UNEP Basel Convention. Bulletin. Editorial COP9 Basel Convention Bulletin

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1 BASEL CONVENTION world environmental agreement on wastes UNEP Basel Convention Bulletin June 2008 Editorial COP9 Basel Convention Bulletin Dear readers, It is my great pleasure to welcome you to Bali on occasion of ninth meeting of Conference of Parties to Basel Convention. COP9 is first meeting of Conference of Parties I have privilege of serving since taking up my duties as Executive Secretary of Basel Convention last year. I am refore particularly pleased to be able to greet you today in unique settings. The Government of Republic of Indonesia is our generous host this year. I wish to take this opportunity to extend my sincere gratitude to Indonesian Government for its interest in Basel Convention outsting efforts which have gone into ensuring that this event is a success, in a true spirit of cooperation. The ninth meeting of Conference of Parties has before it a number of important challenges. Meeting se challenges successfully will determine future direction of Convention. My hope is that outcomes of this COP will contribute to placing Basel Convention firmly on international agenda,, furr, re-affirm implementation of Convention as a prerequisite for sustainable development worldwide. In this context, me of COP9 focuses on Waste Management for Human Health Livelihood. The Basel Convention was set up to protect human health environment from negative effects consequential to uncontrolled transboundary movements unsound management of hazardous or wastes. The protection of human health livelihood is refore at core of Basel Convention. This assertion is as true today as it was at time of negotiation of Convention. We must, through our efforts at COP9, reposition Basel Convention in such a way that decision-makers systematically include all waste management issues into costing, planning implementation efforts linked to attainment of Millennium Development Goals sustainable development as a whole. While nobody would actively contest its importance, waste management today is not generally Dr. Katharina Kummer Peiry INSIDE Editorial...1 The me of COP9: Waste Management for Human Health Livelihood...3 Waste Management for Human Health Livelihood Health-care waste management...4 Global Programme for Sustainable Ship Recycling th Session of World Customs Organisation Enforcement Committee...6 Fourth Workshop of Asian Network for Prevention of Illegal Transboundary Movement of Hazardous Waste...6 The European Network for Implementation Enforcement of Environmental Law (IMPEL) Basel Convention Join Forces...6 Update on project activities undertaken under Basel Convention partnership on environmentally sound management of e waste in Asia-Pacific region...7 Inventory of electrical electronic waste (e-waste) in South America...8 StEP Basel Convention discuss synergies...8 Interim Group on Partnership for Action on Computing Equipment...9 Update on Mobile Phone Partnership Initiative...9 Towards a regional strategy to combat illegal traffic dumping of hazardous wastes in Arab ports...10 Strengning of collaboration between Secretariat of Basel Convention International Lead Management Centre...10 Strategy on management of biomedical (healthcare) waste for Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYR of Macedonia)...11 Demonstration of a regional approach to environmentally sound management of PCB liquid wastes transformers capacitors containing PCBs in West Africa...11 Best practices of PCB management in mining sector in South America...12 The on-line reporting database of Basel Convention...12 From Rotterdam Convention: chemical experts recommend adding two more pesticides to trade watch list...13 Joint Rotterdam Stockholm Convention staff retreat...14 Basel Convention Compliance Committee meetings...15 Status of Ratifications

2 Basel Convention Bulletin June 2008 considered a priority topic at national or international levels, thus does not receive political financial support it clearly merits. We must make sure that waste management is understood as a crucial issue that deserves political financial support. By highlighting contribution made under Basel Convention to human health livelihood, highlevel segment of COP9 should help raise profile of issue at all levels. In order to support us in this endeavor, we have organized a World Forum on Waste Management for Human Health Livelihood on first day of high-level segment of COP9 (26 th June 2008). Eminent persons from Government, civil society industry will highlight ways in which environmentally sound waste management contributes to attainment of selected Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). The MDGs were adopted to combat poverty, hunger, disease, illiteracy, environmental degradation, discrimination against women, to promote partnerships at all levels. They provide a high-level framework for improvement of livelihoods life worldwide. The Forum, open to all, should be a frank discussion about Waste Management for Human Health Livelihood, which will be moderated by Executive Director of UNEP, Mr. Achim Steiner. I welcome you all to participate in Forum, programme of which you will find in document UNEP/CHW.9/INF/2 on page 3. Next year, Basel Convention will be twenty years old, an anniversary which provides a bench mark to reflect on past achievements to address future challenges. Among its past achievements, Basel Convention set up an effective regulatory system, which, every day, enables hazardous or wastes to be transported managed in an environmentally sound manner. Furr, innovative concepts have been developed implemented, such as Basel Convention s partnerships programme. The Mobile Phone Partnership Programme is first partnership that came to fruition. The Partnership for Action on Computing Equipment (PACE) will be launched at COP9, which reaffirms validity continuation of using a partnership approach to address emerging problems (please see relevant articles in Bulletin). New problematic waste streams have emerged, such as electrical electronic wastes (e-waste) which have been embraced tackled hs on by Basel Convention. At COP8, Basel Convention adopted Nairobi Declaration on environmentally sound management of electrical electronic waste, a related programme of activities which will be launched at COP9. Or innovative activities include Basel Convention s engagement in international efforts linked to ship dismantling through its involvement in negotiations of a new treaty, International Convention for Safe Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships, under auspices of International Maritime Organization (IMO) (please see relevant articles in Bulletin). There are many or achievements worthy of being mentioned, among ors, capacity building efforts for developing countries countries with economies in transition, undertaken by Basel Convention s unique network or Regional Coordinating Centres worldwide (please see relevant articles in Bulletin). However, we must bear in mind that world has changed since With globalization of trade, emergence of new waste streams, development of new technologies, new solutions are required. Finding implementing such solutions constitutes one of key challenges for future. We have a proposal on table at COP9 to launch a review of Convention, to be completed by This process will allow us to analyze, in great depth, adequacy of way in which Convention currently operates, in order to develop possible needed adjustments for long-term. A number of related activities are already ongoing, such as a review of Basel Convention Regional Coordinating Centres, assessment of Strategic Plan of Implementation to These processes will help us in identifying strategic priorities for next decades. In relation to above, COP9 will be a useful platform to launch a proactive process regarding interpretation of Article 17.5 Ban Amendment, taking account developments since 1995 when Amendment was adopted. A High-level lunch, generously hosted by H.E. Mr. Rachmat Witoelar, State Minister for Environment of Indonesia, will kick-off discussion informally, with possible new approaches that could be considered in formal process of COP. The Basel Convention s future is also linked to developments in global international environmental governance arena. COP9 will consider recommendations made by Ad Hoc Joint Working Group on Enhanced Cooperation Coordination between Basel, Rotterdam Stockholm Conventions. I welcome this process as an opportunity for Basel Convention Parties to make ir mark in this significant UN-wide process. COP9, finally, is also our opportunity to position Basel Convention onto a solid financial basis in order to allow it to continue its work, through a realistic focused work plan allocation of corresponding resources to implement it. My vision is that COP11 in 2012 will mark birth of a reinvigorated Basel Convention, which will have a highly visible place on political agenda through its successful contribution to human health livelihood worldwide. This would be all more appropriate as 2

