BRS NEWSLETTER

Assisting parties to protect human health and the environment

March 2019 - No. 25

Welcome

MAKING THE INVISIBLE, VISIBLE: Dear Readers,

As we edge ever closer to the forthcoming 2019 Triple COPs – 29 April to 10 May in Geneva - and with 4 regional preparatory meetings proceeding apace throughout March, click below for an overview of what to expect from the Stockholm Convention COP, press releases linking chemicals and waste to gender, and to wildlife, details of the Basel Convention’s 30th Anniversary, the Rotterdam Convention in Sierra Leone, and a postcard from Nairobi, from the Fourth UN Environment Assembly. #Detox!

News
	UN Environment Assembly marks 30 years of the Basel Convention A speech by the UNEA President on day one, and an informal gathering of dignatories and stakeholders in day two, mark the 30th anniversary of the Convention’s adoption. Share:
	30 years of the Basel Convention celebrated by International Geneva Switzerland, the BRS Secretariat, and the Geneva Environment Network, co-host a special event in the UN Palais des Nations, 22 March 2019 at 16:00, to mark the 30th anniversary of the Convention’s adoption. Share:
	National consultation to identify elements of a National Action Plan or strategy for the implementation of the Rotterdam Convention for Sierra Leone Share:
	Abiola Olanipekun: Stockholm Convention COP-9: highlights of technical matters under consideration Among the prominent technical matters that will be considered by COP-9 are the recommendations of the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee (POPRC) to list dicofol and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), its salts and related compounds in Annex A to the Convention. Share:
	China updates its national plan for implementing the Stockholm Convention To help beat pollution, China has transmitted an updated NIP, addressing amendments from COP-4, COP-5, & COP-6. Share:
	Liberia transmits updated national plan for implementing the Stockholm Convention To help beat pollution, Liberia has transmitted an updated NIP, which addresses amendments made by COP-4, COP-5 and COP-8. Share:
	Read the Invisible News, which is proving popular at UNEA-4 Aiming to make the invisible, visible, this special 8-issue newspaper is brought to you by the BRS Secretariat, Minamata Convention, SAICM, and UN Environment (Chemicals & Waste) Branch. Share:
	Clean Planet, Healthy People: All pre-session working documents now online All working documents for the 2019 COPs, and most information documents, are now available online. Share:
	Regional preparations for Triple COPs continue with African meeting in Nairobi, Kenya With thanks to Norway and Switzerland for funding support, African countries come together in Nairobi, 18 to 20 March, to prepare for the 2019 Triple COPs. Share:

Technical Assistance

Upcoming webinars

Upcoming workshops

Forthcoming meeting

Four joint regional meetings to help Parties prepare for the 2019 Triple COPs

Regional preparatory meetings for the 2019 COPs will be held throughout March 2019, jointly with meetings on the Minamata Convention & SAICM. Invitation letters for the meetings have been sent out.

Emerging issues

Scientists predict collapse of wildlife populations due to pollution from chemicals and waste

With people everywhere marking World Wildlife Day on 3 March, read the new BRS Press Release on the impact of chemicals and waste on our planet’s fauna.

Synergies in the spotlight

Women disproportionately vulnerable to health risks from chemical and waste pollution

To mark International Women’s Day, read our new Press Release on why women and girls are more likely than men to suffer adverse effects from chemicals and waste.

Postcard from Nairobi

BRS Secretariat contributed to UNEA-4 in promoting sound management of chemicals and wastes

The Secretariat participated in more than 10 events, submitted numerous background documents, and staged 2 exhibitions throughout the 4th UN Environment Assembly in Nairobi, 11 to 15 March.