Stockholm Convention Requests Regulatory and
Trace Contaminant Information
StEP Initiative Convenes General Assembly
DECEMBER 2010
Stockholm
Convention Requests Regulatory and Trace Contaminant Information
November 2010: The Stockholm
Convention Secretariat is requesting information from parties on
regulatory and assessment schemes for new and existing chemicals, for
identifying chemicals with POPs properties. The Secretariat is also
seeking information related to quantities of a chemical occurring as
unintentional trace contaminants in products and articles, examples of
how national regulation defines unintentional trace contaminants in
products and articles, and national experiences in applying these
clauses in practice. [Invitation
to submit additional information related to application of Annex D
criteria in the regulatory and assessment schemes of chemicals (Article
3, paragraphs 3 and 4)] [Invitation
to submit additional information related to quantities of a chemical
occurring as unintentional trace contaminants in products and articles]
StEP Initiative
Convenes General Assembly
November 2010: The 2010
General Assembly of the Solving the E-waste Problem (StEP) Initiative, a
public-private sector initiative coordinated by the UN University,
convened in London, UK, from 18-20 October 2010. Attended by more than 45 StEP
members, the General Assembly also elected a new Steering Committee for
the 2011/2012 term. The meeting also heard updates from its five task
forces on policy, reuse, recycle, redesign and capacity building. Key
outcomes of the meeting included agreed work for these task forces,
including: the task force on policy will develop a Green Paper based on
the final report of Best E-waste Policies, in order to make sound
recommendations on "best" e-waste policies; and the recycle task force
will finalize a White Paper on recycling standards in order to provide
guidance and recommendations to stakeholders on the development of
effective and efficient electronics end-of-life standards. [StEP
2010 General Assembly Held in London]
OCTOBER 2010
SAICM and OECD Continue Work on Perfluorinated Chemicals
The Secretariat of the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals
Management (SAICM) has announced that the Steering Group on
Perfluorinated Chemicals (PFCs) of the Organization of Economic
Cooperation and Development (OECD) is taking forward recommendations of
SAICM resolution II/5 on PFCs. Under the OECD initiative, a database on
PFCs is being developed for information exchange purposes. In addition,
the OECD is continuing to consider the development, facilitation and
promotion of national and international product stewardship programmes
and regulatory approaches for PFCs with other participating
organizations of the Inter-organization Programme for the Sound
Management of Chemicals. [SAICM
website]
Basel Convention
Invites Comments on Transboundary Movement of e-Waste Guidelines
The Basel Convention Secretariat has
released draft guidelines on the transboundary movement of e-waste. The
document, dated 22 September 2010, focuses on the distinction between
waste and non-waste, and includes recommended procedures to follow in
case of transboundary movement of used equipment suitable for direct
reuse without repair or refurbishment, as well as for cases in which the
used equipment is destined for repair or refurbishment. Comments from
parties and stakeholders should be submitted by 30 October 2010. [Basel
Convention website]
Stockholm
Convention Issues Technical Assistance Newsletter
The Secretariat of the Stockholm Convention
has issued the September 2010 edition of its Technical Assistance
newsletter. The September issue includes: summaries of outcomes of
recent regional workshops; news from the Pesticide Elimination Network;
and a summary of recent customs training activities. [Stockholm
Convention website]
SAICM Announces
Deadline for Nominating New and Emerging Policy Issues
The Strategic Approach to
International Chemicals Management (SAICM) Secretariat has announced a
30 November 2010 deadline for the nomination of emerging policy issues
for consideration at the third International Conference on Chemicals
Management (ICCM 3). Once nominated, these submissions will be reviewed
and published, and then they will be prioritized by regions. The
Open-ended Working Group will review and prioritize proposals in
preparation for ICCM 3, which is scheduled to take place in 2012. [SAICM
website]
SEPTEMBER 2010
Basel Convention
Announces Probo-Koala Programme in Africa
The Secretariat of the Basel Convention has
announced a joint initiative with UN Environment Programme (UNEP) to
assist African countries in the development of national legislation and
enhance enforcement capacity for chemicals conventions, entitled the
"Probo Koala Programme." According to the Secretariat, the Programme
aims to assist Côte d'Ivoire in the aftermath of the dumping of
hazardous waste from the Probo Koala vessel in Abidjan, through a series
of training courses for implementation and enforcement authorities.
