Call to action for a tomorrow without toxics
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Urgent call for a strong SAICM-Beyond-2020-Framework ensuring sound chemicals and waste management!
Increasing chemical production, use of harmful chemicals, pollution, and waste are turning into a third planetary crisis[1], beside the climate and biodiversity crises, and at the same time exacerbating them. There is an urgent need for solution-focused actions along the whole lifecycle of chemicals and waste, addressing the threats to human health and the environment – from the enormous use of chemicals, poor chemicals and waste management, to the ever-increasing production and raw material extraction. The undersigned organizations stand together in urgently calling
on governments, industry, and other stakeholders to work towards a tomorrow without toxics. We urge them to actively reduce their chemical footprint and make prevention, reduction, and sound management of chemicals and waste a priority issue.
The current levels of chemicals used in industrial processes, agriculture and daily life products massively expose people and ecosystems to harmful substances.
Ubiquitous, excessive and often uncontrolled use of chemicals, their improper storage and disposal, and accidents, as well as the amount of waste in general and in particular mismanaged waste lead to harmful substances entering the environment, food chains, and human bodies. They poison air, soil and water, harm wildlife and cause biodiversity loss. Exposure to hazardous chemicals produces reproductive and neurological disorders, causes intergenerational effects, and the loss of livelihoods and food systems, among other things. The burdens fall disproportionately on the most financially oppressed, vulnerable and marginalized groups, such as Indigenous
Communities, people in the Global South, workers in industry and agriculture, women and children. This makes chemicals and waste management a cross-cutting issue.
The Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) and the Dubai Declaration, adopted in 2006 by the First International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM1), aimed to achieve sound management of chemicals and waste throughout their life cycle by 2020.[2] Now, at the beginning of the year 2022, we see an even more urgent need for action. SAICM has identified important issues and created a multi-sector platform and multi-stakeholder process for action, involving governments, civil society, businesses and academics. However, the overall objective has not been achieved and progress made is insufficient and mainly limited to information collection, while only a few concrete risk reduction measures have been undertaken. Adverse impacts on human health and the environment from raw material extraction, chemical production, use and disposal continue.
There is no time to waste.
We need an agreement for a strong SAICM-Beyond-2020-Framework that goes beyond the Dubai Declaration on International Chemicals Management[3] and secures ambitious reduction and prevention of harmful chemicals and waste globally, bringing about real change, including the implementation of safe alternatives. Our vision is a world where chemicals and wastes are no longer a source of harm and where all people live in safe and healthy environments, free from toxic threats to ecosystems and to future generations. We call upon all stakeholders to commit to this goal and to increase engagement, expressing a concrete will to end the poisoning of our world. Put a
SAICM-Beyond-2020-Framework urgently into practice as follows:
● Recognize and implement the precautionary and sustainability principles as basic principles and rationale behind all measures. Follow the hierarchy of prevention, elimination and minimization of hazardous substances.
● Include the possibility to stipulate or initiate binding elements for chemicals and waste management throughout the whole lifecycle, including raw material extraction, production, use and disposal of chemicals.
● Set ambitious targets and milestones. Make national action plans binding for all SAICM stakeholders, which particularly promote implementation and monitoring. Include concrete activities to solve the Issues of Concern in SAICM national action plans as well as education and awareness raising measures. Ensure that groups of related chemicals are addressed in the framework and in related action plans
● Establish mechanisms for implementation and progress reporting, and independent monitoring, as well as mechanisms for compliance.
● Realize global implementation on all levels (i.e. local, national, regional and international levels) and ensure this through national action plans. Make a SAICM-Beyond-2020-Framework compatible with other global treaties
including a future legally binding Plastics Treaty[4] or a future international regulation on pesticides[5].
● Secure the multistakeholder and multisectoral character of SAICM. Ensure that the negotiation process is carried out in a way that guarantees equal and fair participation of all stakeholders and right holders, as well as the
possibility to bring in contributions, especially from the civil society.