3 Basel Convention Bulletin June marks 20th anniversary of entry into force of Convention. With launch of a review process a new Strategic Plan, COP9 has opportunity to lay foundation for this vision to become a reality. I wish to take this opportunity to thank our host, Government of Republic of Indonesia, a country renowned for hospitality of its people, for its warm welcome continuous commitment to Basel Convention. The me of COP9: Waste Management for Human Health Livelihood (please see UNEP/CHW.9/INF/2 for more details about me of COP9) The me of ninth meeting of Conference of Parties to Basel Convention is Waste Management for Human Health Livelihood, which was chosen to reaffirm undeniable interdependence between environmentally sound waste management of hazardous or wastes achievement of sustainable development, especially for those who need it most. World leaders agreed on eight measurable goals, Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) at 2000 UN Millennium Summit, to combat poverty, hunger, disease, illiteracy, environmental degradation discrimination against women develop partnerships. The MDGs provide a high-level framework for improvement of livelihoods life worldwide. The aim of me on Waste Management for Human Health Livelihood is thus to demonstrate significant concrete contribution of environmentally sound waste management through attainment of selected MDGs 1. A discussion Forum, World Forum on Waste Management for Human Health Livelihood, will take place on first day of Basel Convention COP9 high-level segment on 26 June 2008 in Plenary. A person of high international renown will be invited to give a keynote address on interlinkage between waste management human health livelihood. Following key-note address, eminent speakers from Government, civil society industry will make presentations on how ir activities contribute to achievement of relevant MDGs, in relation to me, in concrete terms. Speakers are invited based on ir personal experience or involvement in making a significant contribution to achievement of each of MDGs through environmentally sound waste management. The main outcome of Forum should be a Bali Commitment, establishing me of Waste Management for Human Health Livelihood as a vector for attainment of sustainable development through relevant MDGs. The Bali Commitment could provide a tool for introducing issue of environmentally sound waste management into international health development agendas. 1 MDG 1: Eradicate extreme poverty hunger, MDG 3: Promote gender equality empower women, MDG 4: Reduce child mortality, MDG 5: Improve maternal health, MDG 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria or diseases, MDG 7: Ensure environmental sustainability. MDG 8: Develop Partnerships for development I hope you enjoy this issue of Basel Convention Bulletin I wish you a very fruitful dynamic meeting. Fotolia Dr. Katharina Kummer Peiry Programme Executive Secretary Basel Convention The ninth meeting of Conference of Parties to Basel Convention, Bali, Indonesia High-level Segment: World Forum on Waste Management for Human Health Livelihood Morning Session 26 June 2008 Room Nusantara (1 st floor) Key-note address opening ceremony Moderator s introduction to me Millennium Development Goals Moderator s introduction of speakers proceedings of day Speakers interventions Discussion open to floor Lunch break at Afternoon Session Summary of morning session by moderator Speakers interventions Discussion open to floor Wrap up by moderator conclusions 3

4 Basel Convention Bulletin June 2008 Waste Management for Human Health Livelihood Health-care waste management The Secretariat of Basel Convention has initiated discussions with World Health Organization (WHO) to explore opportunities for closer collaboration, particularly in those areas of WHO s global leadership that relate to Protection of Human Environment. Opportunities under discussion include extending collaboration on environmentally sound management of waste (ESM) working to ensure effectiveness of Convention taking into consideration work being undertaken by WHO Member States to implement International health Regulations (2005). These regulations require Parties to notify WHO of any public health incident of international concern, such as events caused by environmental contamination that has potential to spread across international borders. The following article has been provided by colleagues at WHO to highlighting issues associated with healthcare waste management. We look forward to including contributions on or key public health issues to future editions of Bulletin. Health-care activities lead to production of waste that may lead to adverse health effects. Most of this waste is not more dangerous than regular household waste. However, some types of health-care waste represent a higher risk to health. These include infectious waste (15% to 25% of total health-care waste) among which are sharps waste (1%), anatomical waste (1%), chemical or pharmaceutical waste (3%), radioactive cytotoxic waste or broken rmometers (less than 1%). Sharps waste, although produced in small quantities, is highly infectious. Poorly managed, y expose healthcare workers, waste hlers community to infections. Contaminated needles syringes represent a particular threat may be scavenged from waste areas dump sites be reused. The safe sustainable management of health-care waste is a public health imperative a responsibility of all. The right investment of resources commitment will result in a substantive reduction of disease burden corresponding savings in health expenditures. The WHO core principles on health care waste management require that all entities associated with financing supporting health-care activities should provide for costs of managing health-care waste. This is duty of care. Manufacturers also share a responsibility to take waste management into account in development sale of ir products services. Health-care waste management options may mselves lead to risks to health no perfect readily achievable solution to manage health-care waste exists. Healthcare waste, wher generated at smaller rural clinics or larger facilities, can be managed where adequate welloperated infrastructures exist. However, volumes of waste generated within large facilities targeted public efforts (e.g., immunization campaigns) are more challenging, particularly in developing countries where resources may be limited. In collaboration with countries partners WHO is involved in waste management in health care settings. This includes: setting, validation monitoring of norms stards through guidelines for waste management in health care settings; Developing tools guidelines for diseases control risk reduction such as management of waste from blood transfusion activities as well as guidelines for emergency contexts; Support of developing ethical evidence based policy through a series of papers for example, safe health care waste management or, mercury in health care; Simulating research development testing new technologies such as working with academic institutions in testing verifying health care waste management options for resource poor settings; Assessment, status trends in close collaboration with national authorities; Provides support for sustainable capacity building on health care waste management in health care settings. WHO is collaborating with UNEP mercury partnership, provides support to 72 GAVI priority countries on health care waste is involved in Global Environment Facility implementation project in 8 countries: Argentina, India, Latvia, Lebanon, The Philippines, Senegal, Tanzania Viet Nam with objective to demonstrate promote best techniques practices for reducing health-care waste to avoid environmental releases of dioxins mercury; contributes to World Patient safety initiative through clean environment. The World Health Organization (WHO) is international agency within United Nations system responsible for health. WHO experts produce health guidelines stards, help countries to address public health issues also support promote health research. Through WHO, governments can jointly tackle global health problems improve people s well being. 192 countries two associate members are WHO s members. Public health experts a wide variety of professionals work for WHO in 147 country offices, six regional offices at headquarters in Geneva, Switzerl. Public health issues related to health care waste management are WHO priorities. 4

