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Improved governance called for to prevent 12,000 million tonnes of plastic waste by 2050
Read the BRS Press Release on marine litter, as BRS and Barcelona conventions join forces to help beat plastic pollution.

Improved governance called for to prevent 12,000 million tonnes of plastic waste by 2050

Improved governance called for to prevent 12,000 million tonnes of plastic waste by 2050

7th December 2018: Geneva, Switzerland - With UN Environment reporting that 12,000 million tonnes of plastic will be in landfills or in the natural environment by 2050 under current trends1, the international community mobilised in Geneva, Switzerland this week to explore ways to tackle marine plastics litter, one of the most visible and pressing environmental issues of our time.

Improved governance, a holistic approach, a possible new global treaty, strengthening existing initiatives and instruments, and better coordination among them, were considered as options, which will go to the next UN Environment Assembly, UNEA-4 in Nairobi next March, for consideration and actioning.

One existing legally-binding instrument, the Basel Convention, was recognised as a valuable avenue for governments and stakeholders to tackle plastic pollution, given it is almost universal and has a number of relevant features, with amendments being discussed at its next conference of the parties next year. Focussing on tackling waste generation at source and at the household level, a Basel Convention Partnership on Household Waste was initiated in 2017 to explore and disseminate innovative solutions, an integrated approach, avoidance and minimisation of waste at source as well systems for the collection, separation, transport, storage, treatment, processing, recycling and where necessary, final disposal, of household waste. More information is available here: https://www.basel.int/?tabid=5082.

Responding to the call for urgency and to improve actions in the Mediterranean region, strengthened cooperation between international agreements was announced on Friday 6th December, with the secretariats of the Barcelona Convention2 and the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions3 signing a new memorandum of understanding aimed at boosting regional efforts including to beat plastic pollution.

Next, the Basel Convention’s Conference of the Parties (COP), in April/May 2019, will consider a range of additional steps to better address the challenges of plastics wastes4 including proposed amendments to the Convention to better address plastic wastes5; a set of further actions and establishing a new Partnership on Plastic Waste designed as an international vehicle for public-private cooperation, sharing of best practices, and technical assistance in the area of at-source measures to minimise and more effectively manage plastic waste, thus helping tackle the global environmental problem of marine plastic litter. More information on minimising plastic waste is available here: https://www.basel.int/?tabid=6068.

NOTES for EDITORS:

The Secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions, or BRS Secretariat, supports parties implement the three leading multilateral environment agreements governing chemicals and waste, in order to protect human health and the environment. See www.brsmeas.org for more info and follow @brsmeas twitter feed for daily news.

The Barcelona Convention was adopted in 1976 and aims to protect and improve the marine and coastal environment in the Mediterranean, whilst promoting regional and national plans contributing to sustainable development. Today, 21 countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea, as well as the European Union, are Contracting Parties to the Barcelona Convention. The UN Environment / Mediterranean Action Plan (MAP) is a cooperative effort to support the implementation of the Barcelona Convention. See web.unep.org/unepmap for more info.

Media enquiries, interviews:

Charlie Avis
Public Information Officer
BRS Secretariat
Charles.avis@brsmeas.org
Tel: +41-79-7304495

 


1. UN Environment UNEP/AHEG/2018/1/INF/3: Combating marine plastic litter and microplastics: an assessment of the effectiveness of relevant international, regional and subregional governance strategies and approaches; p.9;  available at : https://papersmart.unon.org/resolution/uploads/unep_aheg_2018_inf3_full_assessment_en.pdf

2. Barcelona Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment and the Coastal Region of the Mediterranean.

3. Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal, Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade and Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants

 

Side event in Geneva marks conventions joining forces to beat plastic pollution
The Barcelona and BRS conventions strengthen their cooperation to support the Mediterranean Action Plan and tackle marine plastic litter, at a signing event on 7 December 2018.

Side event in Geneva marks conventions joining forces to beat plastic pollution

Side event in Geneva marks conventions joining forces to beat plastic pollution
 
BRS opens Illegal Traffic meeting in China: Read the keynote on the Operation Demeter IV initiative
Preventing, detecting & acting against the illegal transboundary movements of hazardous & other wastes is a crucial element in the global waste challenge.

BRS opens Illegal Traffic meeting in China: Read the keynote on the Operation Demeter IV initiative

BRS opens Illegal Traffic meeting in China: Read the keynote on the Operation Demeter IV initiative
 
Beat Marine Plastic Pollution: UN experts meet in Geneva to examine options
Important meeting assesses how to improve governance for tackling marine plastic pollution.

Beat Marine Plastic Pollution: UN experts meet in Geneva to examine options

Beat Marine Plastic Pollution: UN experts meet in Geneva to examine options
 
Electronic reporting system of the Basel Convention - an overview
The objectives of this webinar are to provide an overview of the electronic reporting system of the Basel Convention and enhance understanding of the reporting obligations under the Basel Convention. It is primarily intended for newly-designated focal points for the Basel Convention.

