Background
The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) will enter into force on 17 May 2004. The Convention focuses on eliminating production, use and trade of POPs and thus reducing their negative impact on human health and the environment. One obligation under the Convention is for parties to eliminate the use of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in equipment (e.g. transformers and capacitors) by 2025 and to make determined efforts towards the environmentally sound management of waste PCBs by 2028.
More than 100 countries are currently preparing National Implementation Plans (NIPs) for the Convention, including inventories and action plans for the elimination of PCBs. As actual implementation work commences, there is likely to be a considerably increased demand for financing and commercial services in relation to management and disposal of PCBs.
PCB Consultation Meeting
UNEP
Chemicals is organizing, with support from the Swiss
Government a consultation meeting in Geneva from 9 to 10 June, 2004 to
discuss upcoming international needs for PCB management and disposal in the
context of the Stockholm Convention.
The meeting is intended primarily as a forum for GEF Implementing Agencies and PCB-related industry representatives to discuss the international policy framework, logistical issues and available capacities in relation to PCB storage, management, transport and disposal. It will also facilitate dialogue between industry owners of PCB-containing equipment and sectors involved in PCB management and disposal.
Other interested international organizations, bilateral development assistance donors, NGOs and developing countries and countries with economies in transition will also contribute to the agenda.