5 Basel Convention Bulletin June 2008 Global Programme for Sustainable Ship Recycling The Global Programme for Sustainable Ship Recycling was created in 2007 to facilitate improvements in worker health safety environmental conditions in ship recycling countries in South Asia region. The Programme concept has been developed in close consultation with two or international organizations with an interest expertise in ship recycling: International Maritime Organization (IMO) International Labour Office (ILO). The Secretariat of Basel Convention seeks to work with all ship recycling stakeholders to ensure future sustainability of industry. A new Convention on Safe Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships is currently being negotiated under auspices of IMO to facilitate improvements in industry, although entry into force is not expected until approximately 2015 after sufficient ratifications are received. Action is urgently required to prevent incidence of worker injury fatality reduce negative impacts of this activity on environment. To this end, Programme seeks to: Promote sustainability of ship recycling industry by enhancing application of internationally recognized stards relating to occupational safety health (OSH) environmental protection; Promote effective implementation of future Convention for Safe Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships being negotiated under auspices of IMO, by building upon existing technical assistance activities promoting guidelines of IMO, ILO Basel Convention, elements of new Convention (as developed); Promote an integrated approach to ship recycling industry, by addressing infrastructural or needs in participant countries in beyond ship recycling yards. The future activities of programme will include: Development of model facilities in each of participant countries. Development of Government-to-Business certification scheme(s) to provide a yardstick by which ship owners governments may assess adherence of a yard to internationally accepted OSH environmental stards. Policy development to assist ship recycling countries in preparing for entry-into-force of IMO Convention on Safe Environmentally Sound Recycling of Ships. Establishing linkages with related development programmes being implemented in participant countries. Training workshops Initial consultations A diverse group of ship recycling stakeholders met in Dhaka, Bangladesh, in January 2008 for initial discussions on Global Programme concept. The events in Dhaka, hosted by Secretariat of Basel Convention, with support provided by Bangladesh Ministry of Environment Forests, were intended to provide a forum for an initial consultation on Global Programme by facilitating an exchange of views by Government Ministries Departments, SBC industry, IGOs, NGOs international experts. Bangladesh, which currently has largest ship recycling industry, was selected as an appropriate venue to initiate se discussions. Highlights of discussions The importance of ship recycling industry to countries in which it is based, particularly Bangladesh, was highlighted by both Government industry representatives alike. In Bangladesh, industry employs 25,000 workers in approximately 25 yards, although it is estimated that 500,000 people are indirectly employed by industry (in downstream sectors). Over 95% of a ship can be recycled, majority of which is steel, which provides Bangladesh with 80% of its current steel requirements, mainly for construction. While Government, NGOs industry welcome efforts by international organisations to improve state of ship recycling globally (both through new Convention being negotiated under auspices of IMO initiatives such as Global Programme), several points relative to future Programme emerged in discussions: Stards must be improved in a phased manner such improvements should be affordable so as to ensure industry continues to be economically viable in countries concerned. The programme must be country-driven, taking into account requirements at international national levels. New regulations as defined in new IMO Convention need to be transposed into national legislation as deemed appropriate by national policy makers regulators. Linkages need to be established with or national sectors (e.g. in developing a model yard with waste reception facilities) Lessons from previous assistance projects, for example, SafeRec in Bangladesh, need to be borne in mind to assure both optimal usage of resources expected outputs. Many ship recycling countries already have necessary expertise in-country to achieve improvements. In this regard, financial, not technical, assistance is greatest requirement. The workers must have a key role to play in future developments in industry. The main concerns of workers, as voiced by NGOs, include opportunity for permanent employment, better enforcement of ir rights, decent work, a minimum wage structure improved worker health safety at yards. 5

6 Basel Convention Bulletin June 2008 In terms of proposed Programme activities, development of a model facility was welcomed by all stakeholders, although specifics with regard to funding of such a project, type level of international assistance, would require furr discussion. Training was also deemed essential, although or educational mechanisms require exploration. Training should be needs-based as it is apparent that certain types of job functions (e.g. working at height) cause most accidents. Permanent facilities need to be developed to address ongoing training requirements. Training should be provided free-of-charge to workers. In finalising discussions, Secretariat committed to furr develop its proposal on Global Programme for Sustainable Ship Recycling, on basis of se initial consultations with key stakeholders. Ms. Donata Rugarabamu, Senior Legal Officer, Secretariat of Basel Convention, Donata.Rugarabamu@unep.ch, Tel th Session of World Customs Organisation Enforcement Committee The Secretariat of Basel Convention (SBC) participated in 27 th session of World Customs Organisation Enforcement Committee. The SBC gave a presentation on current situation in illicit trafficking in hazardous wastes role of customs, reby raising awareness about Basel Convention with customs officials. The SBC also participated in matic group discussion that examined WCO recommendation on countering transnational environmental crimes possible Fourth Workshop of Asian Network for Prevention of Illegal Transboundary Movement of Hazardous Waste The Secretariat of Basel Convention participated in fourth Workshop of Asian Network for Prevention of Illegal Transboundary Movement of Hazardous Wastes in Tokyo on January 2008 where it chaired a session on criteria for waste non-waste with a focus on electrical electronic equipment. The workshop participants agreed to cooperate in following fields: (1) Update country contact lists (2) Close collaboration with EU countries e.g. through IMPEL/TFS (3) The European Network for Implementation Enforcement of Environmental Law (IMPEL) Basel Convention Join Forces The Basel Convention IMPEL signed a Memorum of Understing with a view to strengning cooperation between two bodies. Expertise will be shared to curb illegal traffic of hazardous or wastes subject to Basel Convention. Concrete action plan to combat such crimes. The members of Committee showed great interest in Multi-lateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) environmental issues decided, among or things, to continue to exchange share information on manner in which customs can assist in implementation of MEAs. The Committee adopted WCO recommendations on countering transnational environmental crimes possible action plan to combat such crimes. These recommendations action plan were presented for adoption by WCO Council at its meeting in May Mr. Ibrahim Shafii, Programme Officer, Secretariat of Basel Convention, Ibrahim.Shafii@unep.ch, tel Research on distinguishing waste from non-waste by BCRC- China (4) Development of reference material on good practices (5) Research for speedy Basel notification consent procedure (6) Research on degree of damages during shipment by type of packaging loading (7) E-waste partnership programme under Basel Convention. The workshop was attended by participants from competent authorities or focal points to Basel Convention from twelve countries a special administrative region, Basel Convention Regional Centers (BCRCs) in China Indonesia, IMPEL-TFS network, UNEP/Regional Office for Asia Pacific, Canada, governmental non-governmental organizations in Japan. Mr. Ibrahim Shafii, Programme Officer, Secretariat of Basel Convention, Ibrahim.Shafii@unep.ch, tel activities will focus on inspections, monitoring, reporting enforcement of provisions of Basel Convention. There will also be training activities for Parties to Basel Convention that are developing countries countries with economies in transition on legislation, regulation best practices. Discussions have started on formulation of a work programme for cooperation using Basel Convention projects with an enforcement component as a basis. The first area of furr cooperation will probably be related to monitoring shipments of electrical electronic waste from Europe to developing countries to environmentally sound management of such waste. The European Network for Implementation Enforcement of Environmental Law was set up in 1992 is referred to in 6 th EU Environment Action Programme, Recommendation 6

7 Basel Convention Bulletin June /331 of European Parliament of Council of 4 April 2001 providing for minimum criteria for environmental inspections in Member States. IMPELs purpose is to ensure a more effective implementation enforcement of environmental legislation in European Community offering practical advice on implementation enforcement of EC environmental legislation. One of Clusters of IMPEL focuses on enforcement compliance of transboundary shipments of waste (TFS-cluster). Ms. Donata Rugarabamu, Senior Legal Officer, Secretariat of Basel Convention, Donata.Rugarabamu@unep.ch. Also visit: SBC Update on project activities undertaken under Basel Convention partnership on environmentally sound management of e waste in Asia- Pacific region The Basel Convention Partnership on Environmentally Sound Management of Electrical Electronic Wastes for Asia Pacific Region that was developed as a project officially launched in Tokyo, Japan, in November 2005 on occasion of Asia-Pacific Regional Inception Workshop on Environmentally Sound Management of Electronic Electrical Wastes, hosted by Government of Japan in collaboration with Secretariat of Basel Convention Japan s National Institute for Environmental Studies. The goal of this programme of action is to enhance capacity of Parties to manage electrical electronic wastes in an environmentally sound way through building up of publicprivate partnerships, by preventing illegal traffic. The following Asian countries have supported participated in project activities: Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thail Vietnam. In addition, BCRC China, BCRC SEA PRC- SPREP prepared regional proposals for countries covered by ir Centres. The Governments of Canada, Japan, Nerls have provided financial support for implementation of project furr efforts are being made to secure funding from or sources. Table I shows progress of project activities as of April The next phase of this project is initiation of pilot schemes on collection segregation of e-waste, including takeback schemes, initiation of pilot repair, refurbishment recycling schemes training of customs enforcement officers to control import export of electrical electronic wastes so as to combat illegal trafficking. The development of appropriate methods for evaluation, testing, characterization classification of e-waste, extended producer responsibility, stards guidelines for environmentally sound management or for certification schemes will be initiated in future. The establishment of mechanisms for information exchange at national regional level monitoring of impacts on human health environment of management of electrical electronic wastes will be a priority. Table I Project activities undertaken under Basel Convention partnership on environmentally sound management of e waste in Asia-Pacific region (as of April 2008) Country/BCRC Title of project Scope Status BCRC China Feasibility analysis to develop a centre of excellence of Regional Completed. information on ESM of e-waste in BCRC in Beijing BCRC China Research on criteria between new/used EEE hazardous/ non-hazardous criteria in selected Asian countries Regional In progress; to be completed in June 2009 PRC-SPREP, Samoa Pilot inventory of e-waste in five Pacific isl countries Regional In progress. To be completed in December BCRC SEA, Jakarta Development of guideline documents on methodology on inventory of e-waste environmentally sound recycling, reuse, repair, refurbishment/disposal of e-waste Regional Completed. See 7

