Background

By its decision SC-5/22, the Conference of the Parties (COP) of the Stockholm Convention decided to undertake the assessment of funding needed by developing country Parties and Parties with economies in transition to implement the Convention. It invited Parties and others to provide relevant information by 30 September 2012 for consideration at the sixth meeting of the COP.

Moreover, the COP requested Parties to use a format set out in annex II of decision SC-5/22 to undertake the assessment of funding needs for 2015-2019 and to report on the resources used during the period 2010-2014. To assist parties in the filling in this format, the COP requested the Secretariat to develop an interactive information collection form.

The interactive form and related guidance will be made available to all developing country Parties and Parties with economies in transition (in English, French and Spanish) on the website of the Stockholm Convention Secretariat in due course.

Objectives

1. Informing Parties of the needs assessment exercise and its implications on the Financial Mechanism of the Stockholm Convention;
2. 2. Provide guidance to Parties on the use of the interactive information collection form.

Contents

1. Introduction – 5 min.
2. Presentations by the Secretariat of the Stockholm Convention:
• Needs assessment for the period 2015-19 – 15 min.
• Training session on the interactive information collection form – 20 min.
3. Discussion – 20 min.

Target group

Stockholm Convention Official Contact points and other Party representatives

Schedule and registration

When you register, you will be given additional information regarding the system requirements and instructions on how to log in to the webinar.

Background

Keep abreast with the last decisions of the tenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention, such as:

• The historic agreement unblocking the Ban Amendment that will prohibit the export of hazardous wastes from OECD to non-OECD countries,
• The adoption of the Country-Led initiative, allowing the Ban Amendment to come into force, as the same time as establishing a regime for countries who wish to trade in waste to ensure the minimization of health and environmental impacts, ensuring adequate social and labour conditions and creating new economic opportunities.
• The adoption of the Strategic Framework for the implementation of the Convention over the years 2012-2021, which sets out a vision, guiding principles, strategic objectives, means of implementation, and indicators of achievements.
• The adoption of the Cartagena Declaration on the Prevention, Minimization and Recovery of Hazardous Wastes and Other Wastes.
• Together with more than 25 separate decisions on matters as wide-ranging as compliance, financial assistance, private-public partnerships, strengthening of the Regional Centres for Training and Technology Transfer and enhancing cooperation and coordination among the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions.

Target Groups

The present webinar will target:

• Focal points and Competent authorities nominated under the Basel Convention;
• Others government representatives and stakeholders interested in the functioning of the Basel Convention.

Schedule:

The time indicated is based on Geneva local time (UTC/GMT +1 hours).

Background:

The tenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention was held in Cartagena, Colombia, from 17 to 21 October 2011.

The theme of the tenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention was “Prevention, minimization and recovery of wastes”.

Objectives:

The objective of the webinar was to enable Parties and observers to be fully prepared for the discussions and negotiations of the 10th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP-10) to the Basel Convention.

The webinar covered the following topics:

• Items to be considered by COP-10 to the Basel Convention, namely; New Strategic Framework, Indonesian-Swiss Country Led Initiative to improve the effectiveness of the Convention, Basel Convention Regional Centres (BCRCs), Implementation and Compliance Committee, Programme of work and budget for 2012-2013, enhanced cooperation and coordination among the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions, as well as Partnerships and Capacity Building
• Organisation of work of the meeting

Target Groups:

 The present webinar targeted:

Focal points and Competent authorities nominated to represent their countries during the COP-10 to the Basel Convention;

• Signatories and stakeholders planning to attend the COP-10,
• Others government representatives and stakeholders interested in the functioning of the Basel Convention.

The webinar presented the outcomes of the COP-5 that was held on 25-29 April 2011 in Geneva.

Recording

FAQ

The webinar presented  the items that are going to be considered by COP-5 and the organisation of work.

Recording

FAQ

The webinar presented to recently nominated Official Contact Points and National Focal Points the functioning of a Conference of the Parties.

Recording

FAQ

This webinar provided information for Parties to be prepared to take a decision on the possible listing of Endosulfan at COP-5.

Recording

FAQ

Background:

Since the third meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention in 2007, the Secretariat provides assistance to developing country Parties and Parties with economies in transition to participate effectively in the work of POPs Review Committee (POPRC).

