SAICM/RM/AFR.6/2. Distr.: General 30 January English

Transcription

1 SAICM/RM/AFR.6/2 Distr.: General 30 January 2018 English 6 th African regional meeting on the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management Abidjan, Cote d Ivoire, 6-8 February 2018 Item 5 of the provisional agenda* SAICM and the sound management of chemicals and waste beyond 2020 Report of the fifth African regional meeting on the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM), Pretoria, South Africa, 22 November 2013 Note by the secretariat 1. The secretariat has the honour to circulate in the annex to the present note, the report of the fifth African regional meeting on the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management, (SAICM) held in Pretoria, South Africa, 22 November 2013 for the information of participants. *SAICM/RM/AFR.6/1 1

2 SAICM/RM/AFR.6/2 SAICM/RM/Afr.5/7 Distr.: General 13 February 2014 English and French Fifth African regional meeting on the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management Pretoria, South Africa, 22 November Report of the fifth African regional meeting on the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management A. 1. Opening of the meeting 1. The fifth African regional meeting on the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) was held at the Burger s Park Hotel, Pretoria on 22 November The meeting was preceded by a Workshop on the Inter-Organization Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals (IOMC) tool-box for decision makers in Chemicals Management on Monday 18 November, the 1 st African workshop on Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals on Tuesday 19 November and a Technical Information Sharing session on SAICM emerging policy issues and other issues of interest on Wednesday 20 November. On Thursday 21 November a SAICM priority setting workshop was held. 2. Mr. Jamidu Katima (University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania), the Regional Focal Point for Africa, opened the meeting at 9.10 a.m. by thanking the Government of South Africa for its generosity and assistance in organizing the meeting. 2. Organizational matters 1. (a) Election of officers 3. Mr. Jamidu Katima recalled the recent appointment of Mr. Richard Lesiyampe as Principal Secretary Ministry of Environment, Water and Natural Resources, Kenya and replacing Mr. Ali Daud Mohammed as President of the bureau for the fourth session of the International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM). Mr. Katima congratulated Mr. Lesiyampe for his recent appointment and invited the region to elect him as the second co-chair. 4. The meeting elected Mr. Katima and Mr. Lesiyampe to serve as co-chairs of the meeting. Mr. Adel Shafei Mohamed Osman (Egypt) agreed to serve as rapporteur for the meeting. 2. (b) Adoption of the agenda 5. The agenda was adopted on the basis of the provisional agenda set forth in document SAICM/RM/Afr.5/1 as follows: 1. Opening of the meeting 2. Organizational matters a. Election of officers b. Adoption of the agenda c. Organization of work 2

3 3. Implementation of the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management a. Evaluation of and guidance on the regional implementation, review and updating of the Strategic Approach for the Central and Eastern European region b. Financial and technical resources for implementation c. Quick Start Programme project results from the region d. Emerging policy issues and other issues of concern 4. Implementation of and coherence between international instruments and programmes 5. Information exchange and scientific and technical cooperation 6. Towards the 2020 Goal of Sound Chemicals Management 7. Implementation of the Health Sector Strategy 8. Preparations for the second meeting of the Open-ended Working Group and the fourth session of the International Conference on Chemicals Management 9. Other matters 10. Adoption of the report 11. Closure of the meeting. 3. (c) Organization of work 6. The meeting agreed to meet from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. 4. (d) Attendance 7. The meeting was attended by representatives of the following countries: Algeria, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Congo Republic, Congo Democratic Republic, Cote D Ivoire, Egypt, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Gambia, Guinea, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritius, Morocco, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, South Africa, Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda and Zambia. 8. Representatives of the following intergovernmental organizations and regional organizations also attended: Africa Institute, Global Environment Facility (GEF), Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Environment Programme Environment Programme (UNEP), United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) and the World Health Organization Regional Office Africa (WHO AFRO). 9. The meeting was also attended by representatives of the following non-governmental organizations: Agenda for Environment and Responsible Development (AGENDA), Association de l Education Environnementale pour les Future Generations (AEEFG), Basel Convention Coordinating Centre for Africa (BCCC Africa), Centre for Occupational Environment Health Research, Centre de Recherche et d Education pour le Developpement (CREPD), Centre for International Environmental Law (CIEL), CROPLIFE International, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Ecological Restorations, Global Alliance on Health and Pollution (GAHP), Groupe D Action Pour la Promotion de la Flore et la Faune (GAPROFFA), International Council of Chemicals Association (ICCA), International POPs Elimination Network (IPEN), International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) Africa, Molefe Pranamu, North West University (South Africa), Pesticide Action Network (PAN) Africa, Suez Canal University and University of Pretoria. B. 3. Implementation of the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management 10. The representative of the secretariat introduced documents SAICM/RM/Afr.5/INF/3, containing the report of the fourth African regional meeting on the Strategic Approach, held in Nairobi in 2011 and recalled the functions of regional meetings as laid out in the SAICM Overarching Policy Strategy and resolutions of the ICCM. She invited Mr. Katima in his role as African regional focal point to make a short presentation on the outcome of the seventh meeting of the SAICM African Core Group held on Sunday 17 November 2013 in Pretoria, the report of which can be found in SAICM/RM/Afr.5/INF/18. 3

