Dear friends and members of Women in Europe (WECF)
Enclosed our November 2005 newsletter.
WECF and it’s Armenian member Armenian Women for Health and a Healthy Environment (AWHHE) organised a side-event during the ministerial conference on financing water on November 18th in Yerevan. Active participation of all major Armenian NGOs, Water Companies, their French counterparts and the World Bank, lead to concrete suggestions for improvement of the water tariff structures and need for ecological sanitation solutions in rural areas. The side-even was covered on television and in several newspapers, see xxxxx . The side-event was part of the “Tapping Resources” TMF programme funded by the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In addition, WECF and AWHHE submitted a project proposal to the World Bank Developing Marketplace call to implement the suggested actions.
WECF Germany’s press action for a strong EU chemicals legislation on the was covered by Television (Bayrische Rundfunk), the major national newspaper (S?ddeutsche Zeitung) and the major national magazine (Der Spiegel). Despite these efforts, the European Parliament adopted a weak version of the draft EU chemicals regulation “Registration, Evaluation, Authorization of Chemicals – REACH”. Two-thirds of potential hazardous chemicals will not be covered by the new regulation if adopted as it is. Please support WECF in addressing the need for a stronger REACH with our politicians, the health of future generations is at stake, as this legislation will set the framework for the next 20 years.
WECF’s Belgium expert, ex-senator Martine Dardenne presented the need for a strong REACH at a medical conference in Mons on November 18th, her French Powerpoint can be downloaded.
WECF and its German member LIFE-Genanet organised a side-event at the Montreal Kyoto Protocol conference.
WECF’s projects in Afghanistan (new school and toilets), Bulgaria, Ukraine, Romania and Armenia have seen many new developments.
Check our website for the calendar of upcoming events, among others the preparations of the World Water Forum in Mexico (WECF and partners are organising several official sessions), the events around Chernobyl+20 (WECF is asking for contributions from citizen’s on how they were effected by the disaster), and the preparations of the Commission of Sustainable Development 14th session on Energy, chaired by Georgia.
With my best regards,
Sascha Gabizon
International Director, WECF
2005 Global Day of Action Against Waste and Incineration
Press release on GDA 2005
Try Zero Waste!
06.09.2005,
Yerevan, Armenia
Download press release in Armenian (MS WORD format – 25 KB)
Yerevan, the capital of Armenia with about half population of the country, like many other cities around the globe, is in the grip of a waste emergency and the usual collect, haul, dump or burn scheme is simply not working! These “quick fix solutions” only drag out and worsen our community’s garbage and toxic woes. Why? Because waste management or disposal does not tackle the source of waste: our wasteful production and consumption practices.
Fed up with the escalating disposal costs and the adverse impacts of dumps, landfills and incinerators, many communities today are opting for Zero Waste, setting ambitious targets and plans to reduce waste to zero or close to it. Zero Waste is a central issue for the Global Day of Action against Waste Incineration on 7 September 2005 involving over 100 citizens’ coalitions and groups in more than 50 countries, including Armenia.
Zero Waste is a new way of looking at an old problem. Instead of searching for new places to put waste, Zero Waste aims to create safe and healthy communities where products are better designed, then reused, repaired, recycled, or composted so that all materials are harmlessly reintegrated back to commerce or nature, eventually removing waste. As many products we buy today are not necessary or not planned to be reused, repaired and recycled, producers will have a key responsibility in designing wastes and toxics out of the system starting from the production chain, which will remove the obstacles for product reuse, repair and recycling.
Across the globe, many engaged communities are moving to Zero Waste by adopting an assortment of innovative, culturally-apt and winning strategies for educating the public on waste prevention and reduction; for reforming unsustainable production, consumption and disposal practices; for phasing out toxic chemicals in production processes; for the safe and convenient collection of recyclables and the composting of organics; for setting up community recycling centers; for developing markets for recycled materials; and for the creation of sustainable jobs and livelihood.