The assistance provided aims at increasing Parties and stakeholders’ understanding of the POPRC’s work and at providing guidance on how to contribute to it. The ultimate objective of the assistance is to enhance Parties and stakeholders’ capacity to provide information requested by the POPRC. Information to be provided can address the review of chemicals being proposed for listing and can also relate to other POPRC’s technical work, e.g. assessment of alternatives to newly listed POPs.

At its seventh meeting held in October 2011, by its decision POPRC-7/12, the Committee invited the Secretariat to continue its efforts in this matter and to organise web-based seminars with the technical input of the POPRC members.

Objectives:

1. Enhancing awareness of the POPRC’s current work programme on candidate POPs and on emerging issues regarding newly listed POPs (e.g. assessment of alternatives and evaluation of the progress made in eliminating newly listed POPs),
2. Supporting Parties and observers to collect information that contributes to the work of the POPRC in that regard.

Contents:

1. Introduction – 5 min.
2. Presentations:
   • Overview of the intersessional work plan between POPRC-7 and POPRC-8, Secretariat of the Stockholm Convention – 10 min.
   • The POPRC’s intersessional work on Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), POPRC member – 10 min.
   • The POPRC’s intersessional work on Polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCN), Hexachlorobutadiene (HCBD), Pentachlorophenol (PCP), its salts and esters, and Short-chained chlorinated paraffins (SCCP), POPRC member - 15 min.
3. Discussion – 20 min.

Target group:

Official Contact Points and National Focal Points nominated within the framework of the Convention, and stakeholders involved in the work of POPRC.

Schedule and registration

Learn more about the actions that the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee, the scientific body to the Stockholm Convention, took during its 7th meeting  to help eliminate POPs from the global marketplace and protect human health and the environment.

Keep abreast with the last decisions of the Committee, such as:

• recommending the listing of the chemical hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) under the Convention;
• initiating risk profiles of two industrial chemicals newly proposed for elimination: chlorinated naphthalenes and hexachlorobutadiene;
• continuing the assessment of a third chemical, pentachlorophenol (PCP);
• preparing guidance on alternatives to the pesticide endosulfan and DDT and to the industrial chemical Perfluorooctane sulfonate;
• developing guidance on evaluating how global warming processes affect the fate, transport and toxicity of POPs.

Background

The Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee (POPRC) is a subsidiary body established by the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention (COP) for reviewing chemicals proposed for listing under the Convention. In addition to its central function in this review process, POPRC plays an important advisory role on scientific matters related to the implementation of the Convention.  

The seventh meeting of the Committee (POPRC7) will take place from 10 to 14 October 2011, in Geneva, Switzerland. 

Objectives

The webinar will cover the following topics:

a.  Introduction to POPRC

b.  Overview of the provisional agenda of the seventh POPRC meeting

c.  Main matters to be considered by POPRC

Target Groups

The present webinars target:

• POPRC members, Parties, observers and IGO representatives, as well as other stakeholders.

Schedule

Background:

In accordance with Article 8 of the Convention, any Party may submit a proposal for listing a new chemical to the Secretariat. The proposal should contain information on the chemical identity, persistence, bio-accumulation, potential for long-range environmental transport and adverse effects of the chemical. The submission also needs to include a statement of the reason for concern and a short statement indicating the need for global action. Secretariat verifies that the proposal contains information specified in Annex D and forwards it to the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee (POPRC). The Committee applies the screening criteria specified in Annex D to decide whether the proposal can proceed to the next step of the review mechanism.

Objectives:

This webinar has been developed as requested by the Committee in its decision POPRC-6/7 to organize sessions on improving access to technical and scientific information and to provide support to parties in proposing chemicals for listing under the Convention.

Target Groups:

The present webinar will target:

• Parties, observers and IGO representatives, as well as other stakeholders 

Schedule:

Background:

Collecting information on chemicals at the national level is one of the key steps for sound management of chemicals. Such information includes: chemical properties, environmental fate, monitoring data, toxicological data, exposure information, quantities of use, production, import and export of certain chemicals, information on products containing certain chemicals, stockpiles and wastes, contaminated sites, etc.

Under the Stockholm Convention, Parties need to collect information on persistent organic pollutants, for example to develop or update the National Implementation Plans in accordance with Article 7, to submit National Report in accordance with Article 15, and to conduct effectiveness evaluation in accordance with Article 16.

