12 December 2012, Yerevan, Armenia – The ninth meeting of the Steering Committee (SC) of the National Policy Dialogue (NPD) on Integrated Water Resources Management brought together over 50 representatives of governmental institutions, international organizations, non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders to discuss key water issues in Armenia. The meeting was organized in cooperation with the Agency of Water Resources Management of the Ministry of Nature Protection of Armenia. The NPD Steering Committee meeting was also considered as the National Coordination Council meeting of the European Union (EU) “Environmental Protection of International River Basins” (EPIRB) project. Armenian Women for Health and Healthy Environment (AWHHE) non –governmental organization was responsible for the logistics of this meeting.

Presentations information on NPD process and international projects in stage of implementation were introduced during the meeting.

The meeting started with the discussion of the Status of NPD Activities in Armenia.

The next session was devoted to the launch of the “Water and Health” project supported by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and the Finnish Environment Institute.  The presentations introduced the Protocol on Water and Health and its advantages for Armenia to become a Party as well as the situation in Armenia related to water management, quality of drinking water, water-related diseases, water supply and sanitation in urban areas and local problems and solutions for drinking water and sanitation. AWHHE representative is involved in the project as a national expert.

Then sessions were dedicated to Economic instruments in water management ((a) sustainable sanitation strategy and (2) comprehensive assessment of economic instruments) supported by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), EU funded EPIRB project, other technical assistance projects in Armenia supported by USAID, European Commission and United Nations Development Program /Global Environment Facility.

The discussions stressed the need to further coordinate international initiatives on transboundary river basin management through the EU Water Initiative Policy Dialogue. During the last session of the chairman recalled the SC decisions made, as follows:

• The SC expressed its readiness to oversee the “Water and Health” project implementation in Armenia and organize discussions at key stages of the project implementation;
• The SC stressed the need to develop national strategy for sustainable sanitation  and approved the idea of having recommendations for a policy package on the introduction of the economic instruments in water sector within the OECD component of the NPD process in Armenia;
• The SC approved the proposed tentative workplan of the EPIRB project activities in Armenia, and called EPIRB project to try to get some basic hydrological data from the Turkish part of Akhuryan River basin, given the fact that over 70% of the basin is located in the territory of Turkey.
• SC expressed its readiness to continue serving as forum to coordination of all water-related national and regional projects implemented in Armenia.

11 December 2012, c. Yerevan

Control over the children’s products is directly related to the child’s health. In a number of countries there is stable growth tendency in diseases among children and adolescents, one reason of which is the chemicalization of the industry, including the branches of industry manufacturing children’s products.

In 2012 the 6 member organizations of the International POPs Elimination network (IPEN) in the countries of the Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia region, have conducted research for the content of heavy metals in children’s products.

A total of 568 children’s products randomly purchased from various markets and stores in Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kirghizia, Russia and Ukraine were tested. Testing was conducted using a portable X-ray fluorescence analyzer. The main attention was paid to arsenic, antimony, lead and mercury contents, though the contents of more toxic metals such as cadmium and chromium were also determined.

Of 68 toys purchased in Armenia within the frame of the project “Toxic Free Child Toys” approximately 20% of the toys contained at least one toxic metal above levels of concern and the most common problem was lead. The regulatory limit for lead in soil that children walk on is 32 ppm but lead levels in toys that children place in their mouth ranged from 32 ppm – 12,140 ppm – more than 350 times the limit. Most of the toys containing toxic metals were manufactured in China. However, two of these toys were manufactured in Armenia.

The survey of toys has discovered that the contaminated toys amongst the toys purchased in Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Russia make, respectively, 22%, 23%, 27% and 20%.

This way of testing children’s products for heavy metals content is the first research method widely available to the public in the countries of the Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia region.

Research results are of concern due to the fact that children, due to their desire to put everything in mouth, are subject to additional exposure to heavy metals.