● Guarantee solid, sustainable, and reliable financing by the internalization of external costs, according to the Polluter Pays Principle. This could be achieved through a coordinated tax on chemical feedstocks, levied by the
national governments where the chemicals are produced[6], ensuring and prioritizing the support for developing and emerging countries. Especially civil society organizations, Indigenous Communities, and science, including citizen science, should be eligible for funding. Further options to implement the Polluter Pays Principle are to be explored and implemented.
● Make sure that a SAICM-Beyond-2020 addresses the identified shortcomings of the predecessor framework and in particular, that solutions for all identified Issues of Concern (IoCs) are developed and new IoCs included when they are needed. Current IoCs must be kept until resolved[7]. This includes e.g. a global phase-out of highly hazardous pesticides (HHPs) and their replacement with agroecology in line with ICCM4 resolution, measures to reduce endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC) exposure for humans and the environment, and transparency and traceability for chemicals in products.
● Guarantee globally equal safety levels for everyone and everywhere. States must ensure the protection of people and the environment through laws and regulations that hold producers accountable along the entire supply chain
and throughout the whole lifecycle. Eliminate unethical and unacceptable double standards.
● Support the approach of a binding Global Minimum Transparency Standard[8] as a first step for chemicals in products and the establishment of labeling according to UNEP SCP guidelines[9]. This can ensure transparency and
traceability, which are, together with the right to know, key requirements for a safe circular economy globally. It further helps to eliminate double standards and dumping of products in countries with less ambitious chemicals legislation, and to guarantee an equal level of safety for everyone everywhere.
● Ensure sensitivity to the different exposition and vulnerability of people and groups of people to hazardous substances, depending on their area of residence, occupation, social and economic status, age, and gender. Consider
that children are particularly vulnerable to hazardous substances and must be protected from being born pre-polluted.
● Better protect women from hazardous chemicals, by implementing gender responsive policies, mainstreaming gender-equality and collecting gender disaggregated data. Recognize and encourage the leadership role of women in society, politics and science, and also in a SAICM-Beyond-2020-Framework. Consider that women are more susceptible to harmful chemicals than men and have different windows of vulnerability, e.g. during pregnancy.
They are also exposed differently to toxic chemicals due to their gender roles.
● Recognize the principles and values of the universal human rights[10]. Support all right holders, according to the respective international resolutions and declarations[11].
● Recognize the principles of the Rio-Declaration on Environment and Development and the principles of the Agenda 2030, as basic principles.
● Acknowledge the role of chemicals and waste in the biodiversity and climate crises and take action to address these impacts through decreased chemical production, use and disposal, phase out of harmful substances and
implementation of safe and non-chemical alternatives
Urgent call for a strong SAICM-Beyond-2020-Framework ensuring sound chemicals and waste management!
Biodiversity protection and nature-based solutions in focus of EASD activities
Concept of nature-based solutions implies searching for existing, sustainable solutions from nature in order to provide benefits for both human well-being and biodiversity, by addressing societal challenges. There are different solutions mapped so far and implemented in different areas and environments, such as protection, restoration or management of natural and semi-natural ecosystems; the sustainable management of aquatic systems and working lands such as croplands or timberlands; or the creation of novel ecosystems in and around cities. All solutions are designed to be implemented by local communities and related institutions and organizations (towards implementation of United Nations Decade of Ecosystem Restoration 2021-2030)
EU Biodiversity Strategy to 2030, represents a comprehensive plan under the European Green Deal, which serves to improve state of the nature in European Union, by protecting biodiversity and reversing the degradation of ecosystems. In the focus of this Strategy is increasing the area under protection for at least 30% of both land and sea in Europe, restoring degraded ecosystems and securing 20 billion EUR/year for biodiversity through various sources, including EU funds, national and private funding.