Moreover, Parties need to collect information on candidate chemicals for the process of listing new chemicals in Annex A, B, or C to the Convention. This is a mechanism provided in Article 8 for the identification and inclusion of additional persistent organic pollutants to the Convention.

In order to effectively collect chemical information at the national level, it is necessary for the Parties to strengthen its capacity in access to technical and scientific information including through institutional framework that allows sustainable communication and information exchange with various national stakeholders of persistent organic pollutants. The webinar will provide guidance on collection of technical and scientific information that could contribute to the work of the POPs Review Committee as well as for other requirements under the Stockholm Convention.

The POPs Review Committee adopted decision POPRC-6/7 on support for the effective participation of the parties in the Committee’s work and requested the Secretariat to organize sessions on improving access to technical and scientific information. This webinar has been developed in response to this request.

Objectives:

The objective of the webinar is to improve the knowledge and skills on collecting information required by the Stockholm Convention and the POPs Review Committee.

The participants will be informed of the following:

• Information requirements under the Stockholm Convention
• Information required by the POPs Review Committee for reviewing chemicals
• How to collect and submit scientific and technical information effectively

1. Institutional framework –  coordinating mechanism
2. Information technology – online database, web portal, etc. 
3. Communication with the Secretariat – invitations to Parties/observers to submit information, format for submission, deadlines

Target group:

The present webinar will target: 

• Official Contact Points and National Focal Points nominated to represent their countries within the framework of the Convention
• Other Government representatives concerned with the development and implementation of the Stockholm Convention
• Stakeholders, such as NGOs, academia and the private sector, concerned with the development and implementation of the Stockholm Convention,
• Experts on any particular issue of relevance to the Stockholm Convention.

Proposed programme:

• Introduction and presentation of participants
• Presentation on improving access to technical and scientific information under the framework of the POPRC
• Questions and discussions

Schedule:

Background

According to Part II of Annex A of the Stockholm Convention, PCBs can be used in existing equipment (transformers, capacitors, etc.) until 2025.

Most Parties to the Convention still have considerable stocks of in-use and out-of-use equipment containing PCBs. This equipment needs to be handled in an environmentally sound manner in order to avoid danger to human health and the environment from leakage and accidents, and also to avoid contamination of sites and cross-contamination of PCB-free equipment. It is therefore important to raise the awareness of owners of PCBs contaminated equipment and concerned workers on environmentally sound maintenance of PCBs equipment, including handling, service, storage and transportation.

The Advisory Committee of the PCBs Elimination Network (PEN) developed guidance compiling existing knowledge and experiences on the sound handling and maintenance of equipment containing PCBs.

Objectives

1. Raising awareness on existing guidance materials on the environmentally sound management of PCBs, particularly those developed under the PEN,
2. Providing guidance to Parties on how to handle PCBs in an environmentally sound manner, in particular to avoid cross-contamination.

Contents

1. Introduction – 5 min.
2. Presentations:
   1. Guidance documents on the environmentally sound management of PCBs recently developed by the PEN, Secretariat of the Stockholm Convention – 10 min.
   2. How to handle PCBs in an environmentally sound manner and avoid cross-contamination, Ms. Anna Ortiz, PCB expert – 20 min.
3. Discussion – 25 min.

Target group

PEN members, Official Contact Points and National Focal Points to the Stockholm Convention, and Regional Centres.

Schedule and registration

The webinars will be conducted in English and Spanish.

When you register, you will be given additional information regarding the system requirements and instructions on how to log in to the webinar.

Background

Most Parties to the Stockholm Convention have developed PCBs inventories as part of their National Implementation Plans. However, due to in particular financial and time constraints, many countries have only prepared partial and/or preliminary estimations of the existing quantities of equipment and oils contaminated with PCBs. The National Implementation Plans provide a mixed set of data that is widely differing in detail and accuracy among Parties. This makes it difficult to evaluate the progress made in eliminating PCBs at the national and the global level.

Parties need a comprehensive inventory on PCB to have a better picture of their national PCB situation and to embark on further steps in the environmentally sound management of PCBs (e.g. storage, elimination, etc.). An issue that has in particular not been addressed yet by many countries is the existence of PCBs in open applications.

The Advisory Committee of the PCBs Elimination Network (PEN) developed guidance and learning materials compiling existing knowledge and experiences on the identification of PCBs in closed and open applications to help countries improve their PCB inventories.