4 11. In his report Mr. Katima highlighted some of the discussions that had taken place including on how to continue SAICM business, the African regional workplan, taking stock of work done so far in particular under the SAICM Quick Start Programme (QSP), emerging issues, synergies, regional centres and needs, including prioritization, and lack of financial resources. He added that National Implementation Plans had been prepared in most countries but had been developed as a final product instead of a means to guide management of chemicals. He urged countries of the region to use the national implementation plans for chemicals management in general and implementation of SAICM in particular and also noted the need to improve and maintain communication. He closed by noting the country-led consultative process on the challenges to and options for further enhancing cooperation and coordination within the chemicals and wastes cluster in the long term, the first meeting of which had taken place in Pretoria earlier the same week, and how SAICM would fit into that process. 12. The representative of Zambia informed the meeting of discussions held during that consultative process. The mandate of the process was received from the UNEP Governing Council through decision GC-26/12. The meeting intended to seek a common understating of the aim and scope and identify a road map for the process taking into account the UNEP Executive Director s report, UNEP/GC.26/16 on Enhancing cooperation and coordination within the chemicals and wastes cluster. The outcome of the process will be reported to the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEP) in June He said the first day, participants at the meeting had brain stormed on what countries felt would be a vision for chemicals and waste management after There had been strong support for SAICM and a need to build on what SAICM had achieved rather than reinvent a new process. The meeting had discussed further a co-chair paper containing a brief introduction, vision, gaps and opportunities at the national, regional and international levels and next steps. Several participants, he said, had suggested focusing on implementation of sound management of chemicals and waste at country level. The meeting agreed that a revised paper would be developed by end February taking into account discussions and comments to be submitted by end December and would be the working document for a second and final meeting to be convened in early March. 14. It was agreed that the meeting would discuss the issue further under agenda item (a) Evaluation of and guidance on the regional implementation, review and updating of the Strategic Approach for the African region 15. Under this agenda item, the representative of the secretariat introduced the relevant documentation (SAICM/RM/Afr.5/2, Reporting on progress in the implementation of SAICM in the African region, SAICM/RM/Afr.5/INF/4 Summary of the Priority Setting Workshop of the African Regional meeting on SAICM and SAICM/RM/Afr.5/INF/19 Reporting on SAICM Implementation ), and noted that participants would have discussed progress, identified regional gaps and agreed on a set of priority actions for SAICM implementation in the region during the workshop on Priority setting with regional perspectives held on Thursday 21 November The representative of the secretariat also highlighted that ICCM at its third session had agreed that the secretariat should develop a second progress report for the period for consideration by the Conference at its fourth session. The Conference encouraged the full use of the results and information collected using the reporting tool for regional consultation and follow-up. The SAICM secretariat intended to initiate the second reporting cycle for progress from January-March 2014 and encouraged all stakeholders in the region to actively participate. 17. Subsequently, participants worked on the summary table of the regional priority setting workshop that took place on Thursday 20 November. 18. In the ensuing discussion, a number of participants expressed satisfaction with the priority setting workshop. One participant noted that the meeting had been a good opportunity to exchange ideas and experiences in support of each other in the region and urged participants to continue in that vein. 19. During the workshop, many participants reported on the achievements made since the inception of SAICM. Achievements included the following: (a) (b) (c) More collaborative relationships between Governments and industry; Reporting on progress from all stakeholders, allowing for better stocktaking: Harmonized registration of pesticides involving 16 countries in the region; 4

