Fifteenth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. In accordance with the agreement of the bureaux of the conferences of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal, the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade and the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, in the light of the exceptional circumstances caused by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, the fifteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention, the tenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention and the tenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention will be held back to back in two segments: the first online from 26 to 30 July 2021, and the second face to face over a two-week period in 2022 (tentatively in Geneva in June 2022). The arrangements for the high-level segment will be further considered by the bureaux after the closure of the online segment of the meetings of the conferences of the Parties.

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. In accordance with decisions BC-15/1, RC-10/2 and SC-10/2 on the venue and dates of the face-to-face resumed meetings of the conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions in 2022 and in the light of the exceptional circumstances caused by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, the fifteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal, the tenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade and the tenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants comprise two segments: an online segment, held from 26 to 30 July 2021, and a face-to-face segment to be held in Geneva from 6 to 17 June 2022.

Note by the Secretariat

The annex to the present note contains a tentative schedule of work for the online segment of the meetings of the conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions, which foresees the establishment of a contact group on budget and programme of work. It has been agreed by the bureaux of the conferences of the Parties at their joint meeting on 26 February 2021 and will be adjusted as work progresses. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

The annexes to the present note contain a tentative schedule of work for the face-to-face segment of the meetings of the conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions (annex I) and a list of possible contact and other groups (annex II). In line with the agreement of the bureaux of the conferences of the Parties to the three conventions, the high-level segment will be held on 1 June 2022 in Stockholm, Sweden, in connection with the Stockholm+50 international meeting (2–3 June 2022), and is therefore not part of the tentative schedule of work. The tentative schedule of work is provisional and could be subject to changes before or during the two weeks of the meetings. The present note, including its annexes, has not been formally edit.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the notes by the Secretariat on election of officers (UNEP/CHW.15/2, UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.10/2 and UNEP/POPS/COP.10/2), an overview table of all the elections expected to take place during the fifteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal, the tenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade and the tenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants is set out in the annex to the present note. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

1. In order to facilitate consideration of the credentials of the representatives of the Parties present at the fifteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention, the tenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention, and the tenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention, the Secretariat has prepared a table listing those States and political or regional economic integration organizations that have deposited with the depositary their relevant instruments expressing their consent to be bound by these conventions, as at 1 April 2022. This table is attached as an annex to the present note.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the strategic framework (UNEP/CHW.15/3), the annex to the present note sets out the draft report on the final evaluation of the strategic framework for the implementation of the Basel Convention for 2012–2021, prepared by the Secretariat in consultation with the small intersessional working group on the strategic framework, and taking into account the comments submitted during and following the online segment of twelfth meeting of the Open-ended Working Group. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