Objectives

1. Raising awareness on existing guidance materials on the environmentally sound management of PCBs, particularly those developed under the PEN
2. Providing guidance to Parties on how to enhance their current PCBs inventories
3. Increasing knowledge on the existence of PCBs in open applications

Contents

1. Introduction – 5 min.
2. Presentations:
   1. Guidance documents on the environmentally sound management of PCBs recently developed by the PEN, Secretariat of the Stockholm Convention – 10 min.
   2. How to enhance preliminary PCB inventories and take PCBs in open applications into account, Mr. Urs K. Wagner, PCB expert – 20 min.
3. Discussion – 25 min.

Target group

PEN members, Official Contact Points and National Focal Points to the Stockholm Convention, and Regional Centres.

Schedule and registration

The webinars will be conducted in English only.

When you register, you will be given additional information regarding the system requirements and instructions on how to log in to the webinar.

Background

At the 4th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP) held in 2009, by its decision SC- 4/15, Lindane was listed in the Convention under Annex A with specific exemptions for use as a Human health pharmaceutical only for the control of head lice and scabies as second line treatment. The amendment on Lindane entered into force on 26 August 2010.

In response to a request made by the same above decision, the Secretariat in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) developed a work plan for reporting and reviewing requirements on the use of Lindane allowed for the specific exemption.

As part of this work plan, the Secretariat in collaboration with WHO gathered some baseline information on distribution and use of Lindane from selected countries and stakeholders. As a next step, the information collected needs to be reviewed to identify pragmatic solutions for the development of a pilot study for reporting and reviewing the continued need for Lindane in selected countries.

Objectives

1. Presenting the experience of Mexico on implementing a phase-out plan for the use of lindane as a pharmaceutical to control head lice and scabies,
2. Identifying barriers for Parties to review and report on continued need for lindane and possible solutions for phasing out its uses.

Contents

1. Introduction – 5 min.
2. Presentations:
   1. Overview of the listing of Lindane in the Stockholm Convention, Secretariat of the Stockholm Convention – 10 min.
   2. Mexico’s approach and experience in phasing out Lindane from pharmaceutical uses, Representative from Mexico – 20 min.
3. Discussion – 25 min.

Target group

Country parties and entities who were involved in the baseline survey, health sector representatives of country Parties to the Stockholm Convention, regional centres, industry groups and IGOs.

Schedule and registration

The webinars will be conducted in English only.

When you register, you will be given additional information regarding the system requirements and instructions on how to log in to the webinar.

Background:

Articles 9 and 10 of the Stockholm Convention call for the exchange of information on alternatives and substitutes to POPs, including by industry and professional users and through a broad range of different means of communication.

In order to assist Parties in meeting these obligations, the Secretariat has launched an initiative on POPs-free products and processes. The initiative seeks to encourage manufacturers and retailers of consumer products, who have phased-out POPs, to provide information on POPs-free products, on possible alternatives and substitutes and processes for introducing such alternatives and substitutes.

The initiative was presented during the Fifth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP-5) in April and integrated into the work programme of the secretariat with the understanding that the Secretariat will provide the COP at its sixth meeting with results and outcomes of the implementation of the POPs-free initiative.

Complementary activities to support parties to the Stockholm Convention to address challenges on “POPs in articles” are also on-going. The main objective is to increase the capacity of Parties to the Stockholm Convention to manage industrial POPs in an environmentally sound manner. The programme focuses on the three sets of chemicals listed at COP4: “hexabromodiphenyl ether and heptabromodiphenyl ether”, “tetrabromodiphenyl ether and pentabromodiphenyl ether”, and “perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), its salts and perfluorooctane sulfonyl fluoride (PFOSF)”. This is because management of industrial chemicals is often less systematized than that of pesticides, and the sharing of information on products containing those industrial POPs is a crucial first step for the sound management, not only for developing countries but also for developed countries.  

Objectives:

The webinar provided an opportunity for Parties and stakeholders to be informed of upcoming work under the POPs-free initiative and on POPs in articles and to provide views on how best such work can meet their needs and challenges.

For the POP-free programme, the secretariat presented the outcomes of a pilot project undertaken prior to COP-5 and future activities, focusing on identifying best practices on the phase-out of POPs in products and processes and the use of related alternatives and substitutes.