It’s worth mentioning that in Armenia till now even the organized open landfields don’t correspond to the sanitary and hygiene norms and very often these landfields smoke. In this way they contaminate the environment with several toxic substances, including dioxins that are considered one of the most persistent pollutants that affect the human organ-systems, including immune and reproductive systems. Besides that, there is a common tendency to burn the everyday waste in the streets, yards, gardens and open areas of the city. It’s enough to note, that only in c.Yerevan is generated about 430-450 tons of everyday waste per day, which makes annually 145 000 tons. All this waste without any processing is thrown away and partly smokes in the landfield of Noubarashen.
At present in Armenia there exist some programs that address the problems of collection and rendering harmless the generated waste. Attached to the Ministry of Urban Development is formed a Council, that is engaged in the above-mentioned issues and includes representatives from different ministries, departments and non-governmental organizations, including that of “Armenian Women for Health and Healthy Environment” NGO.
Thus, it is an urgent problem to build waste processing factories instead of incinerators, which will favor the reduction and recycling of waste. In this term the “Zero waste” strategy must become the policy of the government.
Eliminating trash through Zero Waste will not occur overnight, and will only progress if we work together to build lasting solutions. As it is a whole-system approach, Zero Waste will necessitate the participation of all sectors, especially the policy makers, regulators, media, producers, vendors, and consumers. In the interest of public health and the environment, let us do away with wastes and toxics and choose Zero Waste.
Sincerely,
Elena Manvelyan,
Head of the NGO “Armenian Women for Health and Healthy Environment”
Address: Baghramyan 24D, room 609, Yerevan , Armenia
Tel: /+37410/ 523604
E-mail: office@awhhe.am
2005 Global Day of Action Against Waste and Incineration
Press release on GDA 2005
Try Zero Waste!
06.09.2005,
Yerevan, Armenia
Download press release in Armenian (MS WORD format – 25 KB)
Yerevan, the capital of Armenia with about half population of the country, like many other cities around the globe, is in the grip of a waste emergency and the usual collect, haul, dump or burn scheme is simply not working! These “quick fix solutions” only drag out and worsen our community’s garbage and toxic woes. Why? Because waste management or disposal does not tackle the source of waste: our wasteful production and consumption practices.
Fed up with the escalating disposal costs and the adverse impacts of dumps, landfills and incinerators, many communities today are opting for Zero Waste, setting ambitious targets and plans to reduce waste to zero or close to it. Zero Waste is a central issue for the Global Day of Action against Waste Incineration on 7 September 2005 involving over 100 citizens’ coalitions and groups in more than 50 countries, including Armenia.
Zero Waste is a new way of looking at an old problem. Instead of searching for new places to put waste, Zero Waste aims to create safe and healthy communities where products are better designed, then reused, repaired, recycled, or composted so that all materials are harmlessly reintegrated back to commerce or nature, eventually removing waste. As many products we buy today are not necessary or not planned to be reused, repaired and recycled, producers will have a key responsibility in designing wastes and toxics out of the system starting from the production chain, which will remove the obstacles for product reuse, repair and recycling.
Across the globe, many engaged communities are moving to Zero Waste by adopting an assortment of innovative, culturally-apt and winning strategies for educating the public on waste prevention and reduction; for reforming unsustainable production, consumption and disposal practices; for phasing out toxic chemicals in production processes; for the safe and convenient collection of recyclables and the composting of organics; for setting up community recycling centers; for developing markets for recycled materials; and for the creation of sustainable jobs and livelihood.
It’s worth mentioning that in Armenia till now even the organized open landfields don’t correspond to the sanitary and hygiene norms and very often these landfields smoke. In this way they contaminate the environment with several toxic substances, including dioxins that are considered one of the most persistent pollutants that affect the human organ-systems, including immune and reproductive systems. Besides that, there is a common tendency to burn the everyday waste in the streets, yards, gardens and open areas of the city. It’s enough to note, that only in c.Yerevan is generated about 430-450 tons of everyday waste per day, which makes annually 145 000 tons. All this waste without any processing is thrown away and partly smokes in the landfield of Noubarashen.