1. As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the strategic framework (UNEP/CHW.15/3), annex I to the present note sets out comments invited on 27 November 2020 and received by 17 March 2021 from Parties and observers on the final version of the report on the final evaluation of the strategic framework for the implementation of the Basel Convention for 20122021 set out in document UNEP/CHW.15/INF/5, as well as views on whether to develop a future strategic framework and/or effectiveness evaluation pursuant to paragraph 7 of the Article 15 of the Convention. Comments were submitted by Argentina, Canada, the European Union and its Member States, Mexico and the Centre for Multiparty Democracy.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on technical guidelines (UNEP/CHW.15/6), the annex to the present note sets out the draft analysis of candidate persistent organic chemicals recommended for listing by the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee and of the need to update or develop technical guidelines. The draft analysis was prepared by the Secretariat, in consultation with the small intersessional working group on persistent organic pollutant wastes. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on cooperation with the World Customs Organization on the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (UNEP/CHW.15/7), annex I to the present note sets out the progress in the work of the World Customs Organization on the Harmonized System related to the Basel Convention and annex II sets out the proposal on amendments to the Harmonized System with respect to plastic waste, which has been submitted to the World Customs Organization by the Secretariat. The present note, including its annexes, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on national reporting (UNEP/CHW.15/8), the annex to the present note sets out in section I, a table listing reporting and non-reporting Parties for the years 2017, 2018 and 2019, and in section II, details on the provision by Parties of information on the generation, import and export of hazardous wastes and other wastes in their national reports for these years. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on further consideration of plastic waste (UNEP/CHW.15/10), annex I to the present note set out background information related to a possible future assessment of the effectiveness of the measures taken under the Basel Convention to address plastic waste and to possible further activities that could be conducted under the Basel Convention, revised taking into account the comments received from Parties and observers following the online segment of the twelfth meeting of the Open-ended Working Group. Annex II to the present note sets out draft recommendations on such a possible future assessment and on possible further activities that could be conducted under the Convention. The present note, including its annexes, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on further consideration of plastic waste (UNEP/CHW.15/10), annex I to the present note sets out a report by the United Nations Environment Programme on the implementation of the Environment Assembly resolutions on marine litter and microplastics. The resolution “End plastic pollution: Towards an international legally binding instrument” is reproduced in annex II to the present note. The present note, including its annexes, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on further consideration of plastic waste (UNEP/CHW.15/10), the annex to the present note sets out a compilation of information on certain plastic wastes referred to in entry Y48 in Annex II and entry B3011 in Annex IX to the Basel Convention submitted by Parties and others in response to the invitation in paragraph 35 of decision BC-14/13. The information was submitted by China, United Republic of Tanzania, Basel Action Network (BAN), Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL), FluoroCouncil, Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) and International Pollutants Elimination Network (IPEN). The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the Committee Administering the Mechanism for Promoting Implementation and Compliance (UNEP/CHW.15/12), the annexes to the present note set out information on the activities of the Committee to improve timely and complete national reporting under paragraph 3 of Article 13 of the Convention. Annex I sets out the classification of compliance performance with respect to the annual reporting obligation for 2016, annex II sets out information on the classification of compliance performance with respect to the annual reporting obligation for 2017, annex III sets out the conclusions of the Committee on how individual Parties can integrate national reporting needs under the Basel Convention into the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (formerly the United Nations Development Assistance Framework), and annex IV sets out the conclusions of the Committee on the monitoring of the activities undertaken by or with the support of the Basel Convention regional and coordinating centres (BCRCs), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and other entities aimed at assisting Parties to transmit national reports. The present note, including its annexes, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the Committee Administering the Mechanism for Promoting Implementation and Compliance (UNEP/CHW.15/12), the annexes to the present note set out information on the activities of the Committee to improve implementation and compliance with Article 9 of the Convention on preventing and combatting illegal traffic. Annex I sets out the conclusions of the Committee on the scoping exercise of the extent of illegal traffic, annex II sets out the conclusions of the Committee on enhancing national coordination mechanisms, annex III sets out the conclusions of the Committee on lessons learned from its dialogue session with eight other multilateral environmental agreements, annex IV sets out the conclusions of the Committee on its review of the responses to question 1 (c) of the national reporting format on measures to implement and enforce the provisions of the Convention, annex V sets out the conclusions of the Committee on the review of cooperative arrangements including ENFORCE, and annex VI sets out the conclusions of the Committee on modalities for disseminating, especially to enforcement entities, existing guidance and technical assistance tools developed under the Convention to assist Parties to prevent and combat illegal traffic. The present note, including its annexes, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the Committee Administering the Mechanism for Promoting Implementation and Compliance (UNEP/CHW.15/12), the annex to the present note sets out a list of past and present Committee members identifying the 5 members whose terms will expire at the close of the fifteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the Committee Administering the Mechanism for Promoting Implementation and Compliance (UNEP/CHW.15/12), the annex to the present note sets out information on the activities of the Committee to improve implementation and compliance with paragraph 4 of Article 4 and paragraph 5 of Article 9 of the Convention on national legislation, and more specifically the conclusions of the Committee with regards to the activities of other entities aimed at assisting Parties in reviewing or developing legislation implementing the Basel Convention. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the Committee Administering the Mechanism for Promoting Implementation and Compliance (UNEP/CHW.15/12), the annexes to the present note set out information on the activities of the Committee to improve implementation and compliance with Article 6 of the Convention on the control system. Annex I sets out the conclusions of the Committee following its review of the information provided by Parties in response to questions 3 (g) and 3 (h) of the reporting format in their reports for 2016 and 2017. Annex II sets out the conclusions of the Committee with regards to the development of guidance on the implementation of paragraph 4 of Article 6 of the Convention. Annex III sets out a compilation of Parties’ definitions and understandings of the meaning of the term transit. The present note, including its annexes, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on providing further legal clarity (UNEP/CHW.15/13), annex I to the present note sets out the recommendations by the expert working group on the review of Annexes for possible amendment proposals to Annex IV and to entries A1180 and B1110 in Annexes VIII and IX to the Basel Convention, and findings of the expert working group on the consequential implications of the review of Annex IV to the Convention. These recommendations were further considered subsequently to the 59 October 2020 and 13 February 2021 sessions of the fourth meeting of the expert working group during an additional session held on 13 January 2022. Accordingly, the recommendations set out in the annex reflect the work of the expert working group as at 13 January 2022. Annex II to the present note provides a compilation, prepared by the co-chairs of the expert working group, of rationales transmitted by 11 March 2022 by members and observers of the expert working group on the recommended options for possible amendments to Annex IV to the Convention. The present note, including its annexes, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on national reporting (UNEP/CHW.15/8), the annex to the present note sets out a draft practical guidance on the development of inventories of plastic waste. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

At its fifteenth meeting, the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal took note of, in decision BC-15/13 on national reporting, the practical guidance on the development of inventories of plastic waste, on the basis of the draft guidance contained in document UNEP/CHW.15/INF/19. The text of the final version of the practical guidance, as taken note of by the Conference of the Parties, is set out in the annex to the present note. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on providing further legal clarity (UNEP/CHW.15/13), the annexes to the present note set out the draft versions of the notification document, the movement document, the instructions for completing both documents, the national reporting format and the manual for completing the format for national reporting, showing in yellow highlights where adjustments may be needed as a consequence of possible amendments to Annex IV. The present note, including its annexes, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on providing further legal clarity (UNEP/CHW.15/13), the annex to the present note sets out information on the work of the expert working group in relation to the review of Annexes I and III, including with respect to constituents and characteristics of plastic wastes. The present note, including its annexes, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the proposal by Ghana and Switzerland to amend Annexes II, VIII and IX to the Basel Convention (UNEP/CHW.15/13/Add.2), annexes I and II to the present note set out respectively an explanatory note and the current texts of Annexes II, VIII and IX, with sections in tracked changes reflecting the proposal for amendment in the six official languages of the meeting of the Conference of the Parties, and three application forms for the placement or removal of wastes on Annexes VIII and IX. The present note, including its annexes, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the proposal by Ghana and Switzerland to amend Annexes II, VIII and IX to the Basel Convention (UNEP/CHW.15/13/Add.2), the annex to the present note sets out the comments received from Parties on the proposal. The comments received from observers are available on the website of the Convention. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on providing further legal clarity: proposal by the European Union to amend Annex IV and certain entries in Annexes II and IX to the Basel Convention (UNEP/CHW.15/13/Add.1), the annex to the present note sets out an explanatory note. The submission is reproduced as received. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the proposal by the European Union to amend Annex IV and certain entries in Annexes II and IX to the Basel Convention (UNEP/CHW.15/13/Add.1), the annex to the present note sets out the comments received from Parties on the proposal. The comments received from observers are available on the website of the Convention. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the proposal by the Russian Federation to amend paragraph 2 of Article 6 of the Basel Convention (UNEP/CHW.15/15), the annex to the present note sets out an explanatory note in English, French, Russian and Spanish, along with the current text of paragraph 2 of Article 6 in tracked changes reflecting the proposed amendment in the six languages of the United Nations, for the convenience of Parties. The submission is reproduced as received. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the proposal by the Russian Federation to amend paragraph 2 of Article 6 of the Convention (UNEP/CHW.15/15), the annex to the present note sets out the comments received from Parties on the proposal. The comments received from observers are available on the website of the Convention. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on technical assistance and capacity-building for the implementation of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions (UNEP/CHW.15/16–UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.10/15–UNEP/POPS/COP.10/13), the annex to the present note sets out a report by the Secretariat on the implementation of the technical assistance plan for the period 2018–2021 in the biennium 2020–2021, subject to the availability of resources. In support of information continuity, the report includes also information on the capacity-building and training activities carried out by the Secretariat in the year 2019 and planned for the year 2022, subject to the availability of resources. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on technical assistance and capacity-building for the implementation of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions (UNEP/CHW.15/16UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.10/15UNEP/POPS/COP.10/13), the annex to the present note sets out the technical assistance plan for the implementation of the three conventions for 2022–2025. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on technical assistance and capacity-building for the implementation of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions (UNEP/CHW.15/16UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.10/15UNEP/POPS/COP.10/13), the annex to the present note sets out the report on the technical assistance needs of developing-country Parties and Parties with economies in transition for implementation of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions and the technical assistance available from developed country Parties and others. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on technical assistance and capacity-building for the implementation of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions (UNEP/CHW.15/16UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.10/15UNEP/POPS/COP.10/13), the annex to the present note sets out the technical assistance plan for the implementation of the three conventions for 2022–2025. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

1. As is mentioned in the notes by the Secretariat on the Basel Convention regional and coordinating centres (UNEP/CHW.15/17) and on the Stockholm Convention regional and subregional centres for capacity-building and the transfer of technology (UNEP/POPS/COP.10/14), the annexes to the present note set out reports by the Secretariat on the activities of the Basel and Stockholm conventions regional centres.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on Basel Convention Partnership Programme (UNEP/CHW.15/18/Rev.1), the annex to this note sets out a report on the implementation of the activities of the programme of work of the working group of the follow-up partnership for 2020–2021, including regarding the development of revised terms of reference for the follow-up partnership and draft programme of work for the biennium 20222023. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the Basel Convention Partnership Programme, Section B on the Environmental Network for Optimizing Regulatory Compliance on Illegal Traffic (UNEP/CHW.15/18/Rev.1), the annex to the present note sets out a progress report by the chair of the Network, Ms. Olley (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland). The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the Basel Convention Partnership Programme (UNEP/CHW.15/18/Rev.1), the annex to the present note sets out a report on the activities of the working group of the Household Waste Partnership. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the Basel Convention Partnership Programme (UNEP/CHW.15/18/Rev.1), the annex to the present note sets out a report on the activities of the working group of the Partnership on Plastic Waste. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on mobilization of resources under the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions from non-State actors (UNEP/CHW.15/28–UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.10/24–UNEP/POPS/COP.10/28), the annex to the present note contains an assessment of the relevance for the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions of existing guidelines developed by the United Nations system on the mobilization of resources from non-State actors, such as private-sector entities, non-governmental organizations and development banks, to inform possible future arrangements relating to this matter, for consideration by the conferences of the Parties. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

The annex to the present note sets out a report by the United Nations Environment Programme on activities of the 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 the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the Basel Convention Partnership Programme (UNEP/CHW.15/18/Rev.1), the annex to the present note sets out recommendations from the working group of the follow-up partnership to the Partnership for Action on Computing Equipment, notably on adding further types of e-waste to the scope of the terms of reference and on a draft work programme for the biennium 2022–2023. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

At its fifteenth meeting, the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal adopted, in decision BC 15/22 on the Basel Convention Partnership Programme, the amendments to the terms of reference of the Follow-up partnership to the Partnership for Action on Computing Equipment, including a new name for the Partnership, and the programme of work for 2022–2023 of the working group of the Partnership, on the basis of document UNEP/CHW.15/INF/39. The amended terms of reference and the programme of work for 2022–2023, as adopted by the Conference of the Parties, are contained respectively in annexes I and II to the present note. The present note, including its annexes, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on cooperation and coordination with the Minamata Convention on Mercury (UNEP/CHW.15/20–UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.10/16–UNEP/POPS/COP.10/20), the annex to the present note was originally planned to set out information on activities undertaken by the Conference of the Parties to the Minamata Convention that are relevant to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions. This information has been superseded by a joint report prepared by the secretariats of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions and of the Minamata Convention on the main cooperative activities undertaken between the secretariats in areas of mutual interest, as well as other activities conducted jointly by Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions and the Minamata Convention. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on international cooperation and coordination with other organizations (UNEP/CHW.14/21/Rev.1–UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.9/17/Rev.1–UNEP/POPS/COP.9/21/Rev.1), the annex to the present note sets out in section I a report providing detailed information on the international cooperation and coordination activities undertaken by the Secretariat with international bodies, including intergovernmental organizations, international and regional organizations, other multilateral environmental agreement secretariats, international non-governmental organizations, and networks from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2021. The annex also contains in section II information on cooperation with other entities for activities with an international scope from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2021. The activities described in the report are either specific to one Convention or relevant to two or three conventions. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

The annex to the present note sets out a letter from the chair of the Inter-organization Coordinating Committee on the status of discussions about the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions being invited to become members of the Inter-Organization Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Corrigendum

Document UNEP/CHW.15/INF/42 is hereby withdrawn.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on international cooperation and coordination with other organizations (UNEP/CHW.15/21UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.10/17UNEP/POPS/COP.10/21), the annex to the present note sets out a report submitted by the secretariat of the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management to the meetings of the conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the secretariat on international cooperation and coordination with other organizations (UNEP/CHW.15/21/Rev.1–UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.10/17/Rev.1–UNEP/POPS/COP.10/21/Rev.1), the secretariats of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions and of the Minamata Convention prepared a joint study entitled “Interlinkages between the chemicals and waste multilateral environmental agreements and biodiversity: key insights”. The study is available at the following link.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on international cooperation and coordination with other organizations (UNEP/CHW.15/21/Rev.1UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.10/17/Rev.1UNEP/POPS/COP.10/21/Rev.1), the annex to the present note sets out information on the outcome of the follow-up by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to General Assembly resolution 73/333 on the follow-up to the report of the ad hoc open-ended working group established pursuant to General Assembly resolution 72/277. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

1. As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the clearing-house mechanism for information exchange (UNEP/CHW.15/22-UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.10/18-UNEP/POPS/COP.10/22), the annex to the present note sets out the workplan for the implementation of the joint clearing-house mechanism for the biennium 2022–2023.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on mainstreaming gender (UNEP/CHW.15/23–UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.10/19–UNEP/POPS/COP.10/23), the annex to the present note sets out a report on gender-related activities implemented by the Secretariat as outlined in the updated Gender Action Plan of the Secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

1. As mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on synergies in preventing and combating illegal traffic and trade in hazardous chemicals and wastes (UNEP/CHW.15/24–UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.10/20–UNEP/POPS/COP.10/24), the annex to the present note sets out information received from a range of organizations and relevant global and regional enforcement networks on activities aimed at assisting Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions to prevent and combat illegal traffic and trade in hazardous chemicals and wastes, as well as recommendations concerning opportunities for strengthened cooperation. Information was provided by the Basel Convention Regional Centre (BCRC) Caribbean, the Basel Convention Regional Centre / Stockholm Convention Regional Centre (BCRC/SCRC) South Africa, the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (EUROPOL), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Green Customs Initiative (GCI), the European Union Network for the Implementation and Enforcement of Environmental Law (IMPEL) the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the World Customs Organization (WCO), the World Health Organization (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco control, and the STRIKE and the Waste Force projects on activities aimed at assisting Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions to prevent and combat illegal traffic and trade in hazardous chemicals and wastes, as well as recommendations concerning opportunities for strengthened cooperation.

Note by the Secretariat

1. As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on from science to action (UNEP/CHW.15/25–UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.10/21–UNEP/POPS/COP.10/25), annex I to the present note sets out the conclusions of the subregional workshop to enhance science-policy-industry interaction and to support Parties in science-based decision-making for the implementation of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions, which was held from 28 to 30 January 2020 in Lagos, Nigeria.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on national reporting (UNEP/CHW.15/8), the annex to the present note sets out a preliminary draft practical guidance on the development of inventories of obsolete pesticides and pesticide-container waste. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

At its fifteenth meeting, the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal took note of, in decision BC-15/13 on national reporting, the practical guidance on the development of inventories of obsolete pesticides and pesticide-container waste, on the basis of the draft guidance contained in document UNEP/CHW.15/INF/50. The text of the final version of the practical guidance, as taken note of by the Conference of the Parties, is set out in the annex to the present note. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on national reporting (UNEP/CHW.15/8), the annex to the present note sets out a draft practical guidance on the development of inventories of waste batteries containing lithium. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

At its fifteenth meeting, the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal took note of, in decision BC-15/13 on national reporting, the practical guidance on the development of inventories of waste batteries containing lithium, on the basis of the draft guidance contained in document UNEP/CHW.15/INF/51. The text of the final version of the practical guidance, as taken note of by the Conference of the Parties, is set out in the annex to the present note. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on waste containing nanomaterials (UNEP/CHW.15/11), the annex to the present note sets out information received from Parties and observers on activities aimed at addressing issues related to waste containing nanomaterials, including case studies about and best practices relating to the management of waste containing nanomaterials. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

1. In decisions BC-14/29, RC-9/17 and SC-9/27, on programmes of work and budgets for the biennium 2020–2021, the conferences of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal, the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade and the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, among other things:

Note by the Secretariat

1. In decisions BC-14/29, RC-9/17 and SC-9/27, on programmes of work and budgets for the biennium 2020–2021, the conferences of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal, the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade and the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, among other things:

Note by the Secretariat

1. As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on programmes of work and proposed budgets for the biennium 20222023: combined proposal (UNEP/CHW.15/26UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.10/22UNEP/POPS/COP.10/26), the annex to the present note sets out budget activity fact sheets for the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions developed by the Secretariat. They should be read in conjunction with the aforementioned note and the information document on programmes of work and proposed budgets for the biennium 20222023: proposed operational budgets for the two funding scenarios (UNEP/CHW.15/INF/53UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.10/INF/34UNEP/POPS/COP.10/INF/57).

Note by the Secretariat

1. As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on programmes of work and proposed budgets for the biennium 20222023: revised combined proposal (UNEP/CHW.15/26/Rev.1UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.10/22/Rev.1UNEP/POPS/COP.10/26/Rev.1), the annex to the present note sets out revised budget activity fact sheets for the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions developed by the Secretariat. They should be read in conjunction with the aforementioned note and the information document on programmes of work and proposed budgets for the biennium 20222023: revised proposed operational budgets for the two funding scenarios (UNEP/CHW.15/INF/53/Rev.1UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.10/INF/34/Rev.1UNEP/POPS/COP.10/INF/57/Rev.1). The present note has been revised following the online segment of the meetings of the conferences of the Parties, in order to take into account the outcomes of that segment, namely decisions BC-15/2, RC-10/3 and SC-10/4 on interim programmes of work and budgets for 2022, as well as other relevant developments.

Note by the Secretariat

1. In decisions BC-15/30, RC-10/19, SC-10/26 on the programmes of work and budgets for the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions for the biennium 2022–2023, the conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions approved their respective programme budgets, taking as a reference the revised budget activity fact sheets contained in document UNEP/CHW.15/INF/54/Rev.1UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.10/INF/35/Rev.1UNEP/POPS/COP.10/INF/58/Rev.1

Note by the Secretariat

1. By its decision BC-10/28, the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal adopted financial rules for the operation of the Conference of the Parties, its subsidiary bodies and the Secretariat. Paragraph 1 of rule 3, which deals with the budget, requires the Executive Secretary to dispatch information on actual income and expenditure for each year of the previous biennium and estimates of actual expenditures in the current biennium, to all Parties to the Convention at least 90 days before the opening of the meeting of the Conference of the Parties at which the budget for a given biennium is to be adopted.

Note by the Secretariat

1. By its decision BC-10/28, the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal adopted financial rules for the operation of the Conference of the Parties, its subsidiary bodies and the Secretariat. Paragraph 1 of rule 3, which deals with the budget, requires the Executive Secretary to dispatch information on actual income and expenditure for each year of the previous biennium and estimates of actual expenditures in the current biennium, to all Parties to the Convention at least 90 days before the opening of the meeting of the Conference of the Parties at which the budget for a given biennium is to be adopted.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on international cooperation and coordination with other organizations (UNEP/CHW.15/21UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.10/17UNEP/POPS/COP.10/21), the annex to the present note sets out a report submitted by the Executive Director to the meetings of the conferences of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal, to the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade and to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants on programmatic cooperation. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on international cooperation and coordination with other organizations (UNEP/CHW.15/21UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.10/17UNEP/POPS/COP.10/21), the annex to the present note sets out a report submitted by the Executive Director to the meetings of the conferences of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal, to the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade and to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants on programmatic cooperation. The present document has been revised in order to present an updated report as of April 2022 for the face-to-face segment of the meetings of the conferences of the Parties. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

1. The annexes to the present note contain information on pledges and contributions to the technical cooperation and voluntary special trust funds of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions received in the biennium 20202021 as at 19 May 2022. Annex I contains an overview of such pledges and contributions received from Parties. Annex II contains more detailed information on pledges and contributions received by Party. All amounts are in United States dollars, unless otherwise stated, and include programme support costs.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the implementation of the memorandum of understanding between the United Nations Environment Programme and the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention (UNEP/CHW.15/27), the note by the Secretariat on the implementation of the memorandum of understanding between the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the United Nations Environment Programme and the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade (UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.10/23) and the note by the Secretariat on the implementation of the memorandum of understanding between the United Nations Environment Programme and the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention (UNEP/POPS/COP.10/27), the annex to the present note sets out the delegation of authority policy and framework for the management and administration of multilateral environmental agreement secretariats approved by the Executive Director of United Nations Environment Programme and effective as of 15 September 2021. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

1. Meetings of the Conference of the Parties shall take place at the seat(s) of the Secretariat, unless the Conference of the Parties decides otherwise or other appropriate arrangements are made by the Secretariat in consultations with the Parties. In the case of the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal and the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, the seat of the Secretariat is at Geneva, Switzerland. In the case of the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade, the seats of the Secretariat are at Geneva, Switzerland, and Rome, Italy.

Note by the Secretariat

The annex to the present note provides information on activities undertaken since the online segment of the meetings of the conferences of the Parties which was held from 26 to 30 July 2021. This includes developments in furtherance to decisions BC-15/2, RC-10/3 and SC-10/4 on interim programmes of work and budgets for 2022, in which the conferences of the Parties took note of the information on the modalities for the continuation of the intersessional work and processes into 2022 until the face-to-face segment of the meetings of the conferences of the Parties in 2022. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on national reporting (UNEP/CHW.15/8), the revised practical guidance for the development of inventories of used lead-acid batteries and waste oils are set out in annex I and annex II, respectively. The present note, including its annexes, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on electronic approaches to the notification and movement documents (UNEP/CHW.15/9), the annex to the present note sets out a revised version of the report on experiences, at the national and international levels, in developing and implementing electronic systems for exchanging information on or controlling the movements of goods and wastes, and lessons learned from such experience, which was originally presented at the Open-Ended Working Group of the Basel Convention at its twelfth meeting in document UNEP/CHW/OEWG.12/INF/18. The present revised version was prepared by the Secretariat taking into account the comments received in response to the invitation of the Open-ended Working Group. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the implementation of the memorandum of understanding between the United Nations Environment Programme and the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention (UNEP/CHW.15/27), the note by the Secretariat on the implementation of the memorandum of understanding between the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the United Nations Environment Programme and the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention (UNEP/ FAO/RC/COP.10/23) and the note by the Secretariat on the implementation of the memorandum of understanding between the United Nations Environment Programme and the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention (UNEP/POPS/COP.10/27), the annex to the present note contains a report of the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme to the respective conferences of the Parties on the implementation of the memorandums of understanding. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the implementation of the memorandum of understanding between the United Nations Environment Programme and the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention (UNEP/CHW.15/27), the note by the Secretariat on the implementation of the memorandum of understanding between the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the United Nations Environment Programme and the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention (UNEP/ FAO/RC/COP.10/23) and the note by the Secretariat on the implementation of the memorandum of understanding between the United Nations Environment Programme and the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention (UNEP/POPS/COP.10/27), the annex to the present note contains a report of the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme to the respective conferences of the Parties on the implementation of the memorandums of understanding. The present document has been revised in order to present an updated report as of March 2022 for the face-to-face segment of the meetings of the conferences of the Parties. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

