World Bank Supports Developing Countries Prepare for the Pops Convention

WASHINGTON, April 6, 2000-The World Bank and the government of Canada have signed an agreement to establish a Canadian $20 million (approx. US $14 million) trust fund in an effort to reduce or eliminate the release of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) from developing countries.

Of all the pollutants released into the environment every year by human activity, POPs are among the most dangerous. They are highly toxic, causing an array of adverse effects, notably death, disease, and birth defects among humans and animals. Specific effects can include cancer, allergies and hypersensitivity, damage to the central and peripheral nervous systems, reproductive disorders, and disruption of the immune system.

For wildlife, the effects of POPs exposure are already well documented, including birth defects, cancers, and dysfunctional immune and reproductive systems. For example, marine mammals such as the common seal, harbor porpoise, bottle nosed dolphin, and beluga whale have suffered large population declines after being exposed to POPs. Some POPs are also considered to be endocrine disrupters, which, by altering the hormonal system, can damage the reproductive and immune systems of exposed individuals as well as their offspring. They can also have developmental and carcinogenic effects.

POPs are either used as pesticides, consumed by industry, or generated unintentionally as by-products of various industrial processes. The 12 POPs recognized as requiring the most urgent action are: Aldrin, Chlordane, DDT, Dieldrin, Dioxins, Endrin, Furans, Heptachlor, Hexachlorobenzene (HCB), Mirex, Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) and Toxaphene.

An Intergovernmental Negotiating Process has been ongoing over the last few years to develop a legally binding instrument for implementing international action on certain Persistent Organic Pollutants. Representatives from over 100 governments have been gathering to negotiate an international agreement to minimize emissions and releases of these 12 POPs into the environment. The negotiations also address the accumulation of unwanted and obsolete stockpiles of pesticides and toxic chemicals, particularly in developing countries. It is anticipated that negotiations should be completed early next year.

The trust fund will support this negotiation process by encouraging and helping source countries to build their capacity to reduce their releases of POPs by:

· reducing or eliminating their production of POPs;
· reducing or eliminating their use of POPs including switching to safer, more sustainable alternatives;
· safely disposing of stockpiles and wastes; and
· reducing emissions of POPs.

The primary objectives of this arrangement will be to:

· Help developing countries and economies-in-transition (EIT) build their commitment and capacity to take measures to reduce the release of POPs;
· Engage the commitment and support of developing countries and EIT's for the anticipated UNEP convention and other POPs agreements, and in activities that will address POPs issues of concern to a number of countries including Canada; and
· In doing so, help key source countries in need to address their critical domestic health, environment and sustainable development issues related to POPs.

It is hoped that other donors will be encouraged to contribute to similar POPs initiatives. Some of the funding will also be used to support UNEP and other multilateral organizations that have been involved in assisting countries in areas associated with POPs. The World Bank program under the new POPs Trust Fund is expected to be launched in the next two months.