5 5 SAICM/RM/Afr.5/7 (d) Effective and transparent multi-stakeholder engagement, enabling issues of chemical safety to be more visible at regional level; (e) Effective engagement of the private sector in the implementation of risk reduction policies, including agro system and insurance companies as drivers for quick change; (f) Development of institutional and legal frameworks, legislation focusing on mainstreaming chemicals into national policies and strategies as well as into national budgeting processes; (g) New standard classification of chemicals GHS; (h) chemicals; Establishment of multi stakeholder coordinating mechanisms for sound management of (i) Establishment of poison control centers and the development of a feasibility study for the establishment of a network of poison control center to serve as regional hubs of information and other services. (j) Chemistry; Establishments of a local chapter of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and (k) Establishment of a new regional association of pesticides regulators, providing a forum for discussing new developments, challenges and lessons learned; (l) Establishment of national frameworks working on the prevention and response to chemical emergencies; (m) Development of national chemicals profile as a tool for raising awareness and guiding priority actions; (n) Increased capacities in civil society groups on sound chemicals management issues; (o) Effective implementation of policies for the control of lead in paints, including labeling, legislations on import restrictions and the destruction of lead pigments; (p) Establishment of criteria for the definition of Highly Hazardous Pesticides and the search for suitable alternatives; and (q) Establishment of a system of classification of industrial chemicals. 20. The final table as amended in plenary is available as Annex I to the current meeting report. In total, 25 basic elements were identified for sound chemicals management in the region. 6. (b) Financial and technical resources for implementation 21. Under the agenda item, the representative of the secretariat introduced the following documents: SAICM/RM/Afr.5/3 on financial and technical resources for the implementation of SAICM, SAICM/RM/Afr.5/INF/5 with a summary of projects and activities supported by the GEF funds from its fifth replenishment and SAICM/RM/Afr.5/INF/6 the terms of reference for a special programme to support institutional strengthening at the national level for implementation of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions, the Minamata Convention on Mercury and SAICM. 22. Many participants stressed the importance of sufficient financial resources for implementation of SAICM, noting the ambitious work plan to be accomplished by the rapidly approaching 2020 goal. It was noted that the QSP had been the main source of financing for SAICM activities globally from which Africa had benefited greatly. However the QSP was reaching an end and there was currently insufficient funds to finance projects. Recalling the consultative process to develop terms of reference for a special programme to support institutional strengthening at the national level for implementation of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions, the Minamata Convention on Mercury and SAICM, participants noted that the outcome benefit SAICM and would be submitted by the Executive Director of UNEP to the UNEA in June However that programme was specific to institutional strengthening alone. 23. Many participants noted that the ending of the QSP would inevitably lead to a gap in financial resources that could not be filled despite funding provided by the Global Environment Facility (GEF). Several participants recognized the need to explore other, sustainable sources of financing in the region while urging the GEF VI replenishment process to expand its chemicals window to contribute more generously to the chemicals and waste cluster. One participant suggested examining options for bridging between different GEF funding windows on chemicals. Taking into account the outcomes of

6 Rio+20 he, supported by others, also suggested further links with other multilateral environmental agreements such as possible links between chemical use and climate change, desertification or biodiversity loss that could implement SAICM activities under their aegis. Many participants suggested options for interlinking with all chemicals related multilateral environmental agreements. 24. Some participants suggested that a solution be found to replace the QSP. While it was initially established only for a limited time period, it was for the purpose of enabling activities. Given the level of achievement of the QSP and within the context of sustainability it would be useful to further the QSP with a broader mandate. One participant suggested a means be sought for replenishment of the QSP on a regular basis, which could attend to priorities at the regional level agreed by donors and recipients alike. Participants were concerned that following the extension of the period to receive contributions to the QSP trust fund until 2015, contributions were well below the established target of 2.5 million US dollars per year for the period One participant, voiced concern that only one third of the annual proposed funding for SAICM had been received by September to finance the secretariat, convening of meetings and preparing documents. Another participant said industry associations were exploring means to provide in-kind support to the SAICM secretariat. 26. The representative of GEF made a brief presentation on the current situation of GEF financing for the chemicals and waste cluster. He noted that the GEF Council approved an allocation of 10 million US dollars to allow countries having signed the Minamata Convention undertake mercury initial assessment (MIA) and said the GEF secretariat already prepared initial guidelines for enabling activities for the Minamata Convention that identify activities eligible to receive funding for a maximum of 200,000 US dollars per country. The funding would be available for the remaining of GEF-5 (till June 2014). He added that the GEF VI replenishment would be finalized in May 2014 for the period July 2014 to June He added that as GEF supported projects with global impact of chemicals, there was an emphasis of funding for projects under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Chemicals, the Minamata Convention on Mercury and the Montreal Protocol, followed by SAICM. However, he noted that the GEF encourages countries to develop projects that would bring about POPs, mercury and SAICM to promote integrated sound management of chemicals at the local level. 27. The representative of the World Health Organization (WHO) suggested that other windows of opportunity for collaboration be explored, for example through the International Health Regulations (IHR), the legally-binding agreement significantly contributing to global public health security by providing a new framework for the coordination of the management of events that might constitute a public health emergency of international concern, and aims to improve the capacity of all countries to detect, assess, notify and respond to public health threats. One of the gaps identified through the IHR for the African region was the capacity to address chemicals and handling emergencies. 28. Subsequent to general comments the meeting discussed a draft resolution on financing the Strategic Approach. Participants made several proposals for amendments. In addition, one participant suggested that the draft resolution be presented to the next meeting of the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment due to be held before the UNEA. It was suggested that presenting the resolution might provide impetus to ministers of the region to consider the allocation of one per cent of gross domestic product to sound management of chemicals and wastes at the national level. 29. The meeting adopted a resolution on financing the Strategic Approach, which is attached to the current report in part B of Annex II. 7. (c) Quick Start Programme project results from the region 30. The representative of the secretariat introduced document SAICM/RM/Afr.5/4 on the Quick Start Programme contribution to Strategic Approach implementation in the African region. She recalled that at the third session of the ICCM the Conference had decided to extend the term for contributions to the QSP Trust Fund until its fourth session in 2015 and that funds committed to projects before the close of the Trust Fund could be disbursed until all approved projects were completed. 31. She said that since its establishment in 2006, 63 QSP projects had been approved in the African region, 21 of which had completed all project activities and four of which were suspended. She highlighted that continued funds were necessary and a new revised target for replenishment suggested 2.5 million US dollars were needed from 2013 to Eight proposals that had been approved at the twelfth round for a total of 1.6 million US dollars would be funded from resources received from the European Union. Currently 300,000 Euros were available from a contribution made 6