Activities on POPs in articles were also be outlined, including in relation to the implementation of the recommendation by the POPs Review Committee on elimination of the listed bromodiphenyl ethers and risk reduction of PFOS, its salts and PFOSF and the review and updating of the National Implementation Plans for POPs contained in Articles. 

Target group:

Parties, observers and IGO representatives, as well as other stakeholders.

Pursuant to Article 4, and in accordance with Annexes A and B, the Convention allows for registering specific exemptions for certain chemicals and uses for which alternatives do not exist yet or are not readily available. This webinar provided information on the different types of exemptions and on the process and format to follow when registering for exemptions.

Background

Pollutants release inventories are necessary to identify, characterize and quantify sources of these releases; set priorities; elaborate strategies and action plans to reduce these releases; and to evaluate effectiveness of these strategies by establishing release trends through regular inventory updates.

The Standardized Toolkit for Identification and Quantification of Dioxin and Furan Releases (Toolkit) provides a harmonized framework for elaboration of inventories for Annex C chemicals releases in accordance with Article 5 of the Stockholm Convention.

Objectives:

• Raising awareness on the revisions brought to the  Standardized Toolkit for Identification and Quantification of Dioxin and Furan Releases;
• Increasing countries’ capacity to update and revise their inventories on dioxin and furan releases, in the context of the update and revision of the National Implementation Plans, and in accordance with Article 5 requirements,
• Enhancing data comparability and consistency in reporting dioxin and furan releases among Parties to the Stockholm Convention.

Target group:

Background

Paragraph 6 of Article 13 of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants defines a mechanism for the provision of adequate and sustainable financial resources to developing country parties and parties with economies in transition on a grant or concessional basis to assist in their implementation of the Convention. Article 14 states the Global Environment Facility shall, on an interim basis, be the principal entity entrusted with the operations of the financial mechanism.

With regard to financial resources and the Financial Mechanism, the fifth meeting of the Conference of the Parties adopted several decisions. Those decisions will initiate a number of activities in the intersessional period, for instance inviting Parties to provide information on their financial needs and capacity to access resources.

Paragraph 1c of Article 7 requires Parties to review and update its NIP on a periodic Basis.  Decision SC-1/12 elaborated the triggers for this action to be undertaken by Parties. COP 4 added an additional Nine Chemicals to the Annexes of the Convention which is a trigger for the updating and review of the NIP. In this regard the 39th GEF council approved NIP update Guidelines and set aside funding for this purpose. The GEF is also in the process of providing direct access for Parties to conduct their NIP Updates.

Objectives

The webinar aims at:

• increasing knowledge on the decisions related to financial resources and the Financial Mechanism of the Convention; in particular on the activities to be undertaken in the intersessional period;
• enhancing understanding of the procedures for accessing GEF funding to update and revise the National Implementation Plans, especially on the direct access procedures that can be followed by Parties;
• exchanging on the modalities and time frame of implementation and possible capacity assistance needs.

Target group

Parties, observers and IGO representatives, as well as other stakeholders.

Schedule:

 The time indicated is based on Geneva local time (UTC/GMT +2 hours).

Background

The growing volumes of electrical and electronic wastes or e-waste generated worldwide together with the lack or even absence of well-organized collection and management systems made impacts on the environment, the health of local communities and national economies. In many developing countries e-waste is routinely disposed of or recycled following practices that lead to the release of toxic substances into air, soil and water. All this is gradually mounting up to a serious environmental problem.

Given the constantly rising demand for scarce resource, the present e-waste management does not only pollute natural resources and endanger people’s health; it also misses out on business opportunities in material recovery and recycling. The high-tech know-how for environmentally sound recovery of metals is yet to be introduced in developing countries.

There are a number of activities and initiatives which have been or are being undertaken by various actors, including the United Nations (UN) agencies, research organizations, the private sector and NGOs to tackle the e-waste issue. As an effective mechanism to foster cooperation in the area of sound e-waste management, several partnerships have been established, such as Mobile Phone Partnership Initiative (MPPI), Partnership for Action on Computing Equipment (PACE), and the Regional Platform on Electronic Waste for Latin America and the Caribbean (RELAC).

Objectives:

The webinar aimed at:

• Introducing international and regional policy and legislation relevant to e-waste;
• Providing an overview of the environmental, social and economic aspects associated with the management of e-waste;
• Informing countries about the ongoing activities under the Basel Convention’s Partnership for Action on Computing Equipment (PACE) with a particular focus on the guidance documents dealing with environmentally sound testing, refurbishment, repair of used computing equipment, and sound material recovery and recycling of end-of-life computing equipment.