Activities will also be extended to other African countries including
Morocco, Madagascar, Gabon, Kenya, Djibouti and Tanzania. [Basel
Convention Bulletin]
Central American
Basel Centre to Develop Clearinghouse
The Basel Convention Regional
Coordinating Center for Central America has announced it is developing,
in partnership with the Rotterdam Convention Secretariat, a hazardous
materials "clearinghouse" for Central America, to be used by designated
contact points of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions, as
well as those of the Montreal Protocol and the Strategic Approach for
International Chemicals Management (SAICM). The clearinghouse is
expected to be launched in December 2010. [Basel
Convention Bulletin]
Basel Convention Calls for Comments on Strengthening of Coordinating
Centres
September 2010: The
Basel Convention Secretariat is seeking comments from parties on several
documents related to the strengthening of Basel Convention Regional
Coordinating Centres (BCRCs). These include: the draft work plan for
Strengthening BCRCs; a detailed list of elements for performance of core
functions by BCRCs; a draft strategic framework for the financial
stability of centres; and a set of indicators to measure performance and
impediments in relation to the functions and impacts of BCRCs. [Note
by the Executive Secretary on the review and strengthening of the
operation of the Basel Convention Regional and Coordinating Centres]
Stockholm Convention Amendments Enter into
Force
The amendments to
list additional persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in Annexes A, B
and/or C of the Stockholm Convention, adopted by the Conference of the
Parties of the Convention at its fourth meeting in May 2009, entered
into force on 26 August 2010. The amendments entered into force for 151
of the 152 parties to the Stockholm Convention. New Zealand submitted a
notification of non-acceptance in accordance with paragraphs 3 and 4 of
Article 22 of the Convention. To commemorate this milestone, a ceremony
took place on 26 August 2010 at the Palais des Nations, in Geneva,
Switzerland. [Stockholm
Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants web site]
Basel, Stockholm and Rotterdam Conventions
Launch Joint Calendar
The Secretariat's of
the Basel, Stockholm and Rotterdam Conventions have launched a joint
calendar of upcoming meetings. The calendar includes international and
subregional meetings and workshops related to the sound management of
chemicals. [Joint
calendar]
FAO and the University of Cape Town Offer Post-Graduate Course in
Pesticide Risk Management
The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), in a joint initiative
with the University of Capetown, South Africa, is developing a distance
learning post graduate course in pesticide risk management. The course
aims to provide regulators with tools to evaluate new applications for
registration of pesticides in their countries, based on effective risk
assessment. [Rotterdam
Convention web site]
JULY 2010
Basel Convention
and UNEP Assist in Côte d'Ivoire
24 June 2010: The Basel
Convention Secretariat and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) have
commissioned a new laboratory that is equipped to test for hazardous
waste from ships entering the West African port of Abidjan, Côte
d'Ivoire. The laboratory is part of a joint project between the Basel
Convention Secretariat and UNEP to strengthen national waste management
systems in Côte d'Ivoire. Led by UNEP's Disasters and Conflicts
Programme, the project was instigated following an incident in Abidjan
in 2006, when thousands of people were exposed to toxic waste following
a dumping incident. The new scientific facility is based at the Centre
Ivoirien Anti-Pollution (CIAPOL) in Abidjan. Also under the project,
CIAPOL staff received intensive training on techniques such as testing
soil and water samples for potential contamination. [UNEP
news release]
JUNE 2010
UNEP and Basel
Convention Assist in Strengthening National Waste Management Systems in
Côte D'Ivoire
The UN Environment Programme
(UNEP) and the Basel Convention Secretariat have commissioned a new
laboratory that is equipped to test for hazardous waste from ships
entering the West African port of Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. The laboratory
is part of a joint project between the Basel Convention Secretariat and
UNEP aiming to strengthen national waste management systems in Côte
d'Ivoire. Led by UNEP's Disasters and Conflicts Programme, the project
was instigated following an incident in Abidjan in 2006, when thousands
of people were exposed to toxic waste following a dumping incident. The
new scientific facility is based at the Centre Ivoirien Anti-Pollution (CIAPOL)
in Abidjan. Also under the project, CIAPOL staff received intensive
training on techniques such as testing soil and water samples for
potential contamination. [UNEP
