Parties to the treaties which regulate the dumping of wastes at sea are meeting at IMO Headquarters this week (19-23 September). The meeting is expected to finalize a strategic plan to encourage ratification of the London Protocol; consider updated and Revised Specific Guidelines for the assessment of vessels; and finalize the 25-year scientific review of all radioactive wastes and other radioactive matter. Delegates will also celebrate 20 years of the London Convention, since it was adopted in 1996. The thirty-eighth Consultative Meeting of Contracting Parties to the London Convention and the 11th Meeting of Contracting Parties to the London Protocol were opened by IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim. The meeting is being chaired by Dr. Gi-Hoon Hong (Republic of Korea). (photos here)