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MEDIA REPORTS

CHEMICALS MANAGEMENT

This page was updated on: 12/10/10

 

2010

 

Chemicals Management Media Reports Archives: 2009; 2008; 2007; 2006; 2005; 2004; 2003; 2002

Latest Media Reports

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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