From Science to Action

The Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions are science-based, legally binding global treaties aimed at the protection of human health and the environment from hazardous chemicals and wastes. Policy decisions taken by their governing bodies, the Conferences of the Parties (COPs), are underpinned by various scientific assessments.

At their meetings in 2017, the BRS COPs took note of the draft road map for further engaging Parties and other stakeholders in an informed dialogue for enhanced science-based action in the implementation of the conventions prepared by the Secretariat (UNEP/CHW.13/INF/50–UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.8/INF/35–UNEP/POPS/COP.8/INF/52). They emphasized that, through its subsidiary bodies, expert groups and other related mechanisms, including with other partners, the necessary processes are in place to ensure science-based work and decision-making under the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions. The BRS COPs also emphasized the importance of, and the need to enhance, the interaction between scientists, policymakers and other actors in the policy process to promote the exchange, development and joint construction of knowledge with the aim of achieving more informed decision-making for reaching the objectives of the conventions. The experts nominated by Parties as requested by the BRS COPs assisted the Secretariat in further revising the draft road map.

At their meetings in 2019, the BRS COPs took note of the revised road map for further engaging Parties and other stakeholders in informed dialogue for enhanced science-based action in the implementation of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions (UNEP/CHW.14/INF/40–UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.9/INF/35–UNEP/POPS/COP.9/INF/44) and encouraged Parties and others to initiate action that would promote the implementation of the road map.

The BRS COPs requested the Secretariat, subject to the availability of resources and in collaboration with regional centres, to undertake capacity-building and training activities to support Parties in science-based decision-making and action in the implementation of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions. A sub-regional workshop to enhance science-policy-industry interaction and to support Parties in science-based decision-making for the implementation of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions was held in Nigeria from 28 to 30 January 2020, thanks to the generous financial support provided by the Governments of Germany and Norway.

The Secretariat was also requested to continue to cooperate and coordinate with UNEP and, as appropriate, other relevant organizations, scientific bodies and stakeholders with the aim of strengthening the science-policy interface; and with UNEP in the preparation of the assessment of options for strengthening the science-policy interface at the international level for the sound management of chemicals and waste, as per UNEA resolution 4/8, particularly with regard to possible synergies and opportunities between the existing mechanisms under the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions and the science-policy interface for the wider sound management of chemicals and waste.

At its fifth session held in March 2022, the UNEA adopted resolution 5/8 to establish a science-policy panel (SPP) to support action on chemicals, waste and pollution. The resolution requested the UNEP Executive Director to, among others, cooperate closely with the secretariats of relevant Multilateral Environmental Agreements and relevant international organizations and bodies, as appropriate.

Factsheet   Publication on
From Science to Action
  Publication on Environmental
and Health Emergencies
- The role of the BRS

         

Decisions

  • Basel Convention
  • Rotterdam Convention
  • Stockholm Convention

UNEP/CHW.12/INF/53
UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.7/INF/38
UNEP/POPS/COP.7/INF/57