|
Parties and observers to the Stockholm Convention are invited to submit by 1 August 2024 (extended deadline), comments on the draft updated guidance on best available techniques and best environmental practices for the management of sites contaminated with persistent organic pollutants. A form is av...
Extension of deadline to submit comments on the draft updated guidance on BAT and BEP for the management of sites contaminated with POPs
|
|
On Tuesday 25 June 2024. Co-Chairs Lendita Dika (North Macedonia) and Judith Torres (Uruguay) welcomed over 360 participants to the meeting, encouraging them to engage actively and share insights to further strengthen the Basel Convention. The meeting is being held in Geneva, Switzerland from 25 to ...
The 14th meeting of the Basel Convention OEWG opened in Geneva on 25 June 2024
|
|
The Directors of the 23 Regional centres have gathered at the 13th Annual joint meeting to enhance cooperation and coordination between the regional centres under the Basel and Stockholm conventions. The meeting provides an opportunity to exchange experiences and enhance synergies in the delivery of...
The Directors of the Basel and Stockholm Conventions Regional Centres gather in Geneva from 21-22 June 2024
|
|
The Implementation and Compliance Committee set to kick off its sixteenth meeting on 23 June with ground-breaking dialogues with the Basel Convention regional centres and a range of intergovernmental partners.
The 16th meeting of ICC under the Basel Convention to meet in Geneva
|
|
The secretariats of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions and the Minamata Convention on Mercury are organizing an online information session on the contribution of the chemicals and waste conventions to Target 7 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), Thursday 18 April...
Contribution of the chemicals and waste Conventions to Target 7 of the Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework
The secretariats of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions and the Minamata Convention on Mercury are organizing an online information session on the contribution of the chemicals and waste conventions to Target 7 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF)
Thursday 18 April (13h00-15h00 CET)
Language: English
Online, Register here.
|
|
Advancing sustainability and promoting a circular economy are critical imperatives for African cities to address environmental challenges while fostering economic growth. This innovative 3-day event delved into solutions for addressing e-waste challenges, including issues related to conflict mineral...
Digital Solutions for a Sustainable Future
|
|
The BRS Secretariat participated in the workshop on circular economy considerations and new technologies for combatting climate change, which took place at the ITU Headquarters (ITU Tower building, Room K) in Geneva, Switzerland on Monday, 6 May 2024.
Workshop on circular economy considerations and new technologies for combatting climate change
The BRS Secretariat participated in the workshop on circular economy considerations and new technologies for combatting climate change, which took place at the ITU Headquarters (ITU Tower building, Room K) in Geneva, Switzerland on Monday, 6 May 2024.
While the first part of the workshop focused on new technologies for climate change mitigation and adaptation, part two discussed the circular economy considerations in combatting climate change. In particular the workshop considered the implications associated with e-waste generation and the need to recycle critical raw materials such as rare earth metals, to prevent scarcity.
The workshop discussed the impact of the recent rise in production of rechargeable batteries and solar equipment, linked to the “greening” of the automotive and energy industries. This is creating an unprecedented demand for certain (rare) raw materials and presents challenges when it comes to recycling e-waste and, more generally, for e-waste management. At the same time, there is significant competition for these same materials, especially from the ICT sector, as countries embark on digital transformation.
The workshop was organized by the ITU and the second part on circular economy was moderated by the BRS Secretariat. For more information on the programme, please visit: Workshop on circular economy considerations and new technologies for combatting climate change (itu.int). Contacts: Francesca.cenni@un.org.
|
|
A side event is being organized by BRS together with partners from diverse sectors. The event will shed light on how preventing pollution from chemicals and waste and promoting circular economy are fundamental to sustainable development of SIDS.
SIDS4 Conference Side Event: Protecting SIDS from chemicals and waste: integrated action for healthy environments and sustainable development
Monday 27 May, 14:00 - 15:30, Room 7, American University of Antigua
Small Island Developing States (SIDS) aspire to a thriving future built on healthy environments and a sustainable blue economy. But that dream is under attack from a hidden enemy: pollution from chemicals and waste. This toxic tide not only harms the stunning natural beauty that defines these islands, but also threatens the health of their people and the future of their economies.