In order to avoid the negative effects of toxic metals in children’s products, it is necessary first of all to improve the national policy in the field of chemical safety regulation with regard to baby products.

Testing results show that not all children’s products contain high concentrations of heavy metals; even there are products which do not contain them at all, which indicates that the manufacturing companies are able to produce toxics free products. The enterprises and manufacturers of children’s products are called upon to reject the use of toxic substances, including heavy metals in production of baby products, as well as to toughen the national legislation and set stricter standards.

In 2001 Armenia, Belarus, Moldova, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Russia and Ukraine have adopted ISO 8124-3-2001 standard that applies to toys and children’s products safety requirements and test methods and the total content of toxic substances in products.

In the EC Directive 2009/48/EC of the 18th of June 2009 (entered into force in 2011) the maximum allowable concentrations are significantly lower than in other countries that may lead to a situation where the products prohibited and/or recalled from market of the European Union can appear in the countries or regions having less strict standards.

The IPEN General Assembly was held on 07-10 of June in Petrópolis, Brazil just prior the Rio+20 summit. Main topics discussed during the GA were: Update & POP COP6, Beyond POPs & the 2020 Goal, Heavy Metals & Communications Training, Rio+20; Coalition Building; SGP.
AWHHE representative Lusine Nalbandyan had a speech on POPs Policy Updates – National Success Stories – Next Step – Stockpiles Success.
 General Assembly provided direct policy and technical trainings to approximately 80 IPEN NGO representatives working on chemical safety; promoted joint campaign opportunities among IPEN Participating Organizations (POs); and enabled IPEN to update its constituency’s past developments as well as outline future opportunities. More detailed information on IPEN GA is available at www.ipen.org.

The Toxics-Free Future Forum (http://ipen.org/toxics-free-2012/2012-global-toxics-free-future-forum/)

Rio + 20 PrepCom meetings and side events:  Protecting women’s health and future generations from harmful environmental impacts was the topic of the “Protecting our first environment” side event held on 13th of June, which was organized by WECF, IPEN and the members of the Women’s Major Group at Barra Arena at the Rio+20 conference. http://www.wecf.eu/english/articles/2012/06/protecting-environment.php

AWHHE representative Lusine Nalbandyan had a speech at the side event “Testing chemicals in our bodies, and women experience with plant- based tinctures instead of pesticides- a case study from Armenia”.

More information on Rio+20 efforts is available at: http://news.newclear.server279.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/IPEN-Report-back-on-Rio+20-20Jun2012.pdf.

the ZMWG and Armenian Women for Health and Healthy Environment (AWHHE)
 Invite You to a Global Webinar on New Findings on
Mercury Exposure and Contamination

29 November 2012

On the 4th December 2012, the Zero Mercury Working Group, in cooperation with scientists from the Biodiversity Research Institute and with other prominent scientists, is organizing a global webinar to release new findings that demonstrate extensive mercury contamination of seafood and to summarize recent studies that show health effects from methylmercury occurring below the level that was considered “safe” just a few years ago. Scientists will highlight new research and explain why current government “safety limits” should be strengthened worldwide. The reports will be released accompanied by a press release on the 4th December 2012. . This comes ahead of the final round of United Nations negotiations, scheduled in January 2013 for a global mercury treaty.

WHAT: Online Webinar – Panel Discussion

WHEN: December 4, 2012 — 8:30 AM CET
Verify the time in your county through http://www.timeanddate.com/
Indicative times: Washington DC/Ottawa (2.30 AM EST), London/Yamoussoukro (7:30 AM GMT), Brussels (8:30 AM CET), Nairobi (10.30 AM EAT), Yerevan/Moscow (11:30 AM AMT/MST, Islamabad (12.30 PKT), Delhi (13.00 IST), Jakarta (14.30 WIB), Beijing/Manila (15.30 CST/PHT), Tokyo (16.30 JST)

SPEAKERS: 

Dr. Philippe Grandjean – Denmark , Professor and chair of environmental medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Adviser to the Danish National Board of Health, and Professor at Harvard School of Public Health. Dr. Grandjean, has followed 1000 Faroese children born in the late 1980s with increased methylmercury exposures.