At present in Armenia there exist some programs that address the problems of collection and rendering harmless the generated waste. Attached to the Ministry of Urban Development is formed a Council, that is engaged in the above-mentioned issues and includes representatives from different ministries, departments and non-governmental organizations, including that of “Armenian Women for Health and Healthy Environment” NGO.
Thus, it is an urgent problem to build waste processing factories instead of incinerators, which will favor the reduction and recycling of waste. In this term the “Zero waste” strategy must become the policy of the government.
Eliminating trash through Zero Waste will not occur overnight, and will only progress if we work together to build lasting solutions. As it is a whole-system approach, Zero Waste will necessitate the participation of all sectors, especially the policy makers, regulators, media, producers, vendors, and consumers. In the interest of public health and the environment, let us do away with wastes and toxics and choose Zero Waste.
Sincerely,
Elena Manvelyan,
Head of the NGO “Armenian Women for Health and Healthy Environment”
Address: Baghramyan 24D, room 609, Yerevan , Armenia
Tel: /+37410/ 523604
E-mail: office@awhhe.am
Stockholm – Where the Water World Meets
The World Water Week in Stockholm is the leading annual global meeting place for the world’s diverse water community. The World Water Week includes the Stockholm Water Symposium, topical plenary sessions and panel debates, scientific workshops, independently organised seminars and side events, exhibitions and festive prize ceremonies.
Participants in Stockholm will be experts coming from more than 100 countries and representing the business, civil society, governmental, inter-governmental, science and water management sectors.
The World Water Week in Stockholm is arranged by SIWI
Contact Info
E-mail: sympos@siwi.org
Phone. +46 (0)8 522 139 60
Problem
Our presentation on the problem of using dangerous pesticides in agriculture has a form of theatrical performance. It is done within the framework of “Towards Toxic Free Future” project in order to challenge the problem.
Goal
The goal of this presentation is to raise public awareness and to encourage public participation in the pesticides use reduction. The performance based on the “Dwarf Nose” fairy tale by German writer Wilhelm Hauff. We decided to pick this fairy tale considering several important factors.
- In the fairy tale exists straight line a relationship between products of the feeding, such as fruit, vegetables and herbs, and health of the person;
- The main hero of the fairy tale, a boy with a long nose and a hunch, is a bright personage, his physical implements emphasize in grotesque way the influence of toxic food on human health;
- In the fairy tale a big grave is put on certain herb “Delicious”, which saves from physical ugliness, but in our understanding and from illnesses;
This performance is full of jokes, music and surprises.
“Long Nose” perfomance: Power Point presentation 
“Long Nose” Story
arranged by
“Tsil Busattz” center for harmonious development
Yerevan, Armenia, 2003
“Tsil Busattz” center for harmonious development
Yerevan, Armenia, 2003
Our interpretation of the basic plot is as follows: A lady, named Hanna, has an exceptionally beautiful little son, whose name is Jacob. Hanna sells vegetables on the market with her son beside her. The customers are dissatisfied with the market vegetables, fruit and herbs. They are not sure if the sold products content any chemicals. One day an old witch Craterweiss comes to the market. She does it every seven years. An old witch belittles Hanna’s herbs and vegetables. Craterweiss claims they content chemicals. Jacob dislikes the old humpback woman with a long crooked nose at first sight. He calls her an old hag. Witch Craterweiss decides to revenge. Upon the request of the witch Jacob carries her basket home. She serves him a soup with a magic herb “Delicious”. The boy falls asleep. He sees a strange dream: some vegetables have come to punish him -Jacob is one of their usual victims; the vegetables complain of people who treat them so fiercely. When the boy wakes up, he has the same long nose he dislikes in the witch, and he has become humpback, as well. In the castle of the witch he learns to cook, as the witch is very fond of delicacies. He finally manages to return home. However, he does not know that seven years have gone by and that the witch has turned him into a dwarf with a very long nose. When he comes to his mother, she throws him out. The boy does not understand until a shoemaker Urban shows him his face and figure in a mirror. In the moment of great despair the Long Nose remembers his cooking lessons and applies as a cook to the duke of that land who loves delicacies as much as the witch.