The bad news? This problem is linked to the climate and biodiversity crises, hitting SIDS especially hard. Pollution, from marine and terrestrial sources, severely affects fragile ecosystems, including coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds, which act as natural barriers against storms and support rich biodiversity. Pollution and ocean acidification lead to coral bleaching and habitat loss, threatening the survival of sea life and the livelihoods of communities dependent on them. Protecting these ecosystems from pollution is not only crucial for biodiversity but also for mitigating the impacts of climate change on SIDS and ensuring that SIDS reap the benefits of the blue economy.
Pollution has dire consequences for human health in SIDS. Exposure to harmful chemicals in agricultural runoff, sewage discharge and industrial waste lead to short and long-term ailments. This is exacerbated by pollution due to the chronic lack of adequate waste management systems in SIDS, that also threatens access to clean water.
Pollution not only affects health and ecosystems but also has endangers economic resilience. The degradation of pristine beaches and coral reefs, from e.g. plastic waste, leads to decreased revenues from tourism and fishing, key pillars of SIDS economies and livelihood. Contaminated soil and water impair agricultural productivity and food security.
The good news? There's still time to fight back. By strengthening international agreements and national laws to reduce harm from toxic chemicals and improve waste management, SIDS can turn the tide. Imagine crystal-clear waters teeming with life, free from plastic and harmful chemicals and wastes. This future is possible, but it requires action. We need solutions that not only clean up the mess, but also create a circular economy where waste becomes a resource and provide jobs. By doing this, SIDS can build resilient economies that are good for both people and the planet.
Objectives
- Highlighting the Path to Clean SIDS: This session will explain how preventing pollution and embracing a circular economy are critical for achieving the sustainable development goals that SIDS are striving for. We'll explore what SIDS truly desire for their future.
- Island Challenges, Island Solutions: We'll delve into the specific needs and ongoing struggles faced by SIDS in managing their waste, particularly plastic.
- Turning the Tide: Practical Solutions: Join us as we showcase successful strategies for managing chemicals and waste, implemented at national, regional, and international levels through cooperation.
- A United Front for a Healthy Future: This session will advocate for a unified approach that addresses both pollution and the unique priorities of SIDS.
Documents
Title
|
Download |
Programme |
|
Programme
Welcome Remarks: Mr. Rolph Payet, Executive Secretary, Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions
Opening Remarks:
- Mr. Carlos Manuel Rodriguez, CEO, Global Environmetal Facility
- Ms Ligia Norhonha, UN ASG and Head New York Office, UNEP
- Ms. Valerie Hickey, Global Director of Environment, Natural Resources and Blue Economy, World Bank
High level Ministerial panel
- HM Sir Molwyn Joseph, Minister of Health, Wellness and the Environment, Antigua and Barbuda
- HM Pennelope Beckles -Robinson, Minister of Planning and Development, Trinidad and Tobago
- HM Mr.Flavien Joubert, Minister of environment of Seychelles
Technical panel on regional perspectives
- Ms. Jewel Batchasingh, Director, Basel Convention Regional Center for Training and Technology Transfer in the Caribbean
- Mr. Sefanaia Nawadra, Director-General, Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP)
- Mr. Stefan Ott, Circular Economy Specialist, Finance Competition & Innovation Global Practice, The World Bank
- Ms. Ines Benabdallah, Global Environmental Facility Chemicals and Waste Unit, Industry & Economy Division, UNEP
Closing remarks
Ms. Ashley Lashley, Founder, the Ashley Lashley Foundation
The event is moderated by Mr. Linroy Christian, Ministry of Agriculture, Land, Fisheries and Barbuda Affairs, Antigua and Barbuda
|
|
Questionnaires have been sent to Parties, to assess their technical assistance needs, as well as abilities to offer technical assistance.
Calling all Parties to respond the BRS Secretariat with their technical assistance needs by 31 May 2024
|
|
The sixth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6) concluded with adopting 15 resolutions advancing collaboration action on the triple planetary crisis.
Environmental multilateralism celebrated at UNEA-6
The sixth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6) drew to a close on Friday, 1 March 2024. More than 5,600 delegates– representing 190 countries – participated in UNEA-6 which focused on effective, inclusive, and sustainable multilateral actions to tackle climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution.
The Assembly adopted 15 resolutions aimed at addressing some of the planet’s most-pressing environmental challenges, including climate change, pollution and desertification. UNEA-6 also adopted a ministerial declaration which reaffirms Member States’ commitment to tackle global environmental challenges and crises and 2 decisions.
