The Joint Meetings of the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions stand as pivotal gatherings uniting nations in their commitment to environmental protection and global sustainability. Established to address pressing issues surrounding hazardous waste management, chemical safety, and persistent organic pollutants, these meetings serve as a platform for international cooperation and dialogue. Through collaboration among participating countries, stakeholders, and organizations, these conventions aim to develop and implement effective strategies to safeguard human health and the environment from the adverse effects of hazardous substances. With a shared vision of a safer and healthier planet, the Joint Meetings play a crucial role in shaping policies, fostering innovation, and promoting best practices to mitigate the risks posed by hazardous chemicals and waste, ultimately advancing the goals of sustainable development on a global scale.
- The gathering known as the “Triple COPs” is scheduled to occur in Geneva, Switzerland, spanning from April 29th to May 10th, 2019.
- It encompasses the 14th Conference of the Parties for the Basel Convention (COP-14), the 9th Conference of the Parties for the Rotterdam Convention (COP-9), and the 9th Conference of the Parties for the Stockholm Convention (COP-9).
- The overarching theme for this joint event is ‘Clean Planet, Healthy People: Sound Management of Chemicals and Waste’.
BASEL CONVENTION
- The Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal was established to safeguard individuals and the environment from the adverse impacts of inappropriate management of hazardous wastes worldwide.
- It stands as the most comprehensive global treaty addressing hazardous waste materials throughout their entire lifecycles, encompassing production, transportation, utilization, and disposal.
ROTTERDAM CONVENTION
- The Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for certain hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in international trade serves as the initial defense against hazardous chemicals for Parties involved.
- This convention fosters international collaboration to preserve human health and the environment, empowering countries to make informed decisions on whether to import hazardous chemicals and pesticides listed within the Convention.
STOCKHOLM CONVENTION:
- The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants is a worldwide treaty designed to shield human health and the environment from highly hazardous, long-lasting chemicals.
- Its objectives include restricting and ultimately eliminating the production, usage, trade, release, and storage of such chemicals.
OUTCOMES OF THE MEETINGS
Basel Convention on Control of Transboundary Movement of Hazardous Wastes and their
Disposal:
During the meeting, two crucial matters were extensively discussed and determined. Firstly, the formulation of technical guidelines pertaining to e-waste was addressed. Additionally, the inclusion of plastic waste in the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) procedure was a noteworthy decision made.
Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POP):
Within the Stockholm Convention, the Conference of Parties (COP) made a significant decision to include “Dicofol” in Annex A (Elimination) without any exemptions. Furthermore, “Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)” was also listed in Annex A, accompanied by certain exemptions.
Rotterdam Convention on Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous
Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade:
In the Rotterdam Convention, the meeting resulted in the addition of two new chemicals, namely Phorate and HBCD (hexabromocyclododecane), to the list requiring mandatory Prior Informed Consent (PIC) procedure in international trade.
- The Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm (BRS) Conventions are international environmental agreements united by a shared objective: safeguarding human health and the environment from the perils of hazardous chemicals and wastes.
- Objective: The purpose of the “synergies process” is to fortify the implementation of these three conventions on a national, regional, and global scale.
This involves offering cohesive policy guidance, improving the efficiency of support provided to Convention Parties, alleviating administrative burdens, and optimizing the effective and efficient utilization of resources across all levels. Throughout this process, the legal autonomy of each of the three multilateral environmental agreements is preserved.
FAQs – Joint Meeting of Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions
Q1: What is the “Triple COPs,” and when is it scheduled to take place?
A1: The “Triple COPs” refers to the joint meeting of the Basel Convention (COP-14), Rotterdam Convention (COP-9), and Stockholm Convention (COP-9). This gathering is set to happen in Geneva, Switzerland, from April 29th to May 10th, 2019.
Q2: What is the theme of the joint meeting, and what does it aim to achieve?
A2: The overarching theme for this event is ‘Clean Planet, Healthy People: Sound Management of Chemicals and Waste.’ The primary objective is to strengthen the implementation of the three conventions at national, regional, and global levels by providing coherent policy guidance, enhancing efficiency, and reducing administrative burdens.
Q3: What is the Basel Convention, and what does it address?
A3: The Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal aims to protect people and the environment from the negative effects of inappropriate management of hazardous wastes worldwide. It comprehensively deals with hazardous waste materials throughout their lifecycles.
Q4: What were the key discussions and decisions at the Basel Convention meeting?
A4: The meeting discussed technical guidelines on e-waste and decided to include plastic waste in the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) procedure.
Q5: What is the Rotterdam Convention, and what is its role in international trade?
A5: The Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for certain hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in international trade serves as the initial defense against hazardous chemicals. It facilitates international collaboration and empowers countries to make informed decisions on importing hazardous chemicals.
Q6: What is the Stockholm Convention, and what does it aim to achieve?
A6: The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants is a global treaty designed to protect human health and the environment from highly hazardous, long-lasting chemicals. It aims to restrict and ultimately eliminate the production, usage, trade, release, and storage of such chemicals.
Q7: What were the significant outcomes in the Stockholm Convention meeting?
A7: “Dicofol” was included in Annex A (Elimination) without any exemptions, and “Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)” was listed in Annex A with specific exemptions.
Q8: What were the new additions in the Rotterdam Convention’s list of chemicals?
A8: The meeting resulted in adding two new chemicals, Phorate and HBCD (hexabromocyclododecane), to the list requiring mandatory Prior Informed Consent (PIC) procedure in international trade.
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