The main challenge in the region of Western Balkan, area with outstanding biodiversity, natural resources and huge number of solutions created by nature, is to set up Green Agenda and Biodiversity for the Western Balkans as important as all other Development Agendas. In 2017, the Biodiversity Task Force of South East Europe was established to serve as a technical and advisory body of the Regional Working Group on Environment (RWG Env) of the Regional Cooperation Council. The most important objective for Western Balkans in Green Agenda implementation is to mainstream biodiversity elements in other policy areas in order to improve state of protected areas (through sustainable financing), increase number of protected areas and increased surface area under protection, as well as to improve the status of the endangered species. In addition, these actions will lead to protect, restore and manage natural and semi-natural ecosystems; to establish sustainable management of aquatic systems and working lands, but also will provide different solutions and possibilities for creation of novel ecosystems in and around cities. The strategic Green Agenda for WB document will identify priorities to focus on, while the implementation would require synchronized actions and involvement of the entire region, by strengthening regional cooperation and involvement of all relevant institutions and organizations, in order to promote and implement nature-based solutions.
Biodiversity and nature protection are among EASD priorities in last ten years, reflecting in conference proceedings[1][2] , contribution to Study on Achievements and Perspectives towards a Green Economy and Sustainable Growth in Serbia, or training providing on ecological footprint. One of the priorities of EASD focus is education on importance of biodiversity protection, which is implemented mainly through the Eco-schools Serbia network. In the period 2017-2020, under the project The Great Plant Hunt biodiversity topic is introduced in Eco-schools Serbia network and started with implementation of the nature-based solutions concept.
From February 2022, EASD started to implement within Eco-schools Serbia network an Erasmus+ project ForLife , with leading partner from Slovenia, and another partner from Italy. This project is directly connected to nature-based solution concept, by using positive examples from nature, regarding promotion of protection, restoration or management of natural and semi-natural ecosystems and in the same time creation of novel ecosystems in urban and sub-urban areas where Eco-schools belong to.
ERF 2014 – European Resources Forum, Berlin November 2014
EASD representative Prof Anđelka Mihajlov, participate on the 2nd ERF 2014. Thematic issues include: Europe’s responsibility for a sustainable use of natural resources, Targets for a sustainable resource use, Natural resources – to whom do they belong?, Resources for the “Energiewende”, UNEP’s International Resource Panel (IRP) on Decoupling & Circular Economy, Sustainable development goals and post 2015 process , Sustainable resource use and the role of the financial system, Resource efficiency in business – experiences from EU member states, How can Europe reach a sustainable use of natural resources?.
In Opening Plenary session participants were: Barbara Hendricks, Federal Minister for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety, Germany, Maciej H. Grabowski, Minister of the Environment, Poland, Chris Kuijpers, Directorate General, Ministry for the Environment, The Netherlands, Karl Falkenberg, General Director, European Commission, DG Environment, Maria Krautzberger, President, Federal Environment Agency, Germany, Ernst Ulrich von Weizsäcker, Co-Chair, UNEP International Resource Panel; Co-President, Club of Rome; Germany, Marina Fischer-Kowalski, Head, Institute of Social Ecology, Alpen Adria University; member of UNEP International Resource Panel; Austria, Arjen Hoekstra, Professor in Water Management, creator of the water footprint concept, University of Twente, The Netherlands,and Harry Lehmann, General Director, Division Environmental Planning and Sustainability Strategies, Federal Environment Agency, Germany.
Consumers eco-protection
”Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development” representative, participated on TAIEX Workshop “Green voluntary mechanisms – EMAS and Eco Labels” (29-30 May, 2012)
Organization “Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development”, by the partner organization “Association of Consumer Serbia – APOS” is involved in the implementation of the project ” Responsible consumer for the sustainable future.” “Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development” representative Danko Aleksic participated in the Round table on 29 March 2012. in Novi Sad. On this occasion, he gave a presentation on “Ecