Legislation

Multilateral environmental agreements

Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS)
  • Annex II of CMS Resolution 11.15: Phased replacement of lead ammunition across all habitats (wetland and terrestrial) with non-toxic alternatives, working with stakeholders on implementation; promotion of leadership from ammunition users on safe alternatives.
Memorandum of Understanding on the Conservation of Migratory Birds of Prey in Africa and Eurasia
  • Multi-species Action Plan to Conserve African-Eurasian Vultures (2017)Objective 3: To ensure that CMS Resolution 11.15 on the phasing out the use of lead ammunition is fully implemented.
African-Eurasian Waterbird Agreement (AEWA)
African-Eurasian Migratory Land birds Action Plan (AEMLAP)
  • Action 47: Promote the use of, and awareness of, lead-free hunting, fishing and wildlife management
  • Resolution WCC-2016-Res-082
    • “promote, where feasible, the phasing out of lead shot used for hunting over wetlands and lead ammunition used for hunting in areas where scavengers are at particular risk from the use of lead ammunition, and the replacement of it with suitable alternatives”
  • Voted for by 92% of 134 governments and 94% of 621 NGOs
Top ten chemicals of public health concern
  • Expects Member States to protect people and develop strategies (World Health Assembly resolution 59.15)
  • South African National Lead Exposure Prevention Strategy (March 2020)
UNEP Environmental Assembly Resolution 2/7:
  • Sound management of chemicals and waste: “Significant risks to human health and the environment arising from releases of lead … into the environment”
  • South African Lead & Cadmium Strategy (2021)