Suchergebnisse

"As the World Heritage Convention enters its 50th year, questions are being raised about its failures and successes. This topical book draws together perspectives across law and heritage research to examine the Convention and its implementation through the novel lens of compliance"--

Nutrient run-off from sugarcane farming practices has been identified as a significant threat to the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area (GBRWHA). The load of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) has increased dramatically in the last several decades (Bell, Schaffelke, Moody, Waters, & Silburn, 2016). This increase has been connected to poor water quality and outbreaks of Crown of Thorns starfish. It is suggested that the current level of the water quality is a failure that can be reversed by a focused regulatory response which meets the timeframe set by government. In designing such a response, the historical issues of regulatory capture are brought to the foreground. We argue that in devising effective regulation the culture of the industry is of critical importance. Popular frameworks for addressing nutrient pollution, including nutrient trading, are analysed in this report with a view to presenting solutions to this difficult issue. This study demonstrates that, although in theory it is possible for nutrient trading measures to achieve water quality targets, in the context of the regulation of DIN outfall produced by the sugar cane industry in the GBR catchment area, there are scientific and social barriers that work against such outcomes. Therefore, in the final part of this report we propose a combined instrument approach that involves both incentives and ultimately penalties to meet the timeframes considered necessary to protect the GBRWHA. Importantly such a strategy can be implemented without significant legislative changes.