Target audience

The present webinar targeted:

• Focal points nominated under the Basel and Stockholm conventions;
• Others government representatives; national experts and stakeholders interested in the environmentally sound management of e-wastes.

Proposed programme

1. Introduction and presentation of participants (5’)
2. Overview of challenges posed by e-wastes (15’)
3. Possible solutions to be explored to promote environmentally sound management of e-wastes, including through the PACE (15’)
4. Questions and discussions (20’)
5. Closure

Background

As part of the activities to mark the Stockholm Convention’s 10th anniversary, the Secretariat is organizing a global art contest for children and youth.

The theme for the competition is "Stockholm at 10: Chemical Challenges, Sustainable Solutions" and what it means to young people around the world. For example, in their entries, children and youth may explore the many ways persistent organic pollutants (POPs) affect the life of the planet, enter people’s bodies, and change ecosystems, the reasons why the planet's "chemical temperature" is rising, and how people can protect themselves and nature from these harmful substances.

Objectives

This webinar has 2 objectives:

1. Inform a broad range of stakeholders about the contest and encourage them to diffuse the information at national level;
2. Encourage the OCPs to engage and support the process as they will be playing an active role at their country level.

Target Groups

The Webinars will target:

• Official Contact Points and National Focal Points nominated to represent their countries within the framework of the Convention, as well as Permanent Missions
• Other Government representatives concerned with the development and implementation of the Stockholm Convention, in particular in relation to Education and Health
• Stakeholders, such as NGOs and academia (schools in particular), which are concerned with raising awareness among children and youth

Contents

Each Webinar will last approximately 30 minutes and will be structured as follows:

• Introduction and presentation of participants (5’)
• Presentation (5’)
• Questions and discussions (20’)

Schedule for the Webinars

The table below indicates the Webinars that are planned at the beginning of 2011. The time indicated is based on Geneva local time (UTC/GMT +1 hour).

To register for a slot, please return the registration form, once completed and duly signed, to the Secretariat at: TA@pops.int.

Equipment requirements

The internet-based software, Webex, will be used for the video/teleconference session which allows sharing voice and data, such as PowerPoint presentations. Webinar participants would need to use the following items: a computer, a phone, a micro, speakers (headsets) and a good internet connection. User instructions will be sent to registered participants 2 weeks prior to the Webinars.

Additional information

The webinar provided information and experience sharing on existing legal frameworks to legislate and regulate chemicals, hazardous and other wastes in compliance with international obligations under the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions.

Background:

Since 2006, Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions have supported the enhancement of synergies and linkages among the three multilateral environmental agreements in specific areas where common issues arise. In this regard, the Conferences of the Parties (COP) to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions adopted a series of decisions that led in 2008-2009 to the adoption of a set of recommendations to promote cooperation and collaboration among the three conventions at the national, regional and international level (Basel Convention decision IX/10, Rotterdam Convention decision RC-4/11, Stockholm Convention decision SC-4/34).

As part of the implementation of those recommendations, simultaneous extraordinary meetings of the Conferences of the Parties to the three Conventions (ex-COPs) took place in February 2010 and further reaffirmed the administrative and operational reforms initiated in previous years.

In 2011, the meetings of the Conferences of the Parties to the Stockholm, Rotterdam and Basel Conventions are expected to take substantively identical decisions on synergies.

Objectives:

The webinars aim at:

• Increasing participants’ understanding of the current process to promote cooperation and coordination among the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions,
• Fostering the implementation of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions by building synergies and linkages at the national and regional levels.

Target group:

Official Contact Points in countries that are Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions, as well as other key stakeholders, such as non-governmental organizations and intergovernmental organizations.

Proposed programme:

• Overview of the three conventions: a framework for life-cycle management
• Introduction to the Decisions on Cooperation and Coordination among the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions, including latest decisions
• Lessons learned.

Schedule:

This webinar presented the features and working tools offered by the POPs Social Network and will offer a guided tour throughout the working groups dedicated to the work of the PEN. The webinar was conducted in Spanish.

Recording

Pursuant to Article 15, Parties have to report every four years on the measures taken to implement the Convention and on the effectiveness of such measures. This webinar presented the reporting obligations under the Convention and how to use the electronic reporting system.

FAQ