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1. Each Party to this Convention undertakes to give full and complete effect to its provisions in order to reduce or eliminate adverse effects on the marine environment and human health caused by anti-fouling systems.
2. The Annexes form an integral part of this Convention. Unless expressly provided otherwise, a reference to this Convention constitutes at the same time a reference to its Annexes.
3. No provision of this Convention shall be interpreted as preventing a State from taking, individually or jointly, more stringent measures with respect to the reduction or elimination of adverse effects of anti-fouling systems on the environment, consistent with international law.
4. Parties shall endeavour to co-operate for the purpose of effective implementation, compliance and enforcement of this Convention.
5. The Parties undertake to encourage the continued development of anti-fouling systems that are effective and environmentally safe.