Electronic reporting system of the Basel Convention - an overview

Electronic reporting system of the Basel Convention - an overview
 
Life-Cycle Approach to chemicals and waste in the spotlight in Beijing, China
Basel and Stockholm Convention Regional Centre’s roundtable meeting brings together participants from 7 Asian countries to discuss better approaches to chemicals and waste management.

Life-Cycle Approach to chemicals and waste in the spotlight in Beijing, China

Life-Cycle Approach to chemicals and waste in the spotlight in Beijing, China

Beijing, China, 27-28 November 2018

The BRS Secretariat, together with the Basel and Stockholm Convention Regional Centre in China, organized a regional roundtable in Beijing from 27 to 28 November on the life-cycle approach for the sound management of hazardous chemicals and wastes. The roundtable, attended by 20 representatives from seven Asian countries, was organized within the framework of a project on the life-cycle approach being implemented by BCRC China.

Recognizing the need to better understand the socioeconomic aspects of phasing out or reducing the use/production of specific hazardous chemicals, the workshop participants were introduced to the concept of life-cycle assessment and its practical application in China and the pilot country of Sri Lanka. Each country participant shared national experiences of implementing the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions, highlighting in many cases the need for strengthened capacities for the sound management of hazardous chemicals and waste, including through the application of the life-cycle approach. The roundtable culminated in a group exercise whereby the participants considered the application of the LCA methodology with respect to POPs of concern in their countries.

For further information please contact Susan Wingfield: susan.wingfield@brsmeas.org.

Progress to beat pollution as yet another country accedes to the Basel Convention
Vanuatu has become the 187th Party to the Basel Convention, with entry into force on 14 January 2019.

Progress to beat pollution as yet another country accedes to the Basel Convention

Progress to beat pollution as yet another country accedes to the Basel Convention
 
Joint meeting of the bureaux of the conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions
The bureaux will meet on 15 and 16 November 2018 in Geneva, Switzerland to discuss preparations for the 2019 triple COPs.

Joint meeting of the bureaux of the conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions

Joint meeting of the bureaux of the conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions
 
Basel Convention implementation and compliance progress as 6 countries resolve their compliance difficulties
ICC-13 concludes Cabo Verde, Eritrea, Libya, Guinea-Bissau, Oman and Turkmenistan have overcome their difficulties in implementing obligations to transmit national reports or designate country contacts.

Basel Convention implementation and compliance progress as 6 countries resolve their compliance difficulties

Basel Convention implementation and compliance progress as 6 countries resolve their compliance difficulties
 
Basel Convention Ban Amendment edges closer to entry into force as two more Parties deposit acceptance instruments
Accepted recently by Iceland and Namibia, the Amendment now requires only two more COP-3 Parties to deposit their instruments of acceptance, to enter into force.

Basel Convention Ban Amendment edges closer to entry into force as two more Parties deposit acceptance instruments

Basel Convention Ban Amendment edges closer to entry into force as two more Parties deposit acceptance instruments
 
Plastic waste - Parties notified of a proposal to amend Annexes II, VIII & IX of the Basel Convention
Written comments are invited by 31 December 2018, on a proposal by Norway for COP-14 to amend Annexes II, VIII & IX of the Basel Convention to address plastic waste.

Plastic waste - Parties notified of a proposal to amend Annexes II, VIII & IX of the Basel Convention

Plastic waste - Parties notified of a proposal to amend Annexes II, VIII & IX of the Basel Convention
 
BRS Regional information sessions series concludes with Latin America and Caribbean meeting in Lima, Peru
Regional information sessions, throughout October, are staged back-to-back with Minamata Convention COP-2 preparatory meetings.

BRS Regional information sessions series concludes with Latin America and Caribbean meeting in Lima, Peru

BRS Regional information sessions series concludes with Latin America and Caribbean meeting in Lima, Peru

 

BRS participates in the 21st Ministerial Forum for Latin America and the Caribbean in Buenos Aires, 11 to 12 October
BRS Executive Secretary moderates the “Ministerial Dialogue on Innovative Solutions to Detoxify our Environment” on marine plastic litter and sound management of chemicals & waste.

BRS participates in the 21st Ministerial Forum for Latin America and the Caribbean in Buenos Aires, 11 to 12 October

BRS participates in the 21st Ministerial Forum for Latin America and the Caribbean in Buenos Aires, 11 to 12 October
 
On International E-waste Day, please consider the hidden cost of your devices
This year for the first time, 13 October is designated International E-waste Day, to raise awareness of the possible hazards to health and environment of recycling mobile phones, computers, and other electronic devices.

On International E-waste Day, please consider the hidden cost of your devices

On International E-waste Day, please consider the hidden cost of your devices
 
News on actions to tackle marine plastic litter, chemicals & wastes, just a click away
Read the BRS Newsletter, now online, to keep up with actions for a clean planet and healthy people.

News on actions to tackle marine plastic litter, chemicals & wastes, just a click away

News on actions to tackle marine plastic litter, chemicals & wastes, just a click away
 
BRS Regional information sessions series continues in Chisinau, Moldova
Regional information sessions, throughout October, are staged back-to-back with Minamata Convention COP-2 preparatory meetings.

BRS Regional information sessions series continues in Chisinau, Moldova

BRS Regional information sessions series continues in Chisinau, Moldova
 
Basel Convention partnerships take action to minimise solid waste generation
The BRS press release on Basel Convention partnerships is online, marking World Habitat Day 2018 and its focus on solid waste.

Basel Convention partnerships take action to minimise solid waste generation

Basel Convention partnerships take action to minimise solid waste generation
 
Workers dying as a result of toxic exposure, says UN Special Rapporteur
A new report by the UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights and Toxics states that one worker dies every 30 seconds from toxic exposure in the workplace.

Workers dying as a result of toxic exposure, says UN Special Rapporteur

Workers dying as a result of toxic exposure, says UN Special Rapporteur
 
New era for waste management heralded as waste experts agree a raft of decisions including on marine plastic litter and microplastics
The Press Release of the 11th Meeting of the Basel Convention’s Open-ended Working Group is now online.

New era for waste management heralded as waste experts agree a raft of decisions including on marine plastic litter and microplastics

New era for waste management heralded as waste experts agree a raft of decisions including on marine plastic litter and microplastics

UN convention on wastes makes breakthrough recommendations to address global marine litter and other types of wastes

6th September 2018: Geneva, Switzerland - Momentum was built in Geneva this week to better address wastes including marine plastic litter and microplastics, through decisions adopted today by the Open-ended Working Group of the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal[1].

More than 400 experts from 135 countries and international organisations, including industry associations, met and today adopted a suit of decisions related to wastes, including marine plastic litter and microplastics, electronic waste, and household waste.

Additionally, a High Level Event was organised bringing together more than 70 ambassadors and heads of international organisations to further enhance the commitment for global action for marine plastic litter.

Decision, which will now be submitted to the next meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention (or COP), to be held at the end of April 2019 in Geneva, include the following:

A proposed new Partnership on Plastic Waste under the Basel Convention, designed as an international vehicle for public-private cooperation, sharing of best practices, and technical assistance in the area of at-source measures to minimise and more effectively manage plastic waste, thus helping tackle the global environmental problem of marine plastic litter;

Consideration of possible amendments to Annexes of the Convention, in relation to solid plastic waste, in order to assist Parties to better minimise and control their transboundary movement;

Further development of the Technical Guidelines on Electronic Waste (or E-waste), which are available for use by Parties to assist in implementing environmentally sound management of E-waste, which is amongst the fastest-growing waste-streams in the world, as well as consideration of options a new partnership on e-waste to follow the Partnership for Action on Computing Equipment (PACE);

Further development of the Household Waste Partnership under the Basel Convention, aiming for an integrated approach for household waste management, acknowledged as one of the key challenges related to waste management faced by national governments, particularly in developing countries;

Enhanced cooperation with World Customs Organisation to strengthen the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System, used by customs authorities to improve the control of wastes crossing borders.

Finalisation of the draft Manuals on Extended Producer Responsibility, which when completed can assist Parties with concrete actions for promoting the life-cycle approach in the manufacturing of products through to recycling.

Speaking today shortly before closing, the meeting’s Co-Chairs Mr. Mohamed Kashashneh (Jordan) and Ms. Justina Grigaraviciene (Lithuania) congratulated the Parties on reaching what they deemed to be “an historical outcome regarding marine plastic litter and microplastics. This and other decisions taken this week will bring the Basel Convention to a new era of effectiveness in helping Parties minimize and sustainably manage their wastes.”

Reflecting upon both the OEWG11 and the High Level Event, Rolph Payet, Executive Secretary of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions, said that the decisions of the OEWG11, combined with heightened international commitment “constitute an important step in addressing the technical, legal, and political dimensions of the problem of marine plastic litter and pollution from other hazardous wastes. These three dimensions reinforce one another and are all vital for tackling such a ubiquitous and significant set of issues and challenges.”.

Meetings continue with the organisation of the 13th Meeting of the Basel Convention’s Implementation and Compliance Committee (ICC13) back-to-back with OEWG11, at which progress is expected on a range of relevant legal questions. Details of decisions taken at ICC13 will be posted on the BRS website in due course.

For further information:

Susan Wingfield
Programme Officer, for OEWG-11
Susan.Wingfield@brsmeas.org
Tel: +41-22-9178406

Juliette Voinov Kohler
Legal officer, for ICC-13
Juliette.Kohler@brsmeas.org
Tel: +41-22-9178219

BRS Press Enquiries

Charlie Avis
Public Information Officer
Charles.Avis@brsmeas.org 
Tel: +41-79-7304495

 



[1] The Basel  Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Waste and their Disposal is the most comprehensive international environmental agreement on hazardous and other wastes and is almost universal, with 186 Parties. For more information, see www.basel.int

M-Cube launched to raise awareness on marine litter and microplastics
Thanks to funding from the UK, an art installation in the heart of international Geneva became the focus of public awareness activity as part of the Basel Convention High Level Event on 4 September.

M-Cube launched to raise awareness on marine litter and microplastics

M-Cube launched to raise awareness on marine litter and microplastics
 
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