What is the GPA?

The GPA is the Global Program of Action for the Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-Based Activities. It was adopted by over 108 governments, including Australia, and European Commission in Washington D.C. on 3 November 1995.

The GPA is a non-legally binding instrument, aimed at preventing the degradation of the marine environment from land-based activities by facilitating the realisation of the duty of States to preserve and protect the marine environment. The sources of marine pollution it targets include

Sewage
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs)
Radioactive substances, heavy metals
Oils (hydrocarbons)
Nutrients
Sediment mobilisation
Litter
Physical alternations and destruction of habitats

It proposes action at primarily the national and regional levels with some coordination tasks at the global level. The GPA is designed to be a source of practical guidance to States in taking actions within their respective policies, priorities and resources.