POSITION PAPER

Delegate : Nelson Maia Siqueira Amaral

Country : Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste
Committee : International Maritime Organization (IMO)
Topic : Prevention of Pollution by Ships

“The only truly successful way to address the problem in the long term, is through a
strategy that focused on deterrence, security, the rule of law and development. Our
common goal must be a sustainable solution.” -Ban Ki Moon

Background

What is prevention of pollution by ships?

Prevention of pollution from ships means that any action or practice to reducing
and prevents the amount of pollution produced by sewage, garbage, and air pollution
by ships. Prevention Pollution also as the use of processes, materials, products or
energy that avoid or minimize the creation of pollutants and waste, and reduce overall
risk to human health or the environment.

What is the past action of Timor Leste?

Since the Restoration of Independence in 2002, after independence, on 10 May

2005 Timor Leste immediately registered as member of International Maritime
Organization (IMO). As member of IMO the government Timor-Leste have acceded to
the International Maritime Organization on the National Parliament resolution number
10/2004 and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea called UNCLOS
LAW/UNCLOSED ratified by the National Parliament resolution number 17/2012. In 11
April 2017 the National Parliament Timor Leste also approved the proposal of
Convention is the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL) to combat pollution
and every ship in the sea.

What are Timor Leste´s interests in the situation?

However, Timor Leste approved the targets and then want to working together
with IMO to reduce the pollution by ships, policymakers will likely zero in on the three
areas – Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL)
and Standards of Training, Certification and Watch keeping for Seafarers, (STCW78)
– in which the greatest reductions are possible. Timor-Leste should consider setting
up its own Flag State with the International Maritime Organization (IMO) as soon as
possible. Timor-Leste also needs to select quality inspection bodies.
What are Timor Leste´s policies on the topic?

According to GEF Country Portfolio Study focus on Timor-Leste. Timor-Leste

has yet to ratify the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)
and the other chemicals conventions, the Cartagena Biosafety Protocol, the Nagoya
Protocol under the CBD, and also the United Nations Convention on the Law of the
Sea and the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships
addressing international waters. Therefore, there are gaps in relevance, which provide
opportunities for further progress to be made at the international and national policy
levels.
There are 24 key wetland sites that have been identified as environmentally
significant and in need of conservation and resource management. However, Timor-
Leste has yet to sign and ratify the Ramsar Convention and put in place legislation
and policies for protected and managed marine and coastal resources. Timor-Leste
has also yet to sign the various international waters conventions, such as the United
Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the International Convention on the
Prevention of Pollution from Ships.

What steps would Timor Leste like to see taken to deal with the problem?

Pollution control and Air pollution

1. The State shall ensure that appropriate measures are taken to avoid, minimise and
reduce the occurrence of damage, environmental degradation and risks to public
health, quiet, human well-being, environmental components and the sustainability
of economic development caused by pollution.
2. The release, discharge or introduction of polluting substances in any way into the
water, sea, air, soil or subsoil or any environmental component and their
contamination is subject to quality and environmental emissions standards and
other legislation in force, subject to the provisions of this law.
3. The release of greenhouse gases and other polluting substances into the
atmosphere shall be reduced, controlled and maintained within the limits of quality
and environmental emissions standards and other legislation in force.
4. All installations, machinery, equipment, methods of transport, construction or any
other activity which may affect air quality shall be equipped with filters and specific
devices to reduce and neutralise polluting substances, in accordance with the law.

What does Timor Leste believe needs to be done to solve the problem?

The Government of Timor Leste is committed to working with international partners to

reach an ambitious global agreement this is anchored in science and leads the world
towards an air pollution, climate resilient economy. Timor Leste is also committed to
supporting the poorest and most vulnerable countries to adapt to the adverse effects
of air pollution, and is doing its part to mobilize critical investments that will achieve
sustained emissions reductions in developing countries.

What does Timor Leste predicts about the solutions of this situation?

 The Government of Timor Leste will provide national leadership and join with the
provinces and territories to take action on pollution, put a price on marine debris,
reduce air pollution, reporting on the progress in reducing net greenhouse gas
emissions, conducting scientific observations of the world´s climate system and
research on air pollution and its impacts. Use fossil fuel divestment with the
intention of combating air pollution by reducing the amount of Greenhouse gases
released into the atmosphere, and holding the oil, gas and coal companies
responsible for their role in air pollution. Set a truly national target that we will work
together to achieve. Making significant new investments in green infrastructure and
clean technologies; work with the Provinces, Territories and International to
develop a Timor Leste Energy Strategy policies that contribute to a prevention air
pollution, Timor Leste also will help the developing world tackle the challenges of
air pollution, finalize air pollutant regulations that will result in even better air quality
for country. The regulations will contribute significantly to reducing emissions that
contribute to air Pollution in shipping industry. By working together, we can reduce
and prevent the pollution from ships.
 Timor Leste will support and implement policies that contribute to a prevention air
pollution, Timor Leste also will help the developing world tackle the challenges of
air pollution, finalize air pollutant regulations that will result in even better air quality
for Timorese People. The regulations will contribute significantly to reducing
emissions that contribute to air Pollution in shipping industry. By working together,
we can reduce and prevent the pollution from ships.