8 Basel Convention Bulletin June 2008 Country/BCRC Title of project Scope Status BCRC SEA, Jakarta Training workshop on ESM of e-waste Regional Completed on March 2007 in Cambodia. See Sri Lanka Development of national implementation plan for e-waste management National Completed. Development Alternatives, (NGO), India Facilitating partnerships for ESM of e-waste in India (NGO project): Phase I National Completed. Indonesia Preliminary inventory of e-waste National Completed. Cambodia, Inventory of e-waste National Completed. Malaysia, Thail, Viet Nam Cambodia Development of awareness raising kits conducting training courses National In progress; to be completed in Aug Mr. Ibrahim Shafii, Programme Officer, Secretariat of Basel Convention, Ibrahim.Shafii@unep.ch, tel Inventory of electrical electronic waste (e-waste) in South America The project aimed at assessing e-waste situation in South America by performing initial inventories in region. In addition, it aimed at implementing 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) policies of end-of-life electrical electronic products, promoting sound management of e-wastes. The following countries participated in activities: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay Venezuela. An outcome was publication of first Review Study on Formal Informal Networks for Management of End-of-Life Electric Electronic Equipment in South America, Opportunities for Latin American Market, available on website of Basel Convention Regional Centre for South American Region ( ar) Secretariat of Basel Convention ( An assessment of legal framework current management practices of e-waste was carried out in Argentina, Chile StEP Basel Convention discuss synergies The German Ministry of Environment hosted a meeting, on 25 April, 2008, at which Solve E-waste Problem Partnership (StEP) members Secretariat of Basel Convention, along with three Parties, met in Bonn to discuss future collaboration cooperation on topic of electrical electronic waste (e-waste). Both entities are working on e-waste through different mates it was timely to discuss synergies between two programmes in efforts to enhance ameliorate activities undertaken by both UN bodies. It was decided that an activity-based Memorum of Understing (MoU) would be established between two bodies. In addition to MoU, it was agreed that re would Venezuela covering computers, printers, cash registers, refrigerators video sound equipment. A pilot study on collection, classification, repair recycling of used computer equipment, with a view to approaching this waste stream in an environmental sound manner in framework of this project is being carried out by Computer Programme for Education - CPE (Computadores para Educar) of Ministry of Communications of Colombia with support of Ministry of Environment of Colombia, BCRC for South American Region located in Argentina EMPA (Eidgenössische Materialprüfungs- und Forschungsanstalt), Switzerl. The Centre coordinated project activities with technical support of SBC financial assistance of Government of United Kingdom ( USD) cash kind contributions by CPE ( USD). Mr. Nelson Sabogal, Senior Programme Officer, Secretariat of Basel Convention, Nelson.Sabogal@unep.ch, tel be a bi-annual letter of agreement to supplement MoU with furr details on work programmes activities underway or to be initiated. The work of Basel Convention covers not only Partnership to be established on used end-of-life computing equipment, PACE, but also broader mate of e-waste under Nairobi Declaration its decision VIII/2 on e-waste. The next steps will be to collaborate on legal models of Secretariat of Basel Convention that of UNU. It is anticipated that MoU might be signed at ninth meeting of Conference of Parties, or shortly reafter. Fore more information please contact: Ms. Claudia Fénérol, Senior Programme Officer, Secretariat of Basel Convention, Claudia.Fenerol@unep.ch, tel

9 Basel Convention Bulletin June 2008 Interim Group on Partnership for Action on Computing Equipment The sixth session of Open-ended Working Group established an Interim Group on Partnership for Action on Computing Equipment (PACE). The Interim Group was charged with task of developing recommendations for consideration by Conference of Parties to Basel Convention, at its ninth meeting. These recommendations include a draft work plan for biennium, terms of reference, with an outline for proposed structure of Partnership, a declaration of commitment, to be signed by partners at ninth meeting of Conference of Parties in June The OEWG also asked Interim Group to identify or activities relevant to work of Partnership. The Interim Group on PACE, which consists of 32 members (with representatives from personal computer manufacturers, recyclers, academia, international organisations, environmental groups Governments), was also asked to facilitate Update on Mobile Phone Partnership Initiative Since Mobile Phone Partnership Initiative (MPPI) was launched, five Technical Guidelines were completed on awareness raising on design considerations, collection of used end-of-life mobile phones, transboundary movement of collected mobile phones, refurbishment of used mobile phones, material recovery/recycling of end-of-life mobile phones. These Guidelines have been tested in a facility type environment to review ir application in practice in what is a rapidly changing field of technology. Reports have been completed or are nearly completed on each Guideline tested. These reports will be posted on Basel Convention website following ir approval by Working Group on Mobile Phones. On basis of Guidelines developed, an overall Guidance Document containing summaries recommendations from all five Technical Guidelines was completed was provisionally adopted at eighth meeting of Conference of Parties to Basel Convention. The Guidance Document is now being submitted to ninth meeting of Conference of Parties to Basel Convention for adoption. Parties, Basel Convention Regional Coordinating Centres, industry, non-governmental organisations or stakeholders are currently using all five Guidelines Guidance Document. The Technical Guidelines Guidance Document are also being used to raise awareness on environmentally balanced diverse participation of private sector or stakeholders in Partnership. Mechanisms for providing sustainable predictable financial support for Partnership are also to be sought. The Interim Group has operated through a series of teleconferences, s one physical meeting. It has effectively completed terms of reference for Partnership, declaration of commitment a work plan for PACE, which will be considered by ninth meeting of Conference of Parties, along with formal establishment of Partnership by Conference. The final physical meeting will take place on 22 June 2008 in Bali, Indonesia. Following meeting, re will be an open meeting of PACE to introduce outcome of Interim Group framework of this multi-stakeholder Partnership. Initial outreach work has already begun to engage interest in commitment to PACE. Interested stakeholders who would like to participate in this initiative are invited to contact: Ms. Claudia Fénérol, Senior Programme Officer, Secretariat of Basel Convention, Tel , Fax: , Claudia.Fenerol@unep.ch sound management of used end-of-life mobile phones. The Technical Guidelines overall Guidance Document can be found at: The Mobile Phone Working Group (MPWG) reviewed MPPI, Decisions VI/32, VII/4, VIII/6, Declaration signed by industry partners in 2002, believes that Working Group has completed its tasks as assigned successfully met its objectives. Bearing this in mind, MPWG will request ninth Conference of Parties to cease its operation. It is requesting ninth meeting of Conference of Parties that all remaining tasks to be carried out under Mobile Phone Partnership Initiative be carried out as part of an ad-hoc forum known as Partnership Updates on Mobile Phones, with participation by interested Parties, Signatories, industry non-governmental organizations. The Mobile Phone Partnership Initiative was launched in 2002, during sixth meeting of Conference of Parties to Basel Convention, at which twelve manufacturers (Alcatel, LG, Matsushita (Panasonic), Mitsubishi, Motorola, NEC, Nokia, Philips, Samsung, Sharp, Siemens, Sony Ericsson) signed a Declaration entering into a sustainable partnership with Basel Convention in cooperation with or stakeholders, to develop promote environmentally sound management of used end-of-life mobile phones. In July 2005, three telecom operators (Bell Canada, France Telecom/Orange, Vodafone) signed a Declaration entering into Partnership. Ms Claudia Fénérol, Senior Programme Officer, Secretariat of Basel Convention, Claudia.Fenerol@unep.ch 9