Five of the 15 UNEA-6 resolutions relate to the work of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions:
- UNEP/EA.6/L.7 - Promoting synergies, cooperation or collaboration for national implementation of multilateral environmental agreements and other relevant environmental instruments
- UNEP/EA.6/L.8 - Environmental aspects of minerals and metals
- UNEP/EA.6/L.9 - Fostering national action to address global environmental challenges through increased cooperation between the United Nations Environment Assembly, the United Nations Environment Programme and multilateral environmental agreements
- UNEP/EA.6/L.12 - Sound management of chemicals and waste
- UNEP/EA.6/L.14 - Highly hazardous pesticides
A key highlight of the UNEA-6 was also the first-ever day devoted to showcasing Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs). The successful experience of MEAs shows that Parties are working together to help forge a sustainable future and have helped protect endangered species, limit chemical and waste pollution, and repair the hole in the ozone layer, among other things.
The Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions were represented during the MEAs day through the voices of Ms. Maya Berci, President of the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention, Mr. Iftikhar-ul-Hassan Shah Gilani, President of the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention, and Mr. Rolph Payet, Executive Secretary of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions.
|
Ms. Maya Berci, President of the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention (left) with Mr. Rolph Payet, Executive Secretary of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions (middle) and Mr. Iftikhar-ul-Hassan Shah Gilani, President of the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention (right)
|
|
Mr. Rolph Payet, Executive Secretary of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions, at the opening of the MEAs Day
|
|
Maya Berci, President of the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention (second from the right) taking part in the MEAs High-Level Dialogue on strengthening the science-policy interface for effective implementation of environmental commitments.
|
Beyond the formal UNEA-6 programme, Ms Berci and the Secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions engaged in more than 12 side events addressing a variety of issues ranging from the life-cycle of metals and minerals, cooperation among MEA compliance committees, to linkages between pollution and climate change and biodiversity loss.
Find the programme of BRS engagements at UNEA-6 including recordings of side events.
The seventh session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) will take place on 8-12 December 2025.
Photo album
|
|
Climate change and pollution often have joint sources and exert combined and mutually reinforcing pressures on the environment and human health.
Side event: Decarbonization and Detoxification: Opportunities for Integrated Actions
29 February 2024
17:15 – 18:30 p.m. (UTC+3)
Helipad, MEAs events space, Tent C
Nairobi, Kenya
Watch the event recording here
Climate change and pollution often have joint sources and exert combined and mutually reinforcing pressures on the environment and human health.
The sound management of wastes and chemicals, and circular economy approaches, have a critical role to play in addressing climate change. Curbing chemical and wastes pollution offers various co-benefits to tackling climate change, either directly, through sound solid waste management or, indirectly, through the effects of waste prevention, re-use, recycling and resource recovery across economic sectors and through more circular and sustainable products. Circularity approaches could cut global GHG emissions by up to 20% while creating green jobs and improving public health.
By bringing experts from different horizons, the side event will discuss the co-benefits offered by integrated approaches aimed at addressing GHG emissions and releases from pollutants, while preventing trade-offs.
Key areas where synergistic actions can be initiated and which will be showcased at the side event are: policy, through the synergistic implementation of relevant multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs), innovation and technology, financing and awareness and education.
Event moderated by:
- Dr. Donald Cooper, Director, Transparency Division, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
Opening:
- Ms. Sheila Aggarwal-Khan, Director, Industry and Economy Division, United Nations Environment
- Dr. Rolph Payet, Executive Secretary, Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions
Keynote speech:
- Ms. Chizuru Aoki, Lead Environmental Specialist, on behalf of Mr. Carlos Manuel Rodriguez, CEO and Chairperson, Global Environment Facility (GEF)
Panel discussion:
- Ms. Astrid Schomaker, Director for Green Diplomacy and Multilateralism, Directorate General for Environment, European Commission
- Ms. Beatrice Cyiza, Director General of Biodiversity and Climate, Ministry of Environment, Rwanda
- Mr. Carlos Silva Filho, President, International Solid Waste Association (ISWA)
- Mr. Marcos Orellana, UN Special Rapporteur on Toxics and Human Rights
- Mr. Björn Beeler, International Coordinator, International Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN)
Q&A
Closing remarks:
- Ms. Maya Berci, President of the 12th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention, Executive Director, Chemicals Management Division, Environment and Climate Change Canada
Resources
|
Report
Chemicals, Wastes and Climate Change – Interlinkages and potential for coordinated action
Download (PDF) English
|
|
Report
Climate and POPs: Predicting the Impacts
Download (PDF) English
|
Photo gallery
Organizers
|
|
|
|
The Secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions will participate in the upcoming UNEA-6 to show case the contributions of the BRS conventions to tackle the triple planetary crisis and to attain the SDGs, while highlighting ongoing cooperation with UNEP.
