pour des usages industriels, corrosion sous-marine des ouvrages en mer. Perturbation du fonctionnement des navires par les matières flottantes, entraves à la pêche et à la navigation dues au dépôt de déchets ou d'objets solides sur le fond de la mer et protection de zones d'une importance particulière du point de vue scientifique ou de la conservation);4. Possibilités pratiques de recourir sur la terre ferme à d'autres méthodes de traitement, de rejet ou d'élimination, ou à des traitements réduisant la nocivité des matières avant leur immersion en mer.CONVENTION for the protection of the Mediterranean Sea Against pollution THE CONTRACTING PARTIES, CONSCIOUS of the economic, social, health and cultural value of the marine environment of the Mediterranean Sea area, FULLY AWARE of their responsibility to preserve this common heritage for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations, RECOGNIZING the threat posed by pollution to the marine environment, its ecological equilibrium, resources and legitimate uses, MINDFUL of the special hydrographic and ecological characteristics of the Mediterranean Sea area and its particular vulnerability to pollution, NOTING that existing international conventions on the subject do not cover, in spite of the progress achieved, all aspects and sources of marine pollution and do not entirely meet the special requirements of the Mediterranean Sea, area, REALIZING fully the need for close cooperation among the States and international organizations concerned in a coordinated and comprehensive regional approach for the protection and enhancement of the marine environment in the Mediterranean Sea area, HAVE AGREED AS FOLLOWS: Article 1Geographical coverage 1. For the purposes of this Convention, the Mediterranean Sea area shall mean the maritime waters of the Mediterranean Sea proper, including its gulfs and seas, bounded to the west by the meridian passing through Cape Spartel lighthouse, at the entrance of the Straits of Gibraltar, and to the east by the southern limits of the Straits of the Dardanelles between the Mehmetcik and Kumkale lighthouses. 2. Except as may be otherwise provided in any Protocol to this Convention, the Mediterranean Sea area shall not include internal waters of the Contracting Parties. Article 2Definitions For the purposes of this Convention:(a) "Pollution" means the introduction by man, directly or indirectly, of substances or energy into the marine environment resulting in such deleterious effects as harm to living recources, hazards to human health, hindrance to marine activities including fishing, impairment of quality for use of sea water and reduction of amenities. (b) "Organization" means the body designated as responsible for carrying out secretariat functions pursuant to Article 13 of this Convention. Article 3General provisions 1. The Contracting Parties may enter into bilateral or multilateral agreements, including regional or sub-regional agreements, for the protection of the marine environment of the Mediterranean Sea against pollution, provided that such agreements are consistent with this Convention and conform to international law. Copies of such agreements between Contracting Parties to this Convention shall be communicated to the Organization. 2. Nothing in this Convention shall prejudice the codification and development of the law of the sea by the United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea convened pursuant to resolution 2750 C (XXV) of the General Assembly of the United Nations, nor the present or future claims and legal views of any State concerning the law of the sea and the nature and extent of coastal and flag State jurisdiction. Article 4General undertakings 1. The Contracting Parties shall individually or jointly take all appropriate measures in accordance with the provisions of this Convention and those Protocols in force to which they are party, to prevent, abate and combat pollution of the Mediterranean Sea area and to protect and enhance the marine environment in that area. 2. The Contracting Parties shall cooperate in the formulation and adoption of Protocols, in addition to the protocols opened for signature at the same time as this Convention, prescribing agreed measures, procedures and standards for the implementation of this Convention. 3. The Contracting Parties further pledge themselves to promote, within the international bodies considered to be competent by the Contracting Parties, measures concerning the protection of the marine environment in the Mediterranean Sea area from all types and sources of pollution. Article 5 Pollution caused by dumping from ships and aircraft The Contracting Parties shall take all appropriate measures to prevent and abate pollution of the Mediterranean Sea area caused by dumping from ships and aircraft. Article 6 Pollution from ships The Contracting Parties shall take all measures in conformity with international law to prevent, abate and combat pollution of the Mediterranean Sea area caused by discharges from ships and to ensure the effective implementation in that area of the rules which