Our Policy Work
Legislation based on knowledge and best practice - The collective knowledge of the CEDA membership has helped it to remain a well-respected and independent authority on dredging. As such, CEDA regularly gives expert advice to government and international regulatory bodies on issues related to dredging.
Expert commentators
Our aim is to ensure that any legislation pertaining to dredging and hydraulic construction, as well as disposal or placement of dredged sediments, is based on sound technical and scientific knowledge, takes account of best practice, and is ultimately workable. As an impartial organization, CEDA does not engage in lobbying.
We attend relevant meetings of these bodies, provide expert comment on draft documents, submit technical, scientific documents, and contribute to working groups, drafting groups and debates.
Informing members
We regularly inform CEDA members about the discussions and developments within the various bodies to make sure that they remain up-to-date on issues that may affect their work.
International level
As an official non-governmental observer, or stakeholder, we participate in the work of a number of international organisations. Follow the links below to learn more about what we do:
- CEDA on the London Convention and Protocol (LC/LP) - since 1990
- CEDA on the OSPAR Convention (OSPAR) - since 1992
- CEDA on the European Commission - since 2003
- CEDA on the International Commission for the Protection of the Danube River (ICPDR) - since 2007.
- WODA on the International Seabed Authority
National level: the CEDA-UK initiative
The UK section of CEDA plays an active role in the development of relevant UK legislation:
- In the UK CEDA is the chair of the UK Water Framework Directive/Marine Strategy Framework Directive Navigation Sector Group. It provides a forum for the navigation industry and government to liaise over legislative progress.
- CEDA-UK also participates in discussions with Defra on inland dredging.