Dr. David Evers – USA, Executive Director and Chief Scientist of  Biodiversity Research Institute, a nonprofit ecological research group based in Maine. Dr. Evers in a member of the UNEP Fate and Transport Partnership group. BRI is a leader in research designed to understand the exposure and effects of mercury in wildlife and ecosystems.  

Dr. Takashi Yorifuji – Japan, MD and epidemiologist, Associate Professor at Okayama University medical school, served as post-doctorate at Harvard University, has studied Minamata disease and published wídely on the long-term consequences of methylmercury exposure in Japan.

Dr. Edward Groth III – USA,  Worked on environmental health issues at Consumers Union from 1979 to 2004 and currrently serves as an advisor to the Gelfond Fund for Mercury Research and Outreach at Stonybrook University,  NY.  In recent years, Dr. Groth has advised WHO and FAO on such issues as methylmercury in fish and runs Groth Consulting Services.

FREE WEBINAR ACCESS:

To access the webinar, please register at
 https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8470548866576827904
Webinar ID: 116-709-715

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
Please ensure you have the latest Java update and View System Requirements.

Participants can use their computer’s microphone and speakers (VoIP) or telephone. A headset is recommended. Or, you may select “Use Telephone” after joining the Webinar

United States
Toll: +1 (646) 307-1716
Access Code: 798-491-227
Audio PIN: Shown after joining the webinar

Note: please visit this link to register for the webinar at least 15 minutes prior to the start time.

###

The ZeroMercury Working Group (ZMWG) is an international coalition of 94 public interest environmental and health non-governmental organizations from 52 countries from around the world formed in 2005 by the European Environmental Bureau and the Mercury Policy Project. ZMWG strives for zero supply, demand, and emissions of mercury from all anthropogenic sources, with the goal of reducing mercury in the global environment to a minimum. Our mission is to advocate and support the adoption and implementation of a legally binding instrument which contains mandatory obligations to eliminate where feasible, and otherwise minimize, the global supply and trade of mercury, the global demand for mercury, anthropogenic releases of mercury to the environment, and human and wildlife exposure to mercury.www.zeromercury.org

The mission of Biodiversity Research Institute is to assess emerging threats to wildlife and ecosystems through collaborative research, and to use scientific findings to advance environmental awareness and inform decision makers. BRI researchers work throughout the world in a variety of ecosystems and with a variety of wildlife species. Since its inception, the Institute has been a leader in research designed to understand the exposure and effects of mercury in ecosystems. To learn more about BRI’s Center for Mercury Studies, visit www.briloon.org/hgcenter  

• EMBARGOED RELEASE for 00.01 CET 4 December 2012
  Evidence shows mercury threat underestimated ahead of UN treaty talks (Download ENG | RUS) 

Joe DiGangi, IPEN

September 2012

The 3rd International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM3) took place from 16 – 21 September in Nairobi, Kenya. ICCM3 met to assess progress on implementation of the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM); review and consider emerging policy issues; decide on a health sector strategy; and to make plans to reach its 2020 goal. NGOs were represented at the meeting by a team of approximately 50 NGOs from 31 countries. ICCM3 contained over 400 delegates, representing 122 governments, 19 international organizations, and 79 NGOs. 