7 by the Government of France earmarked for projects related to non-chemical alternatives and additional contributions had been received from Finland, Germany and South Africa. 32. Many countries praised the positive impact of the QSP for improved sound management of chemicals and wastes in the African region. One participant referred to a multi-country activity on chemicals accidents and their prevention in the Eastern African region and lauded the experience gained from the project. Another participant referring to the importance of that project highlighted the difficulties faced by transit countries that were targets for illegal dumping of chemicals. 33. One participant drew attention to the influence of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) in the region. He noted that the GHS had been mainstreamed into national legislation and had created a policy and standard in some countries of the Southern African Development Community (SADEC). He suggested similar activities for other African regions. He also noted the impact of an assessment on coordination possibilities of regional poison control centres that was catalyzing countries to consider establishing national poison control centres. Those that exist were already providing some services and it was suggested they could assist those countries planning on setting up new ones including establishing a sub-regional poison control centre as a network hub. 34. A few participants informed on progress made in mainstreaming chemical issues into national implementation strategies and sector strategies and on national projects implemented through QSP assistance. It was suggested that a compilation be made of all QSP projects undertaken on the continent to learn from experience, both good and bad, and see how to share positive examples as case studies. At the same time a stock taking of projects that were not undertaken, completed or accepted should be made and the reasons why to ensure countries of the regions moved at the same pace and to take advantage of the momentum created through the QSP. All participants who took the floor noted the need for continued financial resources to optimize operation of the QSP. 35. The representative of the secretariat said that projects had been suspended mainly due lack of capacity at the country level. She added that work was underway to ensure sharing of information on successful QSP projects and their implementation. She noted that following on a request from the Government of Sweden terms of reference were being developed to undertake an evaluation of the QSP based on its impact. The terms of reference would be presented to the Executive Board of the QSP in May 2014 following which there will be on-site visits in the second half of Results were expected to be ready to communicate to the ICCM at its fourth session in (d) Emerging policy issues and other issues of concern 36. The representative of the secretariat introduced document SAICM/RM/Afr.5/5 on Progress on emerging policy issues and other issues of concern, providing information on progress to date on lead in paint, chemicals in products, nanotechnology and nanomaterials, hazardous substances within the life cycle of electrical and electronic products, and endocrine disrupting chemicals. 37. Participants attended the workshop on endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), which was held on Tuesday 19 November to further review the state of science and policy development of this issue. A revised workplan for EDCs had been developed based on input received from the Bureau and was available to the meeting as document SAICM/RM/Afr.5/INF/7. Participants were requested to complete a questionnaire about experiences, activities and needs regarding endocrine disrupting chemicals in countries prior to the workshop. A summary of the outcome of the workshop is attached to the current report in Annex IV. 38. Participants attended a Technical Information Sharing Session on Wednesday 20 November featuring information on a number of the emerging policy issues and other issues of concern, including children s environmental health. The following information documents were also presented to the meeting under this agenda item: SAICM/RM/Afr.5/INF/13 Thought Starter on endocrine disrupting pesticides and the Strategic Approach submitted by Pesticide Action Network (PAN) and International POPS Elimination Network (IPEN); SAICM/RM/Afr.5/INF/10, Information note on Highly Hazardous Pesticides submitted by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO); SAICM/RM/Afr.5/INF/14, Thought Starter Paper on Highly Hazardous Pesticides submitted by PAN and IPEN; and SAICM/RM/Afr.5/INF/16, Identification of risks and exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals: practice of implementation at country level submitted by WHO. 39. In opening this agenda item, the co-chair noted the value of the technical information sessions in advancing these issues in the region and requested participants to complete the questionnaire related to EDCs, to provide comments on how the region could contribute to the implementation of work on 7

