road, P.O. Box 305
Si Michael, 29, BARBADOS
Kingston 10, JAMAICA
Telephone: (809)426-8999 FAX: (809)426-8959
Telephone: (809) 923 -5155/5125 FAX: (809) 923-5070
Jaime Villanueva
Vanesta Moses-Felix
Fisheries Department
Government Documentalist
Princess Margaret Drive
Ministry of Planning, Personnel,
P.O.Box 148
Establishment, and T raining
Belize City, BELIZE
Documentation Center
Telephone: 501-244552 FAX: 501-2-32983
P.O. Box 709
Castries, ST. LUCIA
Mr. Felix Gregoire
Telephone: (809)453-2005 FAX: (809)453-2506
Forestry and Wildlife Division
Ministry of Agriculture, Botanical Gardens
Regional Service Centre (RSC):
Roseau, DOMINICA
Emma J. McNamara
Telephone: (809)448-2401 FAX: (809)448-7999
INFOTERRA/USA
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Mavis Taylor
Headquarters Library, 3404
INFOTERRA Director
401MStreeI, S. W.
c/oUNDP
Washington, D. C. 20460, USA
P.O.Box 10960
Telephone: (202)260-5917 FAX: (202)260-3923
Georgetown, GUYANA
FAX: 592-262942
Guidelines for Contributions to Caribbean Currents
Any organization or individual operating or involved in the English and French-speaking Caribbean Region is welcome to
contribute to the content of the newsletter.
Please note that submissions should meet the following criteria:
• They should be relevant to environmental issues
• They must be of interest to or directly involve the Region
• They must not endorse or recommend any product or commercial service either explicitly or implicitly
• They must be brief-preferably under 250 words; Bulletin Board requests should be kept under 100 words
• They must be received by the posted deadline (see below)
Please feel free to contact the Caribbean Currents coordinator if you are interested in submitting a longer article. You should
contact the coordinator to discuss your topic and any size or content restrictions beforehand. Be aware that once your article is
submitted, it is subject to editing as needed. Final decisions on editing and inclusion of any contributions are left to the
INFOTERRA/USA Manager. Please contact INFOTERRA/USA using the address above to contribute any comments, questions,
problems, or ideas.
DEADLINE FOR CONTRIBUTIONS TO Vol. 3, No. 4: August 5,1994.
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