press release, 24 June 2010]
Mediterranean to Phase Out Hazardous Chemicals by 2019
Mandatory measures to phase
out hazardous chemicals have entered into force under the Barcelona
Convention and the Mediterranean Action Plan. Adopted at the 16th
Meeting of the Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention, which
convened in Marrakesh, Morocco, November 2009, the targeted chemicals
include those found in waste water, a series of persistent organic
pollutants (POPs) used as pesticides (including Aldrin, Chlordane,
Dieldrin, Endrin, Heptachlor, Mirex, Toxaphene), as well as DDT and its
stockpiles. The implementation of the chemicals phase-out is expected to
take place between 2015 and 2019. Urban waste water is the most serious
source of pollution in the Mediterranean, and implementation activities
will include mandatory measures for the treatment of waste water in
coastal cities and urban centers before its release into the sea. [UNEP
press release, 16 June 2010]
UNIDO WORKS WITH
KITAKYUSHU, JAPAN TO DISSEMINATE POPS TECHNOLOGY
14 June 2010: The UN Industrial Development
Organization (UNIDO) is working with the city of Kitakyushu, Japan, to
share experience on environmental technology, recycling and waste
management with developing countries. According to UNIDO, Kitakyushu has
adopted a collective measure for treatment of Persistent Organic
Pollutants (POPs) by using a new area-wide concept called Eco-Towns,
which is based on complete POPs wastes management and recycling
including segregation, collection, treatment and disposal. UNIDO plans
to send decision-makers, engineers and technicians to be trained in
Kitakyushu Eco-town concept, and organize site visits to the recycling
industry.
Link to
further information
UNIDO press release, 14 June 2010
Rotterdam
Convention Releases Progress Report
The Secretariat of the Rotterdam Convention
has released a progress report on activities undertaken in order to
achieve its COP 4 mandates. The webpage lists 18 activities, including
establishment of a clearing-house mechanism and follow-up to the
synergies decision, with links to the relevant COP 4 mandate and reports
on action taken from January-October 2009 and November 2009-May 2010. [Rotterdam
Convention web site]
Stockholm
Convention Announces Small Grants for Regional Centres
The Secretariat of the Stockholm Convention
is calling for proposals from Stockholm Convention regional centres for
capacity building and transfer of technology activities through its
small grants programme. Funding is being provided by the Government of
Norway and the programme is in the process of being made available to
Basel and Rotterdam Convention regional centres. Interested centres are
invited to submit their project proposals to the Secretariat before 31
July 2010. [Stockholm
Convention web site]
Stockholm
Convention Requests Information under Article 3 on Regulatory and
Assessment Schemes
The Stockholm Convention
Secretariat is requesting parties to submit information on the
implementation of Stockholm Convention Article 3 (paragraphs 3 and 4),
focusing on the regulatory and assessment schemes related to measures to
reduce or eliminate releases from intentional production and use. The
information on the functioning of these schemes was requested by the
Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee of the Stockholm
Convention (POPRC) in order to promote the implementation of this
provision. [Stockholm
Convention web site]
MAY 2010
UNITAR JOINS GLOBAL MERCURY PARTNERSHIP
In May, 2010, the United
Nations Institute of Training and Research (UNITAR) joined the UN
Environment Programme (UNEP) Global Mercury Partnership. As part of the
Mercury Supply Partnership Area, UNITAR initiated, in coordination with
UNEP and other partners, and with financial support from the Government
of Switzerland, several projects with the Government of Kyrgyzstan that
address the cessation of new mercury supply from the world's last
remaining exporting mercury mine, at Khaidarkan, Kyrgyz Republic. UNITAR
is also assisting countries with the development of national mercury
inventories, priority-setting, and risk management decision-making with
financial support from the Governments of Switzerland and the US. UNITAR
also supports countries to develop a Pollutant Release and Transfer
Register, with mercury as a pilot chemical.
Link to further
information
UNITAR web site
BASEL CONVENTION INVITES NOMINATIONS FOR INTERSESSIONAL GROUP ON MERCURY
The Basel Convention
Secretariat is inviting comments on the draft Technical Guidelines for
the Environmentally Sound Management of Waste consisting of Metallic
Elemental Mercury Waste and Wastes Consisting of, Containing or
Contaminated with Mercury or Mercury Compounds. A further version will
be published late in 2010. The Secretariat has also invited nominations
from parties to attend a small intersessional working group on mercury.