8 EDCs to determine how to use the technical information from the information sharing session and to understand how to implement EDC issues and to consider the development of a resolution on EDCs. 40. Several participants highlighted the importance of emerging issues as a link with future work on SAICM. Drawing attention to the ambitious plans on emerging policy issues, one participant said sustainability was an important issue and there was a need to focus on how to retain or maintain partnerships and work under the SAICM umbrella. 41. The meeting adopted resolutions on highly hazardous pesticides, lead in paint and endocrine disrupting chemicals, which are attached to the current report respectively as part C, part D and part E of Annex II. 42. The meeting also adopted a resolution on strengthening SAICM as a chemicals management mechanism, which is attached to the current report in part A of Annex II. C. 4. Implementation of and coherence between international instruments and programmes 43. Introducing the agenda item, the representative of the secretariat recalled that at its third session, the ICCM had invited the Coordinator of the SAICM secretariat and the Joint Executive Secretary of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm convention to further increase synergies in the implementation of their respective information clearing houses. At the simultaneous extraordinary meetings of the conferences of the parties to those three conventions held in April-May 2013, an omnibus decision was adopted on enhancing cooperation and coordination among the three conventions as contained in document SAICM/RM/Afr.5/INF/8. Section V of the decision, regarding wider cooperation, requests the secretariats of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions to further enhance cooperation and coordination with SAICM to contribute to meeting the 2020 goal on the sound management of chemicals throughout their lifecycle and of hazardous wastes. 44. In the ensuing discussion, participants informed the meeting of success stories on cooperation and collaboration at the national or regional level. A few participants said that in their countries there was successful collaboration between focal points of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions as well as those of the Minamata Convention on mercury and SAICM. They were housed in the same institute, often with a coordinating mechanism, and inclusive of various sectors and stakeholders. 45. Several participants stressed that synergies was a must for the future of the chemicals and waste cluster not only in terms of saving resources but also to ensure sustainable management of the cluster. It was suggested that while there was limited amount of synergy at sub-regional and sometimes regional level more was needed at the international level. A few countries were addressing means to include sound management of chemicals and waste in national development plans and national budgets. 46. Other participants noted challenges face to coordinate and collaborate at the national level when chemicals were dealt with under different ministries or institutes. While coordination was difficult, a multi-stakeholder committee and a collaborative work programme could mitigate those difficulties. Improved communication between sectors was also considered vital to ensure cooperation and collaboration. 47. The representative of the secretariat noted that while initial collaboration with the secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions had been established to provide a technical platform for operation of the clearing house, the secretariat was expecting that new resources would be soon made available to implement the necessary action. 48. The meeting proposed to send a message to the secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions requesting that it provide support to SAICM to develop and maintain the clearing-house mechanism. D. 5. Information exchange and scientific and technical cooperation 49. The representative of the secretariat introduced document SAICM/RM/Afr.5/INF/9 on activities of the inter-organization Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals (IOMC) to support SAICM Implementation and SAICM/RM/Afr.5/INF/10 on Information from FAO on Highly Hazardous Pesticides. She noted that the technical information sharing session, held on Wednesday, 20 November had provided a forum for exchange of information, promoting an increased understanding of the technical issues associated with the sound management of chemicals. 8