BRS Secretariat at UNEA-6
The sixth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-6) will take place from 26 February to 1 March 2024 at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya.
UNEA-6 will focus on how multilateralism can help tackle the triple planetary crisis of climate change, nature and biodiversity loss, and pollution and waste. Member States and stakeholders will come together to discuss how to advance effective, inclusive, and sustainable multilateral actions to address those interconnected planetary environmental crises.
For the first time, UNEA-6 will highlight the importance of cooperation with MEAs with a full day devoted to the discussion on 28 February 2024. The MEAs day will consist of an opening plenary meeting and two consecutive high-level dialogues. It will provide a unique opportunity for the Assembly to enhance its relationship with the MEAs by strengthening convergence of actions and sharing of experiences while also providing increased visibility to the MEAs.
Watch live the Opening plenary of the MEAs Day on 28 February 2024 from 9 to 10 am EAT
Watch live the MEA Dialogue 1: Strengthening the science policy interface for effective implementation of environmental commitments on 28 February 2024 from 10 am to 1 pm EAT
Watch live the MEA Dialogue 2: Strengthening cooperation between UNEA, UNEP and MEAs to enhance effective implementation at the national level including through means of implementation 28 February 2024 from 1 pm to 3 pm EAT
MEAs related events will be organized from 28 February to 1 March at the MEA pavilion and exhibitions of MEAs will run through the full week of UNEA-6.
The Secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions will actively engage at UNEA-6 to bring attention to the linkages between pollution, biodiversity loss and climate change and show case the work undertaken by Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions to tackle those interconnected planetary crises.
BRS Secretariat’s engagement programme at UNEA-6.
All times are in EAT/ GMT+3.
28 February 2024
|
|
|
|
|
18:30 - 19:45 | Conference Room 11
Side event: Tackling the Triple Planetary Crisis: Building the Linkages from Science to Action
Organizers: Secretariat of the Open-Ended Working Group on the Science Policy Interface on Chemicals, Waste and Pollution Prevention
|
|
|
|
18:30 - 19:45 | Online
Side event: Inclusive Pathways: Advancing Gender and Indigenous Perspectives in Multilateral Environmental Cooperation for a Sustainable Future for All
Watch the event live here
Organizers: Women4Biodiversity, Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact
|
________________________________________
|
|
29 February 2024
|
|
|
10:00 - 11:30 | Helipad, MEAs events Tent B
Side event: Better addressing the triple planetary crisis through the cooperation between the MEAs implementation and compliance committees
Watch the event recording here
Organizers: Ozone Secretariat, CBD, CITES, CMS, Minamata convention secretariat
|
|
|
|
10:00 - 11:30 | Helipad, MEAs events Tent C
Side event: Effective multilateral actions for responsible mining
Organizers: United Nations Environment Programme
|
|
|
|
11:30 - 13:15 | Helipad, MEAs events Tent B
Side event: Catalyzing Environmental Impact and Visibility through Digital Transformation: MEAs Embracing Knowledge-Driven Capacity-Building
Organizers: Secretariat of the Minamata Convention, United Nations Environment Programme
|
|
|
|
13:15 - 15:00 | Helipad, MEAs events Tent B
Side event: Effective multilateral actions to protect people and nature from pollution – building on synergies between the chemicals, waste and biodiversity agendas
Organizers: United Nations Environment Programme
|
|
|
|
13:15 - 15:00 | Helipad, MEAs events Tent C
Side event: Greening Customs for People, Planet and Prosperity: The Case of Waste Management
Watch the event live here
Organizers: United Nations Environment Programme and the Secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions
|
|
|
|
13:30 - 14:45 | Press Room
Side event: For a Planet Free of Harm from Chemicals and Waste – Joining Forces for Accelerated Implementation of the Global Framework on Chemicals
Organizer: Germany
|
|
|
|
17:00 - 18:30 | Helipad, MEAs events Tent C
Side event: Decarbonization and detoxification: Linkages and Opportunities for integrated solutions
Watch the event recording here
Organizers: Secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions, secretariat of the Minamata Convention and United Nations Environment Programme
|
________________________________________
|
|
1 March 2024 |
|
|
10:30 - 12:00 | Helipad, MEAs events Tent A
Side event: Enhancing Cooperation between Montreal Protocol (OzonAction), the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions, and Minamata Convention at the Country Level on Areas of Common Interest
Organizer: United Nations Environment Programme
|
|
|
|
13:15 - 14:45 | Helipad, MEAs events Tent B
Side event: Synergies in the governance of climate change and plastics in the context of the triple planetary crisis
Organizers: Grid-Arendal and secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
|
The Secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions will take part, as an observer, in UNEA-6 and provide information on decisions and ongoing work under the conventions that are relevant to the session’s deliberations.