Nominations are required by 30 June 2010.
Link to further
information
Basel Convention web site
APRIL 2010
STOCKHOLM SECRETARIAT INVITES COMMENTS ON
PROPOSED CHEMICALS
The
Stockholm Convention Secretariat is requesting comments on the draft
risk profile on hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) currently being considered
by the Persistent Organic Pollutant Review Committee (POPRC). Comments
are also requested on the draft risk management evaluation on endosulfan.
Stakeholders are invited to submit additional information on the adverse
human health effects of the chemical. Submissions are also requested on
the draft guidance on alternatives to perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS)
and its derivatives.
Links to
further information
Stockholm Convention web site, HBCD request
Stockholm Convention web site, Endosulfan request
Stockholm Convention web site, PFOS request
SAICM LAUNCHES INFORMATION CLEARINGHOUSE
The
Secretariat of the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals
Management (SAICM) has launched the SAICM Information Clearinghouse. The
Information Clearinghouse is intended to provide advice to countries on
implementation of SAICM through request referrals for information and
expertise in support of specific national actions, in accordance with
Paragraph 28 of the SAICM Overarching Policy Strategy.
Link to
further information
SAICM web page on the Information Clearinghouse
SAICM QUICK START PROGRAMME FUNDING WINDOW OPEN
The
Secretariat of the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals
Management (SAICM) has announced that applications for the ninth round
of the SAICM Quick Start Programme (QSP) are currently being accepted.
Applications to the QSP trust fund can be submitted twice a year, and
applications for the ninth round close on 27 August 2010.
Link to
further information
SAICM web site
update
UNEP RELEASES MARCH
2010 EDITION OF MEA ACPs NEWSLETTER
UNEP has released the March 2010 edition of
the Multilateral Environment
Agreements (MEAs) in African, Caribbean and
Pacific (ACP) Countries Programme. The newsletter includes a guest
article on activities being undertaken under the Strategic Approach to
International Chemicals Management and the Quick Start Programme, as
well as updates on activities at the Pacific, African and Caribbean
project hubs.
Link to further information
MEAs ACPs March 2010 newsletter
STOCKHOLM
SECRETARIAT INVITES CONTRIBUTIONS TO PEN MAGAZINE
The Secretariat of the Stockholm Convention
is inviting PCB Elimination Network (PEN) member contributions to the
PEN Magazine. The aim of the magazine is to provide information and to
exchange knowledge and expertise on issues related to the
environmentally sound management of PCB oils and contaminated equipment.
The theme of the first issue is "Inventories of PCBs – the place to
start." Submissions should be made to the Secretariat by 31 May 2010.
Link to further information
Stockholm Convention web site
ROTTERDAM CONVENTION LAUNCHES CUSTOMS SECTION OF WEBSITE
The Rotterdam Convention
Secretariat has launched a new section on the role of Customs, on the
Convention website. The section is intended to form an easy reference
tool for Customs Authorities and provides information on the role of
customs officers in the implementation of the Rotterdam Convention.
Link to further
information
Rotterdam Convention web site
BASEL CONVENTION RELEASES DRAFT GUIDELINES ON CO-PROCESSING HAZARDOUS
WASTES
The Basel Convention
Secretariat has released draft revised Technical Guidelines on
Co-processing of Hazardous Waste in Cement Kilns. The draft guidelines
were developed by Chile and provide general guidance on alternative
fuels and raw materials in cement production in accordance with
provisions of the Basel Convention. According to the guidelines,
co-processing of waste materials in properly controlled cement kilns
provides energy and materials recovery while cement is being produced
and offers an environmentally sound recovery option for many of
society's wastes.
Link to further
information
Basel Convention web site
STOCKHOLM CONVENTION INVITES COMMENTS ON SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC GUIDANCE
AND DONOR SUPPORT
The Secretariat of the
Stockholm Convention has invited comments on how to improve the
usefulness of the social and economic guidance and additional guidance
on the calculation of action plan costs, in accordance with decision
SC4/9. Comments should be submitted to the Secretariat by 31 May 2010.
The Stockholm Convention Secretariat has also released questionnaires
for donors and recipients in relation to information on ways to support
the Stockholm Convention pursuant to decision SC-4/24. Responses should
be submitted to the Secretariat by 31 May 2010.