Some principal results of ICCM3:

• Consensus decision that endocrine disrupters are a global emerging policy issue and the need for measures that could contribute to reductions in exposures to or the effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals, in particular among vulnerable populations
• Highly hazardous pesticides emerged as an issue at the meeting when Kenya along with 20 countries, IPEN, PAN, ITUC and others proposed a resolution calling for their elimination, substitution, and addition to the FAO Code of Conduct. More than 65 countries supported the resolution in plenary. Even though it was not passed, several key stakeholders urged intersessional work on the topic and concerns over HHPs will be documented in the meeting report.
• A strengthened resolution on eliminating lead paint that includes promotion of national regulatory frameworks
• Continuation of work on providing information on chemicals in products including activities that seek to raise consumer awareness
• Addition of electronics to the Global Plan of Action and continued work including prioritizing reduction of exposure by eliminating or substituting the hazardous substances of concern. Note that many countries base their implementation of SAICM on activities contained in the Global Plan of Action so adding electronics (and nano) to the Plan helps elevate official work on the topic.
• Addition of nano to the Global Plan of Action and continued work including approaches to protect workers, the public and the environment from potential harm.
• Adopted a health sector strategy to increase the involvement of health professionals in chemical safety
• Extended the Quick Start Programme to support activities to enable initial capacity-building and implementation, though no commitments were made for contributions at the meeting.

ICCM3 also expressed concern about the need to adequately fund the secretariat and the withdrawal of support by WHO for a staff person in the secretariat. The meeting called for voluntary contributions to support this WHO representative and confirmed the plan for an Open Ended Working Group meeting in 2014.

Our NGO team at ICCM3 participated actively in the meeting and made interventions on all major topics (available at the link below). NGO advocacy work with delegations on critical issues such as endocrine disrupters and highly hazardous pesticides helped change the positions and motivate some countries in the interest of human health and the environment.

 More details about the results of ICCM3 are described below.

 Links

IPEN ICCM3 website including interventions made at the Conference

http://www.iisd.ca/chemical/iccm3/

Earth Negotiations Bulletin on ICCM3

http://www.iisd.ca/chemical/iccm3/

The SAICM Secretariat web page on ICCM3:

http://www.saicm.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=96&Itemid=485

SAICM text available in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, Russian, and Spanish is located here:

http://www.saicm.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=73&Itemid=475

The third session of the International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM 3) (http://www.saicm.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=82:iccm-3&catid=90:iccm-3&Itemid=473) gathered Governments and intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations in Nairobi, Kenya, from 17 to 21 September 2012.
ICCM3 has marked a major milestone in the implementation of the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) (http://www.saicm.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=71&Itemid=473 ) since its adoption in 2006. For the first time, the Conference reviewed progress in the implementation of the SAICM with data on the 20 indicators of progress adopted at the second session. The Conference also evaluated implementation, addressed emerging policy issues, considered new activities for addition to the Global Plan of Action, evaluated the financing of the SAICM and took strategic decisions for the future. The Conference considered recommendations from the Executive Board of the Quick Start Programme regarding the future of the Programme and its trust fund. The session included a high-level segment, incorporating opportunities for formal statements, two round table discussions as well as other special events.
The documents are posted on the website:

• ICCM 3 meeting documents  (http://www.saicm.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=89:iccm-3-meeting-documents&catid=90:iccm-3&Itemid=527)
• drafted and proposed resolutions on chemicals in products, lead in paint, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, managing perfluorinated chemicals, SAICM financial arrangement, etc. (http://papersmart.unep.org/data/CRPs/index.html)
• draft report of the ICCM 3 on the work of its third session (http://papersmart.unep.org/data/Draft-Report/index.html)
• contact group on emergency policy issue (http://papersmart.unep.org/data/Small-Groups/index.html), etc.

AWHHE was invited as an organization, who could offer an advanced expertise in public participation in environmental decision-making and in the implementation of the SAICM. 

The fourth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to prepare a global legally binding instrument on Mercury (INC4) was held in Punta del Este, Uruguay, from 27 June to 2 July 2012. Organized by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), this was the fourth meeting in a series of six meetings to negotiate a global, binding treaty to control and end mercury pollution. Mercury, a potent neurotoxin, contaminates fish supplies around the world, and poses particular risks to women and young children.  The anticipated Mercury Convention, projected to be finalized in January 2013 at the fifth negotiation in Geneva, is expected to address mercury pollution globally.