He is being tried and when he succeeds in making a fine dish, is hired. He stays for quite some time. He is head cook but always personally doing his shopping. One day he buys a goose. When he returns to the palace, he discovers the goose is speaking. She is the daughter of a sorcerer who was cursed by a rival of her father. Long Nose keeps her in his room and they become very good friends. One day, another duke comes for a visit. He is as much a gourmet as the duke for which the Long Nose works. The visiting duke challenges Long Nose to prepare a famous pate, called “souzeren”. Jacob has never heard of that pate but he promises to prepare it. His friend Mimmi comes to help, she knows the recipe. Jacob and the goose make the pate “souzeren”, but they do not make it right. One spice is missing. It turns to be the same spice that may turn long nose back into the young man. The spice, named “Delicious” is famous for its magic characteristic. It grows solely on clean soil. When people try to use chemicals for growing, it winds around them and chokes them. With his friend, Mimmi the goose, Long Nose finds the spice. It transforms Long nose to Jacob again. He does not make the pate. He decides to leave and take Mimmi to her father. Mimmi’s father transforms her back into a maiden.
In the end of the play the wise witch Craterweiss brings a basket full of packs of “Delicious” herb. She gives them out to the spectators.
The Long Nose in the USA
The Institutional Art Program of the World Bank organized an exhibition on theatre and development in Eastern Europe , Caucasus and Central Asia : Theatre in Europe and Central Asia : Mirror of society or Agent of Change? that took place in the World Bank, D.C. – USA , from May 26 to July 22, 2005.
The exhibition investigated the cultural importance of theatre in the transition for a more participatory governance, stronger community identity, and a greater voice for the disadvantaged and the poor.
NGO AWHHE was invited to share with the international audience the experience in theatre and community-development.
According to Art Curator of the World Bank Art Program Ms.Galvani, they chose Children Ecological theatre of AWHHE “not only because it is one of the country’s more interesting exempla of community participation and education, but as well for its symbolic role in the current campaigning for a healthier lifestyle for women and children in Armenia which is so cherished program for the World Bank mission”.
NGO AWHHE offered a lecture on “Theatre and Community participation” and a workshop-performance for children “The Long Nose” aimed against toxic pesticides. The performance was created by the Community Mobilization Working Group of the NGO AWHHE to exemplify the work with children and women in rural areas in Armenia . The artifacts connected with the theatrical activities (stage setting, costumes, design) were exhibited at the World Bank main building.
During two weeks, the director of the performance Lusine Babayan taught a talented and enthusiastic group of local performers from the families of the World Bank Group, the IFC and the IMF to perform in the adaptation of the story by W. Hauff “Dwarf Nose”. The troupe was very international, and the actors enjoyed learning about different cultures and making new friends.
Actors of the performance:
| Jacob: Harrison Richards |
| Duke and Carrot: Elliott Richards |
| Witch and Lord: Nandini Singh |
| Hanna: Rania Souiri |
| Goose and Mimmi: Diana Atanesyan |
| Shoemaker and Chief Cook: Pablo Ayzanoa |
| Strawberry and Saleswoman: Lea Tokpinar |
| Tomato and Saleswoman: Giselle Rivard |
On June 23, 2005 , in Eugene Black Auditorium (World Bank, Washington D.C. ) the World Bank Art program and the NGO AWHHE presented the fairy-tale “The Long Nose”. The performance was a great success. It has been the first time the World Bank Art Program organized a workshop-performance for children!
The event has been recorded and will be sent to all the World Bank country offices and various theatre departments. This wonderful event and the experience of NGO AWHHE prove once more how important is the role of performing arts in dissemination of ecological knowledge and for helping and shaping communities.
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Healthy Environment for Our Children – Healthy Generation for Armenia
|
May, 26-28, 2005
Sofia, Bulgaria
Technical Field:
- SOIL & GROUNDWATER
- WASTE & RECYCLING
Main topics:
1. State of obsolete pesticides in Balkan Countries
and other Eastern European and Central Asia Countries.
