O problema da água de lastro: seus reflexos, as soluções preventivas aos conflitos internacionais e a cooperação em busca de soluções

Abstract

In this paper we intend to analyze, from the perspective of international law, the environmental problem known as bioinvasion, caused by the exchange of ballast water from ships that carry out long haul navigation. This environmental phenomenon consists on the exchange of the natural habitat of living organisms and it is also known as the process of involuntary introduction of exotic species. To do so, we first present the problem and the causes that led to its spread throughout the world. Then, we searched in the existing bibliography for the main concepts of ballast water and bioinvasion as well as for the main and best known cases of invasion of exotic species caused by the exchange of ballast water from ships. In parallel with these analyses, we also sought in literature the history of international and brazillian rules and legal disposes that deal with the subject. We point out some methods of treatment and control of ballast water that have been tested and used in several regions in the world, in attempt to find a method that is both effective and economically feasible to treat the problem and, finally, we highlight the importance of this issue and the need for international cooperation to find solutions and put them into practice, or, at least, minimize the damages caused by the bioinvasion