The Waigani Process is a framework established to regulate the transboundary movement of hazardous waste within the Pacific region. The process aims to ensure that waste is managed in an environmentally sound manner, in line with the Basel Convention and other international environmental agreements. Transboundary movements of waste, a key component of this process, involve several stages: the notification and consent process, issuance of movement documents, the shipment itself, and confirmation of proper disposal or recovery. The importing country's responsible authorities plays a central role in reviewing and approving these shipments to ensure that they meet environmental standards, protecting both human health and the environment. This structured process is essential for maintaining control over waste management, ensuring compliance with international agreements, and minimizing the environmental impact of waste trade within the region.
Step 1: Notification
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Notification involves the generator/disposer finalizing an ESM contract, with the exporting country deciding whether to approve the export and informing Fiji, the importing country. If applicable, the transit country also receives the notification. |
Step 2: Consent & Issuance of Movement Document
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Consent and Movement Document happens once all approvals are received and the contract is confirmed. Then, the exporting country issues the Movement Document, and the importing country and any transit countries give their written approval or denial. |
Step 3: Transboundary Movement
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Transboundary Movement involves the generator/disposer arranging the shipment. The exporting country ships to the importing country, where the responsible authority of the importing country verifies and processes the Movement Document upon arrival. The transit country ensures compliance with regulations, and the responsible authority of the importing country sends a signed copy of the Movement Document to confirm receipt of the shipment. |
Step 4: Confirmation of Disposal
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The exporting country ensures disposal confirmation from the disposal country's authorities. If no confirmation is received, the importing country notifies the relevant parties. The transit country (if applicable) follows up with authorities to confirm disposal. A formal confirmation is sent once disposal is confirmed, and if confirmation is delayed or missing, follow-up actions are taken to ensure it is received. |
| # | Title | Description | Issued By | File |
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| # | Name | Description | Measure Type | Agency | Comments | Legal Document | Validity To | Measure Class |
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| 1 | Waigani Process | The Waigani Process is a regional diplomatic and policy framework focused on the sustainable management and conservation of tuna fisheries in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean. The process is named after Waigani, a suburb in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, where the initial discussions and agreements among Pacific Island countries took place | General | Ministry of Environment and Climate Change | The Waigani Process is about enhancing regional collaboration, ensuring sustainable fishing practices, and managing tuna stocks, with an emphasis on the role of governments in creating and enforcing regulations. While individual exporters and importers may be affected by the outcomes of these agreements, the core of the Waigani Process is between governments rather than private sector entities. | Environment Management (Amendment) Act 2020. | Good |
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