2. Monitoring and risk assessment of pollution by obsolete pesticides.
3. Sustainable waste management of obsolete pesticides.
4. Waste distruction/conservation techniques for obsolete pesticides.
5. Phytoremediation of pesticides contaminated soils and waters.
6. Action plants and projects for obsolete pesticides management.
7. Policy awareness of the obsolete pesticides.
Contacts: Mcs. Alexander Atanassov
Phone: ++ 359 2 9800906
E-Mail: i_sd@abv.bg
17-19 May 2005
Ljubljana, Slovenia
The aim of the meeting is to facilitate Central and Eastern Europe regional coordination on development of SAICM, particularly in preparation for SAICM PrepCom3.
CEHCA – 2005, Children’s Environmental Health in Central Asia
CEHCA-2005 is a major conference on environmental threats to the health of children, to be held in Almaty, Kazakhstan on 25-28 April 2005. This conference will focus on children’s environmental health issues in the region from Central Asia through the Middle East and Transcaucasia . The conference will gather together more than one hundred specialists, working in the area of environmental health. This event is expected to promote children’s environmental health research initiatives, which will help to improve children’s health in the region.
Objectives of the Conference: To bring together individuals concerned with children’s health in relation to the environment for the purpose of sharing information on the environmental threats to the health of children, promoting interventions that will reduce the burden of children’s disease, promoting collaborations within the region and with public health professions in other parts of the world, and assisting in the search for funds to support activities that promote children’s environmental health. Through publication of the proceedings of the conference a major objective is to bring the concerns about children’s health in this region to the attention of the rest of the world.
Organizers
- Institute for Health and the Environment of the University at Albany
- Fogarty International Center
- US National Institutes of Health
- US Environmental Protection Agency
- US Agency for International Development
- McMaster Institute of Environmental Health
- Ministry of Health of Kazakhstan
Monday, 25 April 2005. Conference Opening. (David O. Carpenter, US, Session Chair).
9:00 a.m. Grantsmanship Seminar
1:00 p.m. Conference Opening. Welcome from the Kazakhstan and United States governments, sponsors and collaborators.
US Ambassador to Kazakhstan
Kazakh Ministry of Health
US Environmental Protection Agency
US Agency for International Development
World Health Organization
1:30 p.m. Keynote Lecture: Children’s environmental health challenges in the Euro-West Asian region. William A. Suk, PhD, US National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina, USA.
2:00 p.m. The Children’s Environmental and Health Action Plan for Europe. Leda Nemer, World Health Organization, Rome, Italy.
2:30 p.m. Children’s Environmental Health in Kazakhstan. Dr. Zayra Mazhitova, Kazakh Medical University, Almaty, Kazakhstan.
3:00 p.m. Break
3:15 p.m. Panel Discussion: Children’s environmental health concerns in Central Asia and Russia (15 minute presentations by representatives from four countries, followed by discussion).
Uzbekistan – Dr. Dilorom Fayzieva
Kyrgyzstan – Dr. Omar Kasymov
Tajikistan – Dr. Nom Normatov
Russia – Dr. Andrey Demin
5:00 p.m. General Discussion
6:00 p.m. Welcome Recepiton
Tuesday, 26 April 2005. Morning Session. (Dilorom Fayzieva, Uzbekistan, Session Chair).
8:30 a.m. Keynote Lecture: Nutrition, environmental contaminants and disease. Dr. Momoko Chiba, Juntendo, Japan.
9:15 a.m. Household Water Security and Childrens’ Health Risks. Dr. Hani Abu Qdais, Irbid, Jordan.
9:45 a.m. Tobacco use and health. Dr. Irma Makalinao, Manila, Philippines.
10:15 a.m. Break
10:45 a.m. Panel Discussion: Children’s environmental health concerns in the Middle East (15 minute presentations by representatives from four of the Middle Eastern countries, followed by discussion)
Iraq – Dr. Dilyara Barzani
Palestine – Dr. Kamal Zaineh
Jordan – Dr. Saleh El Qaderi
Pakistan – Dr. Mahmood Khwaja
12:30 p.m. Lunch
Tuesday, 26 April 2005. Afternoon Session. (Dr. William Suk, USA, Session Chair).