Accredited NGOs participated as observers in the INC4 sessions. AWHHE was part of the NGO group representing the Zero Mercury Working Group (ZMWG) and International POPs Elimination Network (IPEN). As delegates from over 150 countries converged for the fourth session to negotiate a mercury treaty, NGOs from around the world called on them to address the global mercury crisis.  Alarmed that mercury is still transported great distances through the air and by trade, they urged world leaders to adopt strong treaty provisions on supply and trade that will, among other things, prohibit mining of mercury.

While the draft treaty text proposed some trade restrictions on mercury, ZMWG urged that these be strengthened.   Along with that, ZMWG recommendations included: phasing out the use of mercury in most products and industrial processes; requiring best available control technologies to minimize mercury emissions from  priority sources, such as coal-fired power plants and nonferrous smelters; requiring action plans to reduce mercury use and releases from artisanal small scale gold mining; safely managing surplus mercury and mercury waste and responding to contaminated sites, including addressing the risks to vulnerable populations; and providing sufficient funding to assist developing countries. In addition to adopting strong treaty provisions, ZMWG also called for interim funds to aid implementation planning after the treaty is signed, but before it enters into force. Elena Lymberidi-Settimo, Co-coordinator of the Zero Mercury Working Group said  “Securing interim financial support to enable the development of national implementation plans prior to treaty ratification is critical, especially to developing countries.”

ZMWG is an international coalition of 94 public interest environmental and health non-governmental organizations from 52 countries from around the world formed in 2005 by the European Environmental Bureau and the Mercury Policy Project.  ZMWG strives for zero supply, demand, and emissions of mercury from all anthropogenic sources, with the goal of reducing mercury in the global environment to a minimum.  Our mission is to advocate and support the adoption and implementation of a legally binding instrument which contains mandatory obligations to eliminate where feasible, and otherwise minimize, the global supply and trade of mercury, the global demand for mercury, anthropogenic releases of mercury to the environment, and human and wildlife exposure to mercury.

IPEN was concerned that although two-thirds of delegates engaged in international negotiations for a proposed mercury treaty supported language that would help protect human health and the environment, a small group of developed countries appeared to oppose public actions to prevent and reduce exposure to mercury. “We are deeply concerned that, with current text, the treaty may actually legitimize increased global mercury releases to protect short-term economic interests. The price tag may appear to be “cheap,” but the cost of inaction on mercury pollution will be huge,” said Joe DiGangi, IPEN Scientific and Technical Advisor.

IPEN is a global network of more than 700 public interest non-governmental organizations working together for the elimination of persistent organic pollutants, on an expedited yet socially equitable basis. This mission includes achieving a world in which all chemicals are produced and used in ways that eliminate significant adverse effects on human health and the environment, and where persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and chemicals of equivalent concern no longer pollute our local and global environments, and no longer contaminate our communities, our food, our bodies, or the bodies of our children and future generations.

06 – 08 June 2012
Geneva, Switzerland

The event covered a broad range of issues regarding public participation in environmental decision-making with a special focus on decision-making on water and health-related matters. The programme addressed key issues of concern for Parties and stakeholders, examining obstacles and challenges to effective public participation, and explored good practices and innovative tools to address them.
The meeting involved experts from countries of the UNECE region and from international organizations. AWHHE also was invited as an organization, who could offer an advanced expertise in public participation in environmental decision-making and in the implementation of the PWH.
Participants discussed and provided input on (1) new recommendations currently being prepared under the Aarhus Convention on public participation regarding environmental matters and (2) the new guidelines/manual for involving the public in consultations and decision-making processes being prepared under the PWH. 

AWHHE representative presented Public Participation in Implementation of PWH in Armenia and projects in water and sanitation field implemented by AWHHE.

(http://www.unece.org/fileadmin/DAM/env/pp/ppdm/Presentations/5.Anakhasyan_Armenia_AWHHE.pdf). 
AWHHE representative is involved in the drafting group on Public Participation under the framework of the PWH.