Links to further
information
Stockholm Convention web site
Stockholm Convention donor questionnaire
SAICM
RELEASES REPORT ON HEALTH SECTOR ENGAGEMENT
The Strategic Approach to
International Chemicals Management (SAICM) has released the report of
the Consultation on the Development of a Strategy for Strengthening the
Engagement of the Health Sector in Implementation of the SAICM, which
convened from 4-5 February 2010, in Ljubljana, Slovenia. The report
outlines pilot activities and next steps for engaging the health sector
including: establishing a clear and engaging website; creating a health
sector network; gathering and reporting on examples of the health sector
leading by example in the management of chemicals used as part of
health-care; fostering connections between medical and nursing
associations and academic environmental health and risk assessment
societies; initiating a dialogue with health sector unions about SAICM;
and contributing information about SAICM and the development of the
health strategy in medical journals.
Link to further
information
SAICM web site
MARCH 2010
STOCKHOLM CONVENTION ANNOUNCES CLIMATE AND POPS STUDY
The Stockholm Convention
Secretariat has announced a 12-month international study into the
influence of climate change and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) on
human health and the environment. The study will involve organizations
in five countries reviewing the latest science to inform the assessment
of current and new POPs. The outcomes of the study are expected to
result in policy recommendations on how to mitigate the impacts of POPs
under a changing climate. According to the Secretariat, the potential
impact of climate change on the behavior of POPs in the environment is
complex, but some data suggest that higher temperatures can make
wildlife more sensitive to exposure to certain pollutants. Climatic
change is expected to alter the partitioning of POPs among environmental
compartments (air, water, soil, sediments, snow and ice). These factors
are likely to influence the transfer, redistribution and uptake of POPs,
along with the overall concentrations of POPs around the globe.
Link to further
information
Stockholm Convention press release
FEBRUARY 2010
UN BACKS INITIATIVE TO TURN TRASH INTO CASH IN ASIAN
PACIFIC CITIES
The UN Economic and Social Commission for
Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) and Waste Concern, a Bangladeshi
non-governmental organization (NGO), have launched in Dhaka, Bangladesh,
an initiative to transform trash into cash to benefit cities in Asia and
the Pacific. The initiative will help solid waste development strategies
to become decentralized, pro-poor oriented, and promote self-financing
through the sale of carbon credits. UNESCAP has been working with local
partners since 2005 and have tested the approach in Sri Lanka and
Vietnam with recycling plants serving about 1,000 households.
UNESCAP estimates that local governments
spend on average up to 60 percent of their annual public budgets to
collect, transport and dispose solid wastes. Rapid urbanization is
leading to an increase in the production of solid waste. The initiative
hopes to harness the potential of solid waste to provide a living to
many families from recycling, both from inorganic recyclable waste and
organic waste collection, which can be turned into compost and can
generate seed funds costs through carbon credits.
Link to further information
UN News Centre, 22 February
BASEL CONVENTION RELEASES GUIDELINES ON MANAGING
MERCURY WASTE
The Secretariat
of the Basel Convention has released the fifth draft of the Technical
Guidelines for the Environmentally Sound Management of Wastes Consisting
of, Containing or Contaminated with Mercury. The draft contains sections
on: application of Best Available Techniques and Best Environmental
Practices; waste minimization; and handling, collection, packing,
interim storage and transport of mercury wastes.
Link to
further information
Basel Convention website
UNECE CONVENTION ON
LONG-RANGE TRANSBOUNDARY AIR POLLUTION ADDS SEVEN POPS
The parties to the Protocol on Persistent
Organic Pollutants (POPs) to the UNECE Convention on Long-range
Transboundary Air Pollution (CLRTAP) have agreed to broaden the
Protocol's scope to include seven new substances. The decision was taken
at the 27th session of the Executive Body of CLRTAP, which convened from
14-18 December 2009. The additional chemicals include:
hexachlorobutadiene, octabromodiphenyl ether, pentachlorobenzene,
pentabromodiphenyl ether, perfluorooctane sulfonates, polychlorinated
naphthalenes, and short-chain chlorinated paraffins. Parties also
updated and upgraded the Protocol's current obligations for eliminating
the production and use of a number of POPs regulated by the Protocol
(DDT, heptachlor, hexachlorobenzene and PCBs) and for fixing emission
limit values from waste incineration, and adopted guidance on best
available techniques to control emissions of POPs.