10 Basel Convention Bulletin June 2008 SBC Towards a regional strategy to combat illegal traffic dumping of hazardous wastes in Arab ports Representative from 16 Arabic countries, officials from four of main Egyptian ports representatives from nongovernmental organizations attended workshop on a regional strategy to combat illegal traffic dumping of hazardous wastes in Arab ports, which was organized by Basel Convention Regional Office located in Cairo, UNEP s Regional Office for West Asia Mediterranean Action Plan, League of Arab States. The workshop focused on illegal traffic dumping of hazardous wastes across ports, international regional legal frameworks national practical experience in region. Presentations about Basel related Conventions, Green Custom Initiative, Mediterranean Protocol were given. Following workshop, a consultative meeting took place on a prospective strategy for effective collaboration between among Arab states to combat illegal traffic dumping of hazardous wastes through Arab ports. Recommendations on capacity building, financial resources, legal, technical political collaboration, as well as regional international collaboration were addressed. The workshop was covered by Egyptian media. More information can be obtained from Please also contact Mr. Nelson Sabogal, Senior Programme Officer, Secretariat of Basel Convention, Nelson.Sabogal@ unep.ch, tel Strengning of collaboration between Secretariat of Basel Convention International Lead Management Centre ILMC SBC are collaborating for implementation of Strategic Plan of Basel Convention in field of environmentally sound management (ESM) of used lead acid batteries (ULAB) reduction of exposure to lead contamination, in particular for most exposed populations such as women children. Both organizations are committed to building on ir joint experience in developing, with all stakeholders, field-based methodologies for ESM of ULAB, exp ir involvement in all regions where Parties to Basel Convention have expressed interest to receive assistance. In light of increasing globalization of trade in commodities hazardous waste consequent complexities for regional trade, re is a need to develop monitoring mechanisms for environmentally sound collection, transport recovery of used lead acid batteries that would be in compliance with objectives, principles stards of convention. In this context, forthcoming phases of this collaboration include: i. Support to implementation of (2006) Regional Strategy for ESM of ULAB in Central America, Colombia, Venezuela Caribbean Isl States; ii. Undertaking of ULAB country assessments in Parties to Basel Convention preparation of national actions plans; iii. Assistance to development of regional strategies for ESM of ULAB; iv. Furr development of guidance information material on ESM of ULAB prevention of exposure to lead contamination, in particular for women children; v. Setting up of regional monitoring schemes for ESM of ULAB environmentally sound recovery of lead. Note: The ILMC, LLC, is a lead risk reduction project administered by International Lead Zinc Research Organization (ILZRO) supported by Lead Development Association International (LDAI). ILMC has been an active contributor to development of Technical Guidelines for ESM of ULAB that were adopted by Conference of Parties to Basel Convention in Moreover, ILMC has assisted secretariat in various pilot programs for ESM of ULAB development of regional strategies. ILMC is based in Durham, North Carolina, USA. Mr. Nelson Sabogal, Senior Programme Officer, Secretariat of Basel Convention, Nelson.Sabogal@unep.ch, tel

11 Basel Convention Bulletin June 2008 Strategy on management of biomedical (healthcare) waste for Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYR of Macedonia) A strategy on management of biomedical (healthcare) waste was developed for territory of FYR of Macedonia enabled through support of Basel Convention Regional Centre located in Bratislava, Slovak Republic, Secretariat of Basel Convention (SBC) UNEP. This project is in line with needs expressed by national authorities ( Ministry of Environment Physical Planning MEPP in particular), along with objectives of Business Plan of BCRC for The strategy addresses following issues: 1) development of legal framework for health care waste management (HCWM),2) rationalization of HCWM practices in hospitals in country, 3) analysis of specific financial resources dedicated to HCWM, 4) awareness, 5) capacity building training measures, 6) recommendations for improvement, 7) a monitoring plan. The final project report of strategy is available on www. basel.int Please also contact Mr. Nelson Sabogal, Senior Programme Officer, Secretariat of Basel Convention, Nelson. Sabogal@unep.ch, tel Demonstration of a regional approach to environmentally sound management of PCB liquid wastes transformers capacitors containing PCBs in West Africa The medium-size project approved in 2006 has been successfully implemented by UNEP-GEF Unit executed by BCRC-Dakar with technical institutional support from Secretariat of Basel Convention. A detailed Project Identification Fiche (PIF) for full-size project was submitted to Global Environment Facility (GEF) in March 2008 a comprehensive project proposal (PD) is under preparation. The project included such activities as; consolidation refinement of national inventories in a regional context, consultations with main stakeholders in region, including national electricity companies West African Power Pool, development of a detailed business plan with industrial partners for establishment operation of a regional facility for decontamination of PCB containing equipment, development of a regional capacity building programme to support sound management of equipment in use, collection, storage transport of PCB containing equipment to a regional decontamination centre, shipping of liquid PCBs to Europe for final disposal Subject to approval by GEF or stakeholders, fullsize project implemented by UNEP is proposed to be co-executed by BCRC-Dakar anor UN agency with technical institutional support of or national regional institutions Secretariat of Basel Convention. The West African Power Pool is expected to play an important role. Activities are expected to start in The budget would be distributed as follows (in USD); 1) GEF: 5, ) regional developing banks bilateral agencies: 5, ) industry: 3, income from or sources, including from metal recovery activities. The need to address environmentally sound management (ESM) of PCBs by pooling toger limited capacity resources of individual countries via a sub-regional approach has been given priority in Environment Action Plan of New Partnership for Africa s Development (NEPAD). In his opening speech on occasion of Second Partners Conference on NEPAD Environment Action Plan held in Dakar in March 2003, President of Senegal, H.E. Mr. A. Wade, made a specific reference to present NEPAD project proposal on development of a regional approach for managing PCBs PCB containing equipment. The approach of this project is to encourage introduction of ESM regimes at national level within a regionally harmonized framework. This approach builds on existing regional structures, including Basel Convention Regional Centres West Africa Power Pool, to provide a regional market opportunity for service providers to deliver cost-effective ESM for PCB oils, equipment wastes, whilst building national regional capacities. The approach of business plan under preparation represents a considerable cash investment by private sector a cash contribution in form of profit foregone to support establishment operation, of a treatment centre in region. The experience of use of soft technologies for decontamination of equipment at regional treatment facility will help build regional capacity know-how while engagement with a destruction technology trial will demonstrate feasibility of, establish criteria for, ESM coprocessing of PCB wastes in compliance with technical stards of Stockholm Basel Conventions. Mr Vincent Jugault, Programme Officer, Secretariat of Basel Convention, Vincent.Jugault@unep.ch, tel