To that effect, the Secretariat submitted to UNEA-6 the following background notes on the work of the conventions as it relates to the draft resolutions being considered:
Photo gallery
|
|
The report of the nineteenth meeting of the Chemical Review Committee is now available in all 6 UN languages.
CRC-19 meeting report in languages
The report of the nineteenth meeting of the Chemical Review Committee is now available in all 6 UN languages.
|
|
This event explores areas of cooperation of MEAs Implementation and Compliance Committees to better address the triple planetary crises.
Side event: Better addressing the triple planetary crisis through the cooperation between the MEAs implementation and compliance committees
29 February 2024
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. (UTC+3)
Helipad, MEAs events Tent, Tent B, Stage 1
Nairobi, Kenya
Watch the event recording here
This event explores areas of cooperation of MEAs Implementation and Compliance Committees to better address the triple planetary crises.
It brings 10 MEAs together through the Chairs of Implementation and Compliance Committees and Secretariats:
- Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movement of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal
- Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety
- Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)
- Convention on Migratory Species
- Minamata Convention on Mercury
- Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer
- Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change
- Paris Agreement
- Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade
- Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants.
Drawing on several recommendations of the General Assembly resolution 73/333 in particular the invitation for Secretariats of MEAs to enhance cooperation and collaboration among themselves, as well as various mandates entrusted to individual MEAs Implementation and Compliance Committees to cooperate with other entities, this event will provide an opportunity to learn from the work and achievements of the various Committees, including collaborative efforts to achieve their objectives.
Examples of existing cross fertilization processes and cooperative activities will be presented, including the convening of dialogues between MEA Committees and other organizations on improving implementation and compliance with obligations of a similar nature, such as national reporting, the development of legislation and combating illegal traffic/trade.
The event will also provide an opportunity to take stock of the contributions of Implementation and Compliance Committees in supporting Parties to achieve the SDGs, including through the Cooperation Framework processes.
Event moderated by:
- Osvaldo Álvarez-Pérez, President of the sixth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Minamata Convention on Mercury, President of the Implementation Committee of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, Chair of the Compliance Committee of the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade
Speakers:
- Ivonne Higuero, Secretary General, Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES): “CITES compliance mechanism and the role of partnerships”
- Kunihiko Shimada, Chair of the facilitative branch of the Compliance Committee of the Kyoto Protocol: “Experience of the facilitative branch in providing advice and facilitation to Parties in implementing the Kyoto Protocol”
- Christina Voigt, Co-Chair of the Paris Agreement Implementation and Compliance Committee: “The role and function of the Paris Agreement Implementation and Compliance Committee”
- Jimena Nieto, Professor of International Law, Member and Vice-Chair of the Compliance Committee under the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety: “Cross-fertilization among compliance mechanisms: the value of informal dialogues and exchanges”
- Amy Fraenkel, Executive Secretary, Convention on Migratory Species: “Cooperation under the Review Mechanism of the Convention on Migratory Species"
- Paulina Riquelme, former Chair of the Implementation and Compliance Committee of the Minamata Convention on Mercury: “National reports and the Implementation and Compliance Committee: experiences from a young Convention”
- Monika Stankiewicz, Executive Secretary, Minamata Convention on Mercury: “Collaboration with other MEAs and relevant outcomes of the fifth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Minamata Convention”
- Jason Dunn, Chair of the Implementation and Compliance Committee of the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movement of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal: “Integrating implementation needs in the broader sustainable development agenda: the experience of the Basel Convention Implementation and Compliance Committee”.
Photo gallery
Organizers
|
|
|
|
The final version of the report of the nineteenth meeting of the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee is now available in all 6 UN languages.
POPRC-19 meeting report in languages now available
|