CO-WANDA

The findings of WANDA clearly show that a legally binding, international treaty – as it came into force in the Rhine Region – is necessary to achieve uniform, cross border harmonized ship waste management along the Danube. Successful transnational cooperations will play a key role in developing such a convention. Subsequently, a follow-up proposal, "COnvention for WAste management for inland Navigation on the DAnube - CO-WANDA has been elaborated by the Consortium. In order to cover as much area as possible, new partners from Moldova and Ukraine have been invited to join the Consortium.

   The following activities are foreseen in CO-WANDA:

1.       Advancement of running ship waste management systems

Common strategies for waste prevention on cargo and passenger vessels which  helps to save resources, raise the awareness of the vessels´ crew and reduce waste amounts. A comprehensive, user-friendly state – of – the art ship waste reception facilities network protects the river from illegal waste dumping.  Unified procedures for payment of ship waste disposal and usage of River Information Services for communication between vessels, service providers and controlling authorities are also part of the conceptual approach to the IDSW. 

2.       Implementation of practical tests and  pilot activities

Practical tests and pilot actions verify developed technical concepts and allow gathering of data. Hence, they shall be developed along the whole Danube Stretch, covering the Upper, Middle and Lower Danube region. Activities comprise testing of the financing model for oily and greasy ship waste elaborated in WANDA (1), tests of waste cards for vessels and integration of River Information Services into waste disposal services (2). Data gathered and findings made will build the empiric basis for preparation of the IDSWC.

3.       Development of an International Ship Waste Convention on the Danube

A binding international ship waste convention harmonises and coordinates the development of ship waste management systems along the Danube. The initiation and implementation of preparatory activities will be developed in strong cooperation with experts from the field of inland navigation, national administration and public international law.  Existing initiatives, like the Danube Commission’s recommendations for ship waste management, serve as starting points. An “International Implementation Board”, formed by experts during the project’s lifetime, will press ahead the implementation of the International Danube Ship Waste Convention.

The CO- WANDA proposal has been submitted the 4^th call of the SEE Programme at the end of November 2011 and will be evaluated in the coming months.

Fore more information you can contact us per email (click here)!