12 Basel Convention Bulletin June 2008 Best practices of PCB management in mining sector in South America The UNEP-GEF Unit, several countries in South America, toger with industry associations Secretariat of Basel Convention (SBC) have developed a sub-regional project for environmentally sound management (ESM) of PCBs in mining sector. A Project Identification Fiche (PIF) has been submitted to Global Environment Facility (GEF) for possible co-funding (USD 1.6 Million). The project is due to start in 2009 would be implemented in Chile Peru. BCRC-Argentina will be executing agency for this project. This GEF funded medium-size project will address PCB management issues related to life cycle of PCB management, focusing in one priority sector (mining sector) in participating countries. It will assist Governments industries to address regulatory, analytical monitoring aspects of PCB lifecycle management. One of initial actions of project will be to refine inventories, by following relevant Basel Convention guidance material, with a view to obtaining accurate data information on PCB waste containing equipment. Proper PCB analysis validation schemes will be available. A key component of this project will be development of partnerships with national, if possible, international mining associations, in order to maximize impact of project outputs to promote wide take up of best practices in compliance with Stockholm Convention internal regulations guidelines from national Governments mining sector. The on-line reporting database of Basel Convention The on-line reporting database of Basel Convention is now accessible to Parties ors through Convention website ( The database provides access to data information contained in national reports, transmitted by Parties to Secretariat, pursuant to paragraph 3 of article 13 of Basel Convention. The reporting database of Basel Convention, which is basis for its online version, was designed developed, for Secretariat of Basel Convention, by Finnish Environment Institute (SYKE). The Basel Technical Guidelines do not prescribe a specific analytical method to determine low POP contents. They refer to application of national international stards. Therefore, existing laboratories in each country will be trained in methodologies to perform PCB analysis following internationally prescribed stards for matrices of interest, namely oils from electrical, electronic or hydraulic equipment technical matrices such as contaminated materials, e.g. soil, concrete, remediation equipment. This project will address se challenges by conducting a detailed study on PCB regulations in each participating country will identify existing gaps places where regulations may be enhanced in mining sector. It will also encourage public-private partnerships for development of detailed PCB life-cycle management plans, at facility industry association level it will identify disseminate lessons learned good practices in PCB management, at industry Government level. The coordinated approach developed by this project on regulations, analytical capacities, publicprivate sector involvement, good practices will be replicated by Governments industry. The regional coordination of regulatory frameworks may also allow countries to facilitate exchange of expertise development of coordinated schemes for ESM of PCB management. Mr Vincent Jugault, Programme Officer, Secretariat of Basel Convention, Vincent.Jugault@unep.ch, tel By accessing Questions 2-7, information, as transmitted by Parties, can be retrieved concerning wastes controlled for purpose of transboundary movement; restrictions on transboundary movements of hazardous wastes or wastes; control procedures of transboundary movements of waste; reduction /or elimination of generation of hazardous wastes or wastes; reduction of amount of hazardous wastes or wastes subject to transboundary movement ; effects on human health environment. The purpose of database is to efficiently manage, process retrieve data information contained in national reports transmitted by Parties, annually, to Secretariat. The structure of database is based on format of revised questionnaire on transmission of information, which was adopted by Conference of Parties to Basel Convention at its sixth meeting (December 2002), to furr facilitate national reporting by Parties. The online reporting database allows users to access information contained in Part I (Questions 2-7; Tables 1-5) Part II Section A (Tables 6, 7 8A), Section B (Tables 9-10) of revised questionnaire on transmission of information. 12

13 Basel Convention Bulletin June 2008 Tables 1-5 provide access to information, as transmitted by Parties, concerning bilateral, multilateral or regional agreements or arrangements; disposal facilities operated within national jurisdiction; recovery facilities operated within national jurisdiction; sources of technical assistance ; sources of financial assistance. Tables 6, 7 8A provide access to data, as transmitted by Parties, on generation transboundary movements of hazardous wastes or wastes. Tables 9 10 of Part II, Section B provide access to information, as transmitted by Parties, concerning disposals which did not proceed as intended ; accidents occurring during transboundary movement disposal of hazardous wastes or wastes. Currently, reporting database provides access to data information transmitted by Parties, for years 2001, 2002, For years , information contained in Part I Part II Section B of revised questionnaires received as of 21 April 2008 is entered into database data contained in Part II Section A on generation transboundary movements of hazardous wastes or wastes is being entered. Ms. Nalini Basavaraj, Programme officer, Secretariat of Basel Convention, Nalini.basavaraj@unep.ch,tel: or Mr. Alejro Montero, Programme Officer, Secretariat of Basel Convention, Alejro.montero@unep.ch, tel: Fotolia From Rotterdam Convention: chemical experts recommend adding two more pesticides to trade watch list The Chemical Review Committee, at its fourth meeting in March 2008, has recommended that two additional pesticides alachlor aldicarb be included in Prior Informed Consent, or PIC procedure, under Rotterdam Convention. The PIC procedure of Rotterdam Convention provides an early warning system that empowers countries to take informed decisions on import of hazardous chemicals in order to minimize risks posed to human health environment. At present re are 28 pesticides 11 industrial chemicals subject to PIC procedure. Many pesticides which are banned or severely restricted in industrialized countries are still traded used in developing countries. Too often, such pesticides are sold to farmers who lack equipment knowledge to use m safely, resulting in large numbers of injuries even deaths. Similarly, industrial chemicals, such as lead additives used to boost octane levels in gasoline, are still used in certain regions, resulting in build up of lead in environment adverse health impacts, harming especially intellectual development of children. The recommendation to add alachlor aldicarb to PIC procedure is based on a review of regulatory decisions to ban 13

14 Basel Convention Bulletin June 2008 use of se chemicals taken in several countries due to unacceptable risks to human health or environment. The fourth meeting of Conference of Parties to Rotterdam Convention, meeting in Rome on October 2008, will decide on wher to accept prior recommendations of Chemical Review Committee to include two pesticides, tributyl tin compounds endosulfan, in PIC procedure adopt decision guidance documents for se chemicals. It will also furr consider inclusion of chrysotile asbestos. The full report of meeting, including more details on Chemical Review Committee conclusions is available at K %20CRC-4%20Report%20-%20reissued%20for%20 technical%20reasons.pdf. The fourth meeting of Conference of Parties to Rotterdam Convention (COP4) will take place in Rome on October The high-level segment will take place on October will discuss me of Sound Chemicals Management: Relieving Burden on Public Health.For provisional agenda of COP4, please go to Joint Rotterdam Stockholm Convention staff retreat The first ever joint retreat of Secretariats of Rotterdam Stockholm Conventions was held 6-7 May 2008 at Glion sur Montreux, Switzerl. The retreat addressed issues of: optimizing roles contributions of staff; ensuring better synergy between technical programs support functions; improving technical delivery; enhancing cooperation between two conventions in facilitating assistance to Parties for convention implementation; strengning management. For each area, desired situation was described, obstacles were identified that get in way of realizing it, actions were proposed for overcoming obstacles reaching desired level of performance. A recurring me throughout was need to think in new different ways in order to be dramatically more effective. At close of retreat, Don Cooper, Executive Secretary of Stockholm Convention launches clearing house mechanism The Secretariat of Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants launched its new clearing house mechanism for exchange of information on persistent organic pollutants including sound measures valuable experiences in implementing Convention on 19 May The POPs clearing house mechanism will help countries or stakeholders to make better decisions about how to reduce or eliminate release of se highly dangerous chemicals into environment. It does this by empowering its users with means to contribute access up-to-date information in a transparent, neutral, efficient user friendly manner. The clearing house contains information on initial POPs covered by Convention: nine pesticides (aldrin, chlordane, DDT, dieldrin, endrin, heptachlor, hexachlorobenzene, mirex toxaphene); two SSC Stockholm Convention co-executive Secretary of Rotterdam Convention elaborated plan for joint services unit of two Conventions within which administration, information technology, conference services resource mobilization functions will be housed. The Executive Secretary of Basel Convention participated in first day of retreat. For information on upcoming meetings capacity building events of Basel, Rotterdam Stockolm Conventions please consult following websites: industrial chemicals (PCBs as well as hexachlorobenzene, also used as a pesticide); unintentional by-products, most importantly dioxins furans. It will include Technical Guidelines on POPs adopted by Basel Convention. It also includes information on eleven or chemicals currently under consideration by POPs Review Committee for possible addition to Stockholm Convention. A special section of clearing house will be devoted to information on DDT alternatives to its use in controlling malaria or disease vectors. Anor section will include information generated through global monitoring plan of Stockholm Convention, on levels of POPs present in environment, which is used to determining effectiveness of Convention in meeting its goal of protecting human health environment from POPs. The clearing house is a tool that will increase humanity s collective knowledge of risks posed by POPs means to address m. Present future generations will be beneficiaries. Mr. Osmany Pereira at opereira@pops.int; tel.:

