Sub-regional workshop

As part of the Global Initiative for West, Central and Southern Africa (GI WACAF Project) the IOPC Funds were invited to help deliver a sub-regional workshop on the ratification and implementation of IMO international conventions on preparedness and response to oil spills and on liability and compensation. The workshop, which took place from 18-21 March 2019 in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, was attended by representatives from Benin, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Senegal and Gabon.

Head of External Relations and Conference Department, Thomas Liebert, gave a series of presentations on the international liability and compensation regime and the current legislative position in the participating WACAF States. He also facilitated national working groups and held discussions focusing on issues related to the implementation of the 1992 Conventions into national law. This included a detailed review of Côte d’Ivoire’s draft legislation.

The GI WACAF Project launched in 2006. Covering 22 countries, it is a partnership between the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and eight oil companies (BP, Chevron, ENI, ExxonMobil, Shell, Total and Woodside), through IPIECA, the global oil and gas industry association for environmental and social issues. Visit www.giwacaf.org for further information.