1. As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on technical guidelines (UNEP/CHW.15/6), the annex to the present note sets out a compilation of comments received from Parties and others on topics referred to in paragraphs 4, 8 and 9 of decision BC-14/5 on the technical guidelines on transboundary movements of electronic and electrical waste and used electrical and electronic equipment, in particular regarding the distinction between waste and non-waste under the Basel Convention, and as a follow-up to the invitation for comments following the Open-Ended Working Group online segment of its twelfth meeting.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on international cooperation and coordination with other organizations (UNEP/CHW.15/21/Rev.1UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.10/17/Rev.1UNEP/POPS/COP.10/21/Rev.1), the annex to the present note sets out information on the outcome of the follow-up by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to General Assembly resolution 73/333 on the follow-up to the report of the ad hoc open-ended working group established pursuant to General Assembly resolution 72/277. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on cooperation and coordination with the Minamata Convention on Mercury (UNEP/CHW.15/20–UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.10/16–UNEP/POPS/COP.10/20), the annex to the present note contains a report of the task force on programmatic cooperation between the Secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions, the secretariat of the Minamata Convention on Mercury and the Chemicals and Health Branch of the United Nations Environment Programme on its work, particularly describing the joint framework for future collaboration that had been agreed between the three entities in the context of the implementation of decision MC-3/11 on enhanced cooperation between the secretariat of the Minamata Convention and the Secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions. The report is set out in the annex to the present note.

Note by the Secretariat

1. As is mentioned in document UNEP/CHW.15/29–UNEP/FAO/COP.10/26–UNEP/POPS.10/30, the present note provides a joint proposal for interim programmes of work and budget for 2022.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on interim programmes of work and proposed budgets for 2022: combined proposal (UNEP/CHW.15/29–UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.10/26–UNEP/POPS/COP.10/30), the annex to the present note provides information on the modalities for the continuation of the intersessional work and processes under the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions until new decisions would be adopted by the resumed meetings of the conferences of the Parties at their face-to-face segment in 2022. The deadlines suggested in the present annex for the provision of comments on relevant products were, when relevant, agreed by the concerned subsidiary body and would enable the work to be completed in time for consideration by the conferences of the Parties during the face-to-face segment of their meetings. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

1. The annex to the present note sets out a list of bodies and agencies that had not previously been admitted to meetings of the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal and that are requesting admission to participate in such meetings as observers in accordance with rule 7 of the rules of procedure for meetings of the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention, as at 27 May 2022.

Note by the Secretariat

The annex to the present note sets out a provisional list of meeting documents for the fifteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal. The documents listed in the annex are grouped according to the items on the provisional agenda for the meeting to which they pertain. Documents that have three document symbols are joint documents that are submitted for consideration by the conferences of the Parties to the Basel Convention, the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade and Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. Documents that are highlighted in color are for consideration by the online segment of the 2021–2022 meetings of the conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

The annex to the present note sets out a provisional list of meeting documents for the fifteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal. The documents listed in the annex are grouped according to the items on the agenda for the meeting to which they pertain. Documents that have three document symbols are joint documents that are submitted for consideration by the conferences of the Parties to the Basel Convention, the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade and Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. Documents that are highlighted in color are for consideration by the face-to-face segment of the 2021–2022 meetings of the conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on programmes of work and proposed budgets for the biennium 2022−2023: revised combined proposal (UNEP/CHW.15/26/Rev.1UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.10/22/Rev.1UNEP/POPS/COP.10/26/Rev.1), the annex to the present note sets out responses from Parties on their views regarding the use of potential savings made owing to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Responses were provided by Belarus, the European Union, Gambia, Kenya, Mali, Mexico, Paraguay, Philippines, Senegal, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and Uzbekistan. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

1. By decisions BC-14/27, RC-9/15 and SC-9/25, the conferences of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal, the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade and the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants decided, among other things, that the next meetings of the conferences of the Parties would include a high-level segment of no more than one day’s duration.