9 50. Participants noted the value of such technical information sharing sessions and stressed the importance of having information from and keeping academia informed of SAICM activities and sound management of chemicals and waste in general. 51. A summary of the Information Sharing Session is available as Annex III to the current report. 52. Furthermore, a Workshop on the internet-based IOMC Toolbox for Decision-Making in Chemicals Management (IOMC Toolbox) was hosted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) on Monday 18 November The purpose of the workshop was to familiarize the SAICM delegates from the African Region with the IOMC Toolbox. 53. The IOMC Toolbox is a problem-solving tool that supports countries to identify the most appropriate and efficient national actions to address specific national problems related to chemicals management. It also helps to identify available IOMC resources that could assist the country address the identified national problem(s) or objectives. E. 6. Towards the 2020 Goal of Sound Chemicals Management 54. The representative of the secretariat introduced document SAICM/RM/Afr.5/6, Overall Orientation and Guidance towards the 2020 Goal of Sound Chemicals Management Consultation Framework Document, and recalled that at its third session, the ICCM had requested the secretariat to develop overall orientation and guidance, including some concrete elements, to facilitate achievement of the 2020 goal of sound chemicals management. Such overall orientation and guidance needed to be both retrospective and prospective. It should be developed under the guidance of the Bureau, to be further discussed at regional meetings and by the Open-Ended Working Group and for possible consideration at the fourth session of the Conference. 55. The overall orientation and guidance was expected to identify the specific chemicals challenges that each region faces and include discussion about the successes and challenges of a multistakeholder and multi-sectoral approach to chemicals management. It also would be informed by a literature review as well as by the input received from participants during the regional meetings. The Overall Orientation and Guidance process was an opportunity for SAICM stakeholders to strategically focus activities towards the 2020 goal of sound management of chemicals and to increase the level of attention placed on chemicals at the global level, particularly when it is taken up at the fourth meeting of the ICCM. In that context the representative of the secretariat also introduced document SAICM/RM/Afr.5/INF/4, Summary of the Priority Setting Workshop of the African Regional meeting on SAICM. 56. Meeting participants had attended the workshop on Achieving the 2020 Goal Overall Orientation and Guidance, on Thursday 21 November, where they were able to discuss achievements to date and priority actions based on the consultation questions included in the annex to that document. It was expected that the final document would provide a set of recommendations on priority areas to focus on for the achievement of the 2020 goal, which will be presented to the second meeting of the SAICM Open-ended Working Group, and the fourth session of the ICCM for consideration and possible endorsement. 57. During the ensuing discussion, many participants voiced strong support for and noted the importance of the work that, they said, would demonstrate progress achieved, identify the current status and propose how to proceed to the 2020 goal and beyond. One participant linked the work on the Overall Orientation and Guidance to that of the consultative process on the challenges to and options for further enhancing cooperation and coordination within the chemicals and wastes cluster in the long term. He said both processes could inform each other and urged countries to provide input to the Overall Orientation and Guidance. He said there was a need to take stock, learn lessons from the past and move forward. Another participant suggested that looking to some low-hanging fruit for Africa and to aim for smaller goals for which Africa had priority and that were achievable earlier than by Those could include implementation of conventions and work on lead in paint. F. 7. Implementation of the Health Sector Strategy 58. The representative of the secretariat introduced the agenda item and reported on two workshops on health held by WHO in Europe and in Asia where SAICM regional focal points as stakeholders were invited to participate and where the health sector strategy was on the agenda. She also noted that mindful of the importance of the health sector and its roles and responsibilities in helping to achieve 9

10 the sound management of chemicals, the ICCM adopted at its third session, under resolution III/4, the Strategy for strengthening the engagement of the health sector in the implementation SAICM. 59. The representative of WHO made a presentation on International Health Regulations (IHR) and chemical core capacities. She said gaps in the implementation of the health sector strategy overlapped with those of the International Health Regulations. It had been recommended during the IHR workshops that health sector participants contact SAICM national focal points. She said that similarly, SAICM focal points should be proactive and contact focal point of the International Health Regulations in ministries of health to coordinate activities related to chemicals and health. She added that WHO could provide support in the form of guidance, training material and tools on risk assessment, management and communications as well as on chemical hazards. 60. In the ensuing discussion many participants stressed the importance of the SAICM health sector strategy. One participant was eager to have the full cooperation of WHO citing the need for all actors to participate in the mainstreaming of chemicals and waste management. He said there was much training material for management of chemicals in relation to health and requested WHO to convene a workshop for the African region focusing on mainstreaming health aspects within chemicals management. He also suggested that funds were available to address the burden of disease and with good management the core budget for health could also be used for chemicals management. 61. The representative of the secretariat noted that the International Health Regulations were legally binding, unlike SAICM, and were supported by the health sector. Given the requirement to develop core capacities to manage chemicals emergencies, and the interlinkages with SAICM, it would be important to liaise with of the local International Health Regulations focal points. 62. The representative of WHO was requested to make her presentation available to all participants. G. 8. Preparations for the second meeting of the Open-ended Working Group and the fourth session of the International Conference on Chemicals Management 63. The representative of the secretariat provided a brief update on the preparations for the second meeting of the Open-ended Working Group and the fourth session of the ICCM. The current proposed dates of the two meetings were as follows: December 2014 for the second meeting of the Openended Working Group to be held either in Geneva of Bangkok (to be confirmed) and 27 September to 3 October 2015 for the 4th Session of the International Conference on Chemicals Management to be held in Geneva (to be confirmed). Geneva and Bangkok were considered as fall back options for the meetings, but the secretariat was continuing actively to invite offers from host Governments. In addition, the secretariat was requesting all stakeholders in a position to do so to make their financial contributions early in support of the two meetings. 64. She recalled that the Overall Orientation and Guidance would be discussed at the second meeting of the Open-ended Working Group but called on all participants to provide any suggestions on how the meeting could be conducted. 65. One participant noted the critical timing for deciding on the future of SAICM and the end of the QSP and requested that these items be included on the agenda for the Open-ended Working Group and for the ICCM at its fourth session. He supported holding a high-level forum that would bring visibility to chemicals and waste management stating that the ICCM was a very strategic meeting that would need momentum as it moved towards the 2020 goal. 66. It was agreed that while the Open-ended Working Group would decide on the agenda of the fourth session of the ICCM, the African region could propose items they wished to see included on that agenda. H. 9. Other matters 67. No other matters were raised. I. 10. Adoption of the report 68. The meeting agreed to entrust the rapporteur, working with the co-chairs and the secretariat, with the finalization of the report of the meeting. J. 11. Closure of the meeting 10