15 Basel Convention Bulletin June 2008 Basel Convention Compliance Committee meetings The Basel Convention Compliance Committee met twice over last biennium, on 8-9 September February The Committee took opportunity to monitor implementation of ir work programme, which includes development of a guide of best practices in national reporting, a directory of training institutions offering activities aimed at improving capacity for detection, prevention prosecution of cases of illegal traffic. The Committee also developed a proposal for its future work programme, for consideration possible adoption by Conference of Parties at its ninth meeting. SBC Change of Designation of Focal Point or Competent Authority Parties are kindly reminded that changes of Focal Points or Competent Authorities need to be formally transmitted by fax or letter to Executive Secretary as this relates to an obligation under Article 5 of Convention. Status of Ratifications The Basel Convention has 170 Parties. The number of ratifications to Ban Amendment is of 63. The number of Contracting Parties to Protocol on Liability Compensation is of 8.The following United Nations Members are not yet a Party to Basel Convention: For comments about Basel Convention Bulletin or to obtain furr copies, please contact Ms. Nicole Dawe, Information Officer, Secretariat of Basel Convention, Nicole.Dawe@unep.ch, tel Tuvalu 22. United States of America 23. Vanuatu 24. Zimbabwe 1. Afghanistan 2. Angola 3. Democratic People s Republic of Korea 4. Fiji 5. Gabon 6. Grenada 7. Haïti 8. Iraq 9. Lao People s Democratic Republic 10. Myanmar 11. Palau 12. San Marino 13. Sao Tomé & Principe 14. Sierra Leone 15. Solomon Isls 16. Somalia 17. Suriname 18. Tajikistan 19. Timor-Leste 20. Tonga Stillpictures 15