2:00 p.m. Keynote Lecture: Environmental factors and infectious disease. Andrei Pokrovsky, MD, Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, Russia.
2:45 p.m. Poster session.
2:45 p.m. WHO Activities Related to Children’s Environmental Health (Ms. L Nemer, Chair, WHO Rome, Italy).
Work group on Childrens’ Health and Environment Action Plan for Europe
Legislation to support the CEHAPE (Carried out by WHO EURO)
Country Case Studies of Actions to Improve CHE (Leda Nemer)
Global Initiative on Children’s Environmental Health Indicators
Perspective from EMRO Pilot (Hamed Bakir, CEHA/MBRO TBC)
Perspective from EURO Pilot (TBC)
Linkages Between CEHAPE and CEHI (Roundtable Discussion)
Wednesday, 27 April 2005. Morning Session. (Ross Upshur, Canada, Session Chair).
8:30 a.m. Keynote Lecture: Neurobehavior effects of environmental contaminants. Dr. Donna Mergler, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
9:15 a.m. Clinical symptoms and pathogenesis of chronic and complex pathology due to the toxic burden among Aral Sea area children. Dr. Raushan Isaeva, Kazakh State Medical University, Almaty, Kazakhstan.
9:45 a.m. Arsenic exposure and children’s health. Dr. Vasken Aphosian, University of Arizona, Tuscon, Arizona, USA.
10:15 a.m. Break
10:45 a.m. Panel Discussion: Children’s environmental health issues in Transcaucasia (15 minute presentations by representatives of four countries in this region, followed by discussion)
Azerbaijan – Dr. Elshad Mamadov
Turkey – Dr. Ali Karakaya
Georgia – Dr. Gregory Abramia
Armenia – Dr. Amalia Hambartsumyan
12:30 p.m. Lunch
Wednesday, 27 April 2005, Afternoon Session. (K.C. Donnelly, USA, Session Chair).
2:00 p.m. Keynote Lecture: Childrens’ Health in a Refugee Population in Azerbaijan. Dr. K.C. Donnelly, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA.
2:45 p.m Chapaevsk, Russia: 40 Years of Dioxins Exposure on the Human Health and 10 Years of Russian-USA epidemiological Studies. Dr. Boris Revich, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia.
3:15 p.m. TBD
4:00 p.m. Leave for tour of city and dinner in the mountains.
Thursday, 28 April 2005. (Dr. Zayra Mazhitova, Kazakhstan, Session Chair).
8:30 a.m. Keynote Lecture: Operationalizing a complex environmental disaster. Dr. Ross Upshur, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
9:15 a.m. Aral Sea Basin Conjecturable Ecocatastrophe and Childrens’ Health: Methodology and Results of Complex Comparative Study. Dr. Faina Ingel, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, Moscow, Russia.
9:45 a.m. Break
10:15 a.m. Break-out sessions
A. The Aral Sea Disaster (Dr. Rustam Kudyakov, USA, Chair).
B. Finding partners to protect children from environmental health hazards. (Dr. Piper Stege, USEPA, Chair).
C. Smoking and indoor air pollution and children’s health ( Dr. Nalini Sathiakumar, USA , Chair).
D. Children and Injury (Dr. Yelena Ten , Kyrgyzstan , Chair).
E. Infectious diseases and environmental health (Ms. Katie Herz, USA, Chair).
F. Environmental Pollutants and Childrens’ Health (A.H. Gilani, Pakistan, Chair).
12:15 p.m. Lunch
2:00 p.m. Reports from Break-out Sessions
4:00 p.m. Round table and panel: Where do we go from here?
Zayra Mazhitova, Kazakhstan
M.J. Isobaev, Tajikistan
USAID representative
Errol Mazursky, USEPA
Nino Chikhladze, Georgia
5:00 p.m. General Discussion and closing. (Dr. David Carpenter, USA, Chair).