11 69. Following the customary exchange of courtesies, the meeting was declared closed at 6.50 p.m. on Friday, 22 November. 11

12 Annex I Identified Regional Priorities for the African Region Basic element Progress to date Overarching Policy Strategy Objective 1: Risk Reduction Achievements Gaps Proposed Actions a. Poison control centres (PCC), particularly in relation to an information provision role Some countries have centres. There are 14 centres in Africa - 3 in South Africa. Feasibility study for the establishment of a network of poison control centres to serve as regional hubs of information and other services. The WHO has practical recommendations for such centres available. Many countries do not have poison control centres (48 out of 54). There are not enough centres to serve the population. Existing centres are not always fully functional. Cooperation and information sharing is often lacking. Limited harmonization of reporting, no systematic reporting and trends analysis. Location of PCC does not always provide for effective management of incidents. Deliver a workshop to strengthen capacity for Poison Control Centres in the region. Establish where required and operationalize existing poison centres. Promote access to poison information for the public through establishment of more PCCs. Consider including one referral PCC regionally with appropriate coordination mechanisms driving to cooperation between PCCs. b. Integrated national / regional and subregional systems to prevent, prepare and respond to chemical accidents and Establishment of national frameworks working on the prevention and response to chemical emergencies, for example Ghana has a national strategy for handling industrial accidents. Limited capacity of PCC to effectively manage incidents. Very few countries have mechanisms in place to deal with transport incidents, lack of regional collaboration. Requirement for carrying MSDS Streamline reporting and responses nationally and regionally, including creation of a central database. Develop integrated national / regional systems to prevent major industrial 12

13 Basic element Progress to date Overarching Policy Strategy Objective 1: Risk Reduction Achievements Gaps Proposed Actions emergencies. ECOWAS established draft guideline for handling of industrial accidents. may not be enforced. Lack of understanding of particularly sensitive areas (biodiversity/high risk). Insufficient capacity to respond to accidents. Lack of follow-up. Poor reporting of accidents. accidents and for emergency preparedness and response to all accidents and natural disasters involving chemicals. Link work to Special Rapporteur on Human Rights with respect to chemicals and wastes as well as to international health regulations and declarations. Lack of multi-stakeholder engagement, in particular industry. 13

14 Basic element Progress to date Overarching Policy Strategy Objective 1: Risk Reduction Achievements Gaps Proposed Actions c. Harmonized pesticide registration systems SADC region already harmonized (16 countries). SAHEL also fully functional system. Work proceeding in COMESA and Ecowas, EAC. Not consistently implemented or operational (although present in some areas). Establish additional harmonized registration systems and fully operationalize the existing ones. Establishment of a new regional association of pesticides regulators, providing a forum for discussing new developments, challenges and lessons learned. Establishment of criteria for the definition of Highly Hazardous Pesticides and the search for suitable alternatives. d. National, sub-regional and regional enforcement and compliance mechanisms. Lack of harmonized legal frameworks. Differences in capacity in institutions in different countries. Sharing information on national legislation amongst countries in the region. Convene a ministerial forum with experts to discuss harmonization. e. National systems for management of occupational and public health chemical safety controls. Lack of political will. Lack of implementation and enforcement. Insufficient knowledge of protection under occupational health legislation. Private industry needs to engage and take ownership for occupational health. Legislation may not be specific 14

15 Basic element Progress to date Overarching Policy Strategy Objective 1: Risk Reduction Achievements Gaps Proposed Actions enough to deal with specific chemical issues f. Legal Frameworks that manage the life cycle of chemicals Nigeria has a legal framework established. Lack of monitoring, compliance and enforcement. Limited awareness. Legal frameworks in draft, not endorsed. Establish regional guidelines for disposal of chemicals. Develop a regional framework for all life cycle stages. Develop a mechanism for exchange of information. 15

16 Basic element Progress to date Overarching Policy Strategy Objective 1: Risk Reduction Achievements Gaps Proposed Actions g. Access to alternatives to dangerous substances. h. Policies and regulations for the environmentally sound management of wastes at the national level. i. Capacity to identify, assess prioritise and manage/remediate contaminated sites j. Chemical risk assessment through use of best practices. The Global Alliance on Health and Pollution (GAHP) is assisting low- and middleincome countries to take concrete action to address legacy pollution and its impacts on human health, including remediation and prevention of future contamination. Fragmentation between government sectors, stakeholders such as industry, users and enforcement. Lack of frameworks to determine suitable alternatives. Lack of infrastructure, competence, resources etc. Focus on transboundary movement may be less emphasis on local waste or those from smaller industry. Lack of a practical, risk based framework to manage contaminated sites (tendency to use standards which may not be appropriate), which must be a multi-stakeholder approach and could include a polluter pays element. Lack of guidelines and methodologies to undertake assessment. Enforcement of all major conventions, including ILO 170. Identification of safer alternatives and sharing information. A list of alternatives and their properties is published and disseminated to assist decision-making. Lack of classification of chemicals, imported chemicals has foreign labels. 16

