Environment     

World urged to prioritize chemicals management

Xinhua, September 18, 2012

• He regretted absence of reliable safeguards expose vulnerable groups to risks posed by mismanagement of chemicals.

  "For example, the informal sector is active in spray painting, chemical recovery, recycling of chemical containers and small- scale manufacturing, all these activities are done with minimal personal protective equipment," said Mwakwere.

  Kenya has made strides in development of policy and legal tools to promote sound chemicals management.

  According to Mwakwere, the east African nation has for the last three years implemented international best practices on management of hazardous chemicals.

  "We have ensured the use of all tools contained in strategic approach to international chemicals management (SAICM) over arching strategy to define policies and action plans that can help promote sound chemical use," Mwakwere said.

  He urged the international community to initiate a sustainable, adequate and long-term funding mechanism to help poor countries establish strong chemicals management regimes.

  Management of chemicals has gained traction in the multilateral systems alongside action on climate change and ozone depleting substances.

  UNEP Executive Director Achim Steiner hailed the involvement of industry, governments and non state actors in advancing the chemicals management agenda.

  "There is need to catalyze international action to achieve sound chemicals management regime. Collective approach to phasing out obsolete chemicals that harm environment should be maintained, " Steiner said.

  He stressed chemical safety and sustainable development are inter-linked and it behoves countries to devote greater attention to the chemicals management agenda.

  Steiner revealed 140,000 chemicals are in the ecosystems and will have impact on human livelihoods.

  "Chemicals have become an integral part of the 21st century economy and development process. Countries should mainstream chemicals management in national development planning," Steiner told delegates.

  He appealed for strengthening of multilateral instruments to address chemicals. "Industry and governments can maximize on gains in chemicals management," Steiner said.

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