16 For additional or past copies of Basel Convention Bulletin as well as copies of any Basel Convention information material, please contact Secretariat of Basel Convention, Ms. Nicole Dawe, Information Officer, tel consult The Basel Convention public information material includes; 1. Information leaflets brochures The Basel Convention at a Glance The Basel Convention Regional Coordinating Centres at a Glance The Environmentally Sound Management of Electronic Electrical Waste in Asia Pacific The Global Programme for Sustainable Ship Recycling The Partnership for Action on Computing Equipment Our Sustainable Future: Role of Basel Convention The Basel Convention Partnership Programme (updated reprinted) Illegal Traffic under Basel Convention (updated reprinted) PCBs or POPs in context of Basel Convention National Reporting The online reporting database of Basel Convention The Basel Convention Regional Coordinating Centres (new version of brochure) The Mobile Phone Partnership Initiative 2. CD-Roms CD-rom with all SBC publications information material 3. Posters The Basel Convention at a Glance poster. Special poster exhibition about Basel Convention Regional Coordinating Centres (series of 14 posters). Exhibition structures poster on Waste Management for Human Health Livelihood. 4. Basel Convention Bulletin 5. Press Releases on ( BASEL T h e Pa U N EP o n C o mr t n e r s h ip fo ra p u t in g E q u ip mc t io n Wh at is ent for Ac tio Pa rtn ers hip n CONVEN TION world agre emenenvir onme t on wastental s UN EP U N EP r Unde a f f icn v e n t io n a l Tr Il le g B a s e l C o The at re are that g from gest vin on sug waste mo ones we nventi us ly zardo sel Co re of ha ese are on Ba ch is 1 Th rts to lion tonnes w mu Repo year. al? er: Ho 8.5 mil ntr y each you wond se leg least all t for y to cou makes d, are stes sen of countr out. This about? An rce us wa ab zardo lcome sou y know don t know of ha a we that tonnes ed as complain that we million receiv d to ver, ch is In agree se 8.5 howe never s properly. Of abroad, mu ies do, y ntr of sal ich se waste r half ny cou dispo s wh ies, ove ess. Ma shipment l2. If with busin countr be illega is deal eiving le to to opean w big are rec y are unab by 13 Eur re found ho, t we ntries that t carried ou s verified ean cou op jec ent Eur pro pm a 13 ste shi for only wa case blem? that is which bal pro c? ment this glo tr af fi ational agreestes betweens eg al ure wa intern t is ill ntion is an of hazardous ies of procedluding W ha ser nve s, inc sel Co movement set s up a waste batteries, The Ba on dous tes Conventi hazar lead-acid ula of e reg ies. Th export as used posal. d countr dis trols ms lth an for ite con oils s. man hea which o-day used tec t hu h shipment day-t s, to pro suc such waste aim is posed by hold leaves se mary stes house on s pri harm dous wa y dispo m to zar nventi imatel The Co ironment fro ent of ha t shall ult must agree pm tha t, y env shi ntr transi any fore cou ntries of Bas el So, be of export, of cou y riat y d an Sec reta s, an countr to waste tted of transmi en ta lly En vi ro nman ag em en t So un d M on ic an d of El ec tr W as te El ec tr ic al ci fic in As ia Pa D electronic an end-of-life to developing ted ities of used Large quant are being expor refurbishment,, s (e-waste) electrical waste purpose of re-use, repair us metals s precio countries for of non-ferrou nmentally ery enviro recov an recycling s operate in Basel that not alway implementation of at facilities ive gement er. The effect nmentally sound mana sound mann enviro ical wastes. requires Convention onic electr dous electr Parties to (ESM ) of hazar rence of ng of Confe issue of ed The sixth meeti (2002) recognized that requir ntion onic waste Basel Conve ical electr Pacific region. The nt of electr Asia manageme ially in ltation with tion, espec ntion, in consu urgent atten Conve Convention of Basel Basel Secretariat South in this region ries esia count, Indon selected projec t on es in China was sal for a pilot Regional Centr oped a propo e-waste, that Pacific, devel sound management of terial with Minis tally environmen in conjunction April 2005 a side-event in Tokyo in presented at Group Initiative held d Working on 3R Open-ende Conference session of fourth. at in July 2005 Convention of Basel BAC KGR OUN orts l rep nat iona ed on Jun e ject, 1 Bas vention in t II pro Con Sea por EL-T FS 2 IMP Basel Convention Bulletin Secretariat of Basel Convention BASEL CONVENTION world environmental agreement on wastes chemin des Anémones 1219 Châtelaine (Geneva) Switzerl Contact: Nicole Dawe Information Officer Eq UNEP National reporting Mate Pursuant to paragraph 3 of Article 13 of Basel Convention on Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes ir Disposal, Parties are required to transmit, through Secretariat of Basel Convention, to Conference of Parties, before end of each calendar year, a report on previous calendar year, containing information listed under paragraph 3 of Article 13. Frequency Parties are required to transmit ir national reports to Secretariat annually. Contents Paragraph 3 of Article 13 of Basel Convention mates Parties to transmit ir national reports to Secretariat containing following information: (a) competent authorities focal points that have been designated by m pursuant to Article 5; (b) transboundary movements of hazardous wastes or or wastes in which y have been involved, including: (i) amount of hazardous wastes or wastes exported, ir category, characteristics, destination, any transit country disposal method as stated on response to notification; (ii) amount of hazardous wastes or wastes imported, ir category, characteristics, origin, disposal methods; on Co can recla uip me nt mp im base PACE uti ng conserve prec ious met resource? PACE is s ener als, a gy. tween indu multi-stakeholder Ben efi stry, gove partners ts of PAC il society hip bernment, to academia E PACE prov managem address envi civronmenta ent of used ides a industry lly soun foru compute m for d end-of-l leaders, rs. The governm ife persona proposed non-gov sations structur ents, acad ernmenta l e of scope of l organiemia work managem Partners Computi hip for ng Equi ent of used to improve pme Action ing equi though current endon an internat nt (PACE) was pme develope iona terim Grou global recy nt through of-life computd developm p comprise l, multi-stakeho cling persona on lder Inent of refurbish d of repr l compute environm ment guid entally r manufac esentatives of internat of eline com s sound iona puting equi turers, managem recyclers mental grou l organisations, pment, tools ent, in addition academia activities ps gove, environ. to or rnments. The Inte Aim s of rim Gro Par anced up is see tne rsh dive The Part king ip a balnership rse par special aims to tne innovati experti ve app provide se rship wit h financia new roaches l suppor emergin sustain g issues t, mit men for add loo ks for able t by par on used computi ressing tnershi ng equipm com end p mem ent. It also of life ber s. aims to: s Promote Wh y is sust for cont ainable developm re for PACE a ne ed ent inued use, refurbish repair? ment of used compute Pers ona persona rs in deve l computi loping coun l s ng has imp peo ple Find ince tries ; ever ywh rove d ntiv ere. commun divert end es method ities gain As markets expa lives of s to -of-life pers access ben nd from l onal com to info efits of BA SE disposal puters rmation increase developi L CO burn into com d technolo ng coun NV mercial ing wo gy, man tries ENTI managin materia ag reerld en operatio y ON g elec tron face new chal l recovery me nt vir on ns; leng of-life. ic prod on wame nta es in s ucts at ste s l Develop ir end technica l guideline repair, refu All stak eholder s for prop rbishing s, including er manufac including recy original turers, cling, criteria equipment consume for testing, have a cert rs ification role in labeling of recy promotin sound man sound repa envi g environm clers, ir, refurbish ronmentally equipment. agement of used entally recycling ment facilities managem Fortunately, soun end -of-life ; s End ship ent is d environm I. ment of expe achievab ental usel d. The compute le Back rs to deve ess personal technolo available can be gy Gene loping coun PACE acti gro to prom skill ra refurbish ons will tries. und includ tion of ment that ote proper repa s are projects include pilo employm ing to ir ha can t demonst asse assist deve extend ent, hous zardou ration rise glo use, prov ssing loping available make valu s an ehol ide end countries huma bally current to poo able equ situation with d waste d o dispo of life in Co n he r. Sound ipment computi of used alt cons s, co r waste materia countries ir sing of ng equ nventio h eque l recovery, ipm th wa place th n ent in ntial ntinues s, to achi Convent ir e environ aims to e envir of ge stes as eve part impa to To ion obje on prot nership ment nera close ctives. ge me ec t hu ment. Th ct s on tion. ag as po move neratio of co et n, ma ainst man he e Base ssibl ment l Pa untries shor to e to ad alth na ve ge rti r dispo ment, rse ef fe ex es un in to mediu of th wastes. or ct s of der trans sa plo e pr m Th l rin of ha oblem is do boun why der to bu -term g bilat cu dary Base ild ca needs eral new an o ho s of thos ment de zardous l d an pacit inn Co d mu r do w de e sc an ies Inte nors in ltilat ovative nventio velo wastes ribes so d rnat im eral n ar, ways me ion cri as docu proving need to pment e al sista tic al to ac agen ex plore ment ta nce. th in th cooper cess lack is me e curre ke ac tio cies an s Co adeq at many ation an n to nt d coun nventio ant to for ua Pa d tri n an infor situatio assist lac managin te infra rties to assista trans es an str nc th k g d co d ne m dono n. Th ition is of capa hazard uc tures e Conv e is untri. ed rs ou su or kn ention es wi s of de abou cit y t sig ch wa to co s waste ve ow th ec II. onom loping no nif icant stes. Th ntrol th s prop -how is pr er e ies t ha be Base oblem import/ ly or in ca ve a cause The l Co pacit is pa ex port Ba y-bu stable nve Alth Trans sel Co finan Conven rticular ntio ough ilding bo ly tion cial an has Their undary nventio n a does been Technic d techno mechan Mov n on globa Dispos cont al Co ism logic esta th emen al rib ts of e Cont l environ is prov utions, blished operation al trans for ide ment o fe for Was rol of most r coun d wh this vo ad-h Trust Fu r. tes al lun at Base wastes. agreem comp oc tri an tary volun nd de l Co ent on rehens d meet es with Ther im tary econ veloping fund wide pleme nvention. e are 17 hazard ive ha glo om s no coun ntat bal an ies spre ous 0 Pa Th ion t ad : prot d loca in trans tries ec it pla of th e bene rties to III. an iti l wa in me ting hu ys an e Conv fit s fro ste ch on need d ma Wast to allen impo ention m Be eting su n healt ge. e is in th h rta ca e redu stainable nt ro are mo use of a glo le in envir veme ction The de b al Co nts of po velopm onme arou issu move nventio of ha frequen nt, nd th verty ent cy e ment n re zard go. or e of als wo gu natio ous s of, rld, ob nal cross-bor haza lates th past waste liges issue waste e tra o de rdou un its nsbo evide scrupu, it is is not me r waste r envir s are ma Parties s lous a glo nt rely s onme o undary nage to ha today pr bal a loc also ntall d an ensure r waste iss we ac tices al d dis th s to a zardous wh ue. In move require y soun re em d ma posed at s wa d to ich de e ments are mana veloping stes ge ployed: of minim nner. to still ge Parti in an th mana environ coun nerated to trans ize to co ment. es ar try in po geme ment e extent tra Of te on nsbo e rece untries nt of ally n, th for tre e coun rt that iving e wa try such sound consisten undary atme did, ste tech nt waste no t no s we an s, an d ef with th nical ex r did th t know re sh fic d tre pe wh is ey ha ipped ating ient ec happen rtise to ve th at y ed, osys waste hle th e capa were tem, rot, cont or were s usually e waste cit y or amina s. r omly entered When ting into local burned, th or lef e wate t r su pply to Ou r sust Con role ainabl UN ve n o f t h e f u EP tion e B tur ase e : l 1 Tel Fax Nicole.Dawe@unep.ch Fotolia