17 Overarching Policy Strategy Objective 2: Strengthening knowledge and information Basic element Progress to date Achievements Gaps Proposed Actions k. Development and dissemination of national chemical profiles. l. Implementation of Globally Harmonized System of Classification QSP has supported the development and updating of national chemical profiles in many countries in the region. The chemical profiles have raised awareness and guided priority setting. The QSP Trust Fund has supported five projects that are evaluating and strengthening national and regional capacities for implementing the GHS for Classification and Labelling of Chemicals, including four GHS-focused projects executed by UNITAR, in Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gambia and Zambia. Additionally, seven UNITAR QSP projects in the region include GHS components to evaluate and strengthen GHS capacity, in Benin, Cameroon, Madagascar, Mali, Seychelles, Togo, and Tunisia. National chemical profiles for some countries are non-existent. Countries with national chemical profiles not updated to latest chemicals of concern. Inadequate platform for information exchange. Action plans often not implemented. The region is at different levels of implementation capacity. Knowledge/understanding of the GHS lacking. GHS not implemented within all countries. Develop national chemical profiles where lacking. Update national chemical profiles to include new chemicals of concern. Create/develop a platform for the exchange of information. Implement the action plans at national level. Assess current status of implementation in the region and develop priority regional actions. Integrate the GHS within national legal instruments and systems. Integrate the GHS within economic zone. m. National databases and sub-regional, Lack of knowledge and training on how to utilize existing database(s). Strengthen the national and regional capacity to utilize existing database(s). 17

18 Overarching Policy Strategy Objective 2: Strengthening knowledge and information Basic element Progress to date Achievements Gaps Proposed Actions regional and international database(s) for sharing information on hazards, risks, training material, research, monitoring etc. Central reporting and coordination of chemical incidents are lacking. Basel/Stockholm regional centres play a more pro-active role in reporting of chemicals incidents. n. Sharing of information, bestpractice and achievement among stakeholders and between sectors. Establishment of a local chapter of the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry. i) Inadequate information sharing. ii) Information not available for sharing and dissemination. i) Establishment of regional/subregional/national multi-stakeholder forum to exchange information. Newsletter should be published as a mechanism for information sharing. Focal points should take upon themselves to share best-practices available. Source resources through collaboration, partnerships and various sources of income. ii) Incite research institutes to generate relevant information. Create scholarships/ bursaries in the field of chemical management Establish partnerships to create opportunities and pursue research. 18

19 Overarching Policy Strategy Objectives 3 & 5: Governance / Illegal international traffic Basic element Progress to date Achievements Gaps Proposed Actions o. Strong institutional systems, enforceable and applicable policies Effective implementation of policies for the control of lead paints in some countries, including labeling, legislation on import restrictions and the destruction of lead pigments. Lack of, or outdated or fragmented legislation. Lack of coordination between institutions Establish, where required, and strengthen existing legal frameworks that manage the lifecycle of chemicals including POPs, highly toxic pesticides, and endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC) Cost recovery systems Technical expertise on chemical risk assessment Strengthen institutional framework/systems, as well as applicable policies based on the lifecycle approach (LCA) Laboratory capacity Facilitate and promote multi-stakeholder engagement in life cycle management (LCM) 19

20 Overarching Policy Strategy Objectives 3 & 5: Governance / Illegal international traffic Basic element Progress to date Achievements Gaps Proposed Actions p. Management of cross border and illegal traffic* Lack of verification of the chemicals or products imported or exported. Lack of information on import and export of chemicals, products and waste. Fully participate in the EU-African network for the control of illegal traffic, and expansion to other potential sources of illegal import. Lack of enforcement of anticorruption laws. q. Multi stakeholder engagement and coordination for engagement in the life cycle management of chemicals. Multiple stakeholders involved, specific joint projects/qsp projects performed are good tools to involve all stakeholders. Evidence more collaborative relationships between governments and industry as well as increased capacities in civil society groups on sound chemicals management issues. Lack of ability to regulate illegal traffic. Information flow/ Lack of communication Need for structured meetings and fora. Lack of cooperation between agencies Unclear mandates for government agencies. Facilitate and promote multi-stakeholder engagement in life cycle management (LCM) Overlap of responsibilities for different chemical groups. Insufficient involvement of NGOs in some countries (a) not enough experience, or (b) legislation not giving NGOs the role. r. Implementation of international chemicals Only a few countries are not Parties to Basel, Stockholm and Rotterdam Engagement of non-environment actors. Lack of implementation of Promote Ratification, Domestication and Implementation of Chemicals and Wastes 20