Pesticides and Poverty
€1.3 Million to Involve African Farmers and Poisoning Victims in International Agreements
London, 30 March 2005
The high cost of unregulated pesticide use on farmers’ health and the global environment has finally reached international attention. The Pesticide Action Network (PAN), an international alliance of over 600 civil society, environment, and farmers’ organisations worldwide, is launching a 1.3 million euro project to involve farmers and victims of pesticide poisoning in the implementation of crucial international agreements designed to reduce the hazards of pesticides on humans and the environment. Funded by the EU, the project will run for three years.
In 2004, two international conventions came into force, banning the production of, and controlling international trade in, the most deadly pesticides. Along with extensive existing legislation and codes of conduct on chemical management, wildlife and habitat protection, labour rights and health and safety, tools now exist to stop the deaths and pollution caused by pesticides, particularly in developing countries.
“It’s essential that African farmers know about these tools, to protect themselves and raise their working and living conditions to those enjoyed by farmers in developed countries” says Barbara Dinham, Director of PAN UK. The number and range of international agreements can be confusing, even for experts, so PAN are collaborating with law firm EcoSphere in Brussels to create a user-friendly, succinct guide to the different conventions. National versions of this guide and community training events will raise awareness and should lead to safer handling of pesticides.”
“But it’s a mutual relationship” says Sarojeni Rengam, Executive Director of partner organisation PAN Asia Pacific. “The conventions need the farmers too, to collect specific information needed, and to monitor violations of the codes”. To take one example, the Rotterdam Convention lists particularly toxic pesticides that cause unacceptable health and environmental damage, an early warning to other governments considering whether or not to register that pesticide in their country. In order to get a chemical listed, a government needs to provide evidence of the damage caused in their country. The WHO estimates that 3 million people are victims of pesticide poisoning every year – and that 200,000 of them die. But, adds Saro, “too often developing countries don’t have the resources to monitor these poisonings, so can’t prove that the pesticides cause them”.
PAN Asia Pacific trains farming communities and plantation workers to monitor the health impacts of pesticide spraying themselves, and will draw on that experience to train African farmers to do the same. At the same time, PAN Africa will create collaboration between government authorities and community organisations. This will ensure that the results of community health monitoring can be used at an international level to support strong action by governments and regulators in controlling dangerous pesticides.
“These conventions are intended to help the poor farmers who suffer the most from pesticide ‘collateral damage’” says Abou Thiam, Director of PAN Africa. “Yet they often don’t know not about international activities, and are not engaged by them. This project is a fantastic opportunity for farmers and international regulators to join forces over a problem that causes them both headaches”. Yahya Msangi of the Tanzanian Plantation and Workers Union adds “I can see the benefit that this project can offer to our organisations, our network and the country as a whole”, while Silvani Mng’anya from AGENDA (Tanzania) adds “Since the project involves a cross section of policy makers, regulators, researchers, civil society and farmers’ organizations it will provide a fair ground for harmonised solutions towards common health and environmental hazards of pesticide use”.
Notes for Editors.
1. The Stockholm Convention for Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPS) entered into force on 17 May 2004. The Rotterdam Convention on Prior Informed Consent (PIC) entered into force on 24 February 2004.
2. The Consolidated Guideline and Checklist for Implementation will cover at least: Rotterdam, Stockholm, Basle, Bamako Conventions, ILO Convention 184 (Chemical Convention), Montreal Protocol, Biosafety Protocol, FAO and WHO codes, relationship to IFCS-initiated activities and other appropriate processes.
3. Full project activities will be carried out in Senegal and Tanzania, including building links between non-governmental organisations and government authorities responsible for implementing chemical conventions, who may all be included in training on monitoring environmental impacts of pesticides.
4. NGOs in Ethiopia, Benin and Cameroon will also be able to participate in project activities including training and integrated pest management and organic demonstration projects with agricultural advisory services.
5. The project also funds 6 research projects describing case studies that demonstrate the urgency of using existing legal tools to reduce the risks of pesticides.
Eloise Touni, PAN UK, eloisetouni@pan-uk.org, 020 7065 0919, 07790 012810