Links to further information
UNECE press release, 8 January 2010
27th Executive Body meeting documents
MERCURY PROGRAMME
CONVENES INCEPTION WORKSHOP ON ARTISANAL AND SMALL SCALE GOLD MINING
PROJECT
The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) Mercury
Programme is working to
develop national strategic plans for
artisanal and small scale gold mining (ASGM) in South East Asia and
South America, with funding from the Quick Start Programme of the
Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) in
cooperation with the Global Mercury Partnership. An inception workshop
for the Asian region took place from 19-21 January 2010, in Manila,
Philippines. In its initial stages, the project is focusing on the
development of strategic plans in the Philippines and Cambodia, and will
be expanded to other countries towards the end of 2010. Both projects
aim to strengthen capacity at the national level to address ASGM and
also to help build regional solutions. A similar project is being
initiated in Africa through funding from the US Government. Initial
results will be presented to the first Intergovernmental Negotiating
Committee on Mercury, scheduled to convene from 7-11 June 2010 (IISD RS
sources).
STOCKHOLM
CONVENTION CONVENES CARIBBEAN WORKSHOP ON NEW POPS AND NIP REVIEW
The Stockholm Convention Secretariat
convened the Caribbean Regional Capacity Building Workshop on New
Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and the Process for Reviewing and
Updating National Implementation Plans, in Panama City, Panama, from
25-28 January 2010. At the workshop, participants identified the need
for: additional information on sources of new POPs, alternatives, and
disposal practices; multi-sectoral consultation on new POPs; and waste
treatment and disposal. Key implementation challenges were identified
including: lack of information and capacity; the need to adjust
legislative and management structures in light of new POPs; and the need
for adequate funding (IISD RS sources).
UNEP AND UNIDO
CONVENE WORKSHOP ON POPs AFRICAN REGIONAL PROGRAMME
The UN Environment Programme
(UNEP) and the UN Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) have
convened a workshop on Capacity Strengthening and Technical Assistance
for the Implementation of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic
Pollutants (POPs) for African countries of the Common Market for Eastern
and Southern Africa (COMESA) subregion. Participants at the workshop,
which convened from 2-5 February 2010, in Nairobi, Kenya, discussed the
region's needs in relation to POPs management, to inform the development
of a subregional programme funded by the Global Environment Facility.
Once finalized, the US$32 million programme will be implemented in over
30 countries across Africa (IISD RS sources).
JANUARY 2010
UNECE MARKS 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF BAIA MARE
ACCIDENT
On the 10th anniversary of the
Baia Mare accident – a cyanide and heavy metals spill into the
Sasar, Lapus, Somes and Tisza rivers that reached the Danube and
eventually the Black Sea – the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE)
issued a reminder of the need for vigilance to prevent industrial
accidents. Through the Secretariat of its Convention on the
Transboundary Effects of Industrial Accidents (Industrial Accidents
Convention) and of the Convention on the Protection and Use of
Transboundary Watercourses and International Lakes (Water Convention),
the UNECE has been supporting its member States in their joint work to
reduce the likelihood of an industrial accident. Since its entry into
force in 1996, the Water Convention has provided an important legal
framework and contributed to improving transboundary water management in
the pan-European region.
Link to further information
UNECE press release, 29
January 2010
BELIZE RATIFIES STOCKHOLM CONVENTION
Belize ratified
the Stockholm Convention on 25 January 2010, bringing the number of
parties of the Stockholm Convention to 169.
Links to
further information
UN Journal, 26 January 2010
Stockholm Convention website
SAICM SECRETARIAT DEVELOPS CONCEPT NOTE ON
STRENGTHENING ENGAGEMENT OF THE HEALTH SECTOR
At its second session, in 2009, the International Conference on
Chemicals Management (ICCM) requested the development of a strategy for
strengthening the engagement of the health sector in the implementation
of the Strategic Approach for International Chemicals Management (SAICM),
in consultation with the World Health Organization (WHO). The SAICM
Secretariat has released a concept note on the development of the
strategy. The Secretariat is facilitating consultation with regional
groups through a series of SAICM regional meetings. In August 2010, the
draft strategy will be made available for consultations with all SAICM
stakeholders. The strategy will then be considered by the third session
of the ICCM in 2012.
Link to
further information
SAICM website
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