THE RATIONALE OF COMMUNICATION BETWEEN STATES ABOUTENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENTS AND NOTIFICATION PRIOR TOSHIPMENTS OF NUCLEAR FUEL, RESIDUES AND RADIOACTIVE WASTES

摘要

Stringent regulations, including the obligation of prior notification, already apply to the transboundarytransportation of nuclear fuel cycle material, residues and radioactive waste. However, sea carriers ofsuch materials are not compelled to give prior notification of shipments. An increasing number ofStates, in all regions of the World, are continually voicing concerns about these shipments and haverequested to be informed, notified and consulted before they take place, as reflected in governmentaldeclarations, joint communiqués and various documents and decisions approved by variousinternational for a, including the IAEA. The widely accepted practice of notifying transboundarymovements, the right and the obligation to protect the marine ecosystem and the need to be prepared torespond to an emergency, provide legitimacy to these requests. International rights and obligationsthat respond to the "precautionary principle", freedom of navigation and physical security can andshould be adequately balanced.