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Basel Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions

BRS NEWSLETTER

Assisting parties to protect human health and the environment

November / December 2019 - No. 27

Welcome

MAKING THE INVISIBLE, VISIBLE: Dear Readers, It has been a momentous couple of months for the chemicals and waste agenda, so scroll down to read about the entry-into-force of the Basel Convention’s Ban Amendment; the launch of a new UN partnership on Plastic Waste; a new project on plastic waste in mountainous and remote areas; the 50th edition of the Rotterdam Convention’s PIC Circular; and much, much, more. #Detox!

 

The Executive Secretary and team wish you season's greetings and best wishes for 2020
News
New UN Partnership on Plastic Waste launched in Geneva on 12 November, 2019

New UN Partnership on Plastic Waste launched in Geneva on 12 November, 2019

Established by the Basel Convention COP in May, members and the diplomatic community gather to launch this new initiative at a special event hosted by the City of Geneva.

New BRS project launched on plastic waste in mountainous and remote areas

New BRS project launched on plastic waste in mountainous and remote areas

International Mountains Day 2019 marked by a special event in Geneva on 11 December, coinciding with the launch of a new project to help tackle plastic pollution, funded by Norway. Read the BRS Press Release.

Basel Convention 2018 national reports due 31 December 2019

Basel Convention 2018 national reports due 31 December 2019

The deadline for 2018 national reports is approaching. Parties can access the questionnaire for national reporting and submit it through the electronic reporting system.

50th edition of the Rotterdam Convention PIC Circular now online

50th edition of the Rotterdam Convention PIC Circular now online

Key document on Prior Informed Consent issued for 50th time, sharing information to assist and inform Parties for better decision-making regarding pesticides and chemicals.

Sub-regional workshop on pesticides equivalence builds capacity amongst Parties in Latin America

Sub-regional workshop on pesticides equivalence builds capacity amongst Parties in Latin America

More than 50 government officials from 10 different countries and representatives of the private sector gathered recently in Buenos Aires. A new partnership between the Rotterdam Convention, industry associations and national registration authorities is envisaged. See the Argentinian government’s press release and summary video here.

Meeting report from the recent Rotterdam Convention COP now available

Meeting report from the recent Rotterdam Convention COP now available

The meeting report of the recent COP-9 meeting is now accessible (advance English version).

Guatemala updates its national plan for implementing the Stockholm Convention

Guatemala updates its national plan for implementing the Stockholm Convention

Reflecting amendments made at COPs 4, 5, and 6, Guatemala has transmitted its updated National Implementation Plan.

Cyprus updates its national plan for implementing the Stockholm Convention

Cyprus updates its national plan for implementing the Stockholm Convention

Reflecting amendments made at COPs 6, 7, 8 & 9, Cyprus has transmitted its updated National Implementation Plan.

BRS Executive Secretary contributes to discussions on “what role for WTO on addressing plastic pollution” in Geneva

BRS Executive Secretary contributes to discussions on “what role for WTO on addressing plastic pollution” in Geneva

High-level event on 25 November brings together key global stakeholders including the World Trade Organisation (WTO), World Bank, World Economic Forum (WEF), and China.

 

Technical Assistance
Technical Assistance

Upcoming webinars

 

Upcoming workshops

 

Forthcoming meeting
BRS workshop builds negotiating skills within West African governments to enhance implementation of the 3 conventions

BRS workshop builds negotiating skills within West African governments to enhance implementation of the 3 conventions

Government officials from francophone and anglophone countries gather in Dakar, Senegal, 4 to 6 February 2020, with funding generously provided by the European Union, Australia and Germany.

 

Emerging issues
Norway pledges funding for new Basel Convention Plastic Waste Partnership, which launches on 12 November

Norway pledges funding for new Basel Convention Plastic Waste Partnership, which launches on 12 November

As the 2019 Our Oceans conference concludes in Oslo, Norwegian Minister of Climate and Environment, Mr Ole Elvestuen, confirms substantial support for efforts to tackle marine plastic litter.

 

Synergies in the spotlight
The Human Right to a safe environment

The Human Right to a safe environment

In recent years recognition of the links between human rights and the environment has become ever stronger. This is especially true for the sound management of chemicals and waste, since, according to UN independent experts appointed by the UN Human Rights Council – called Special Rapporteurs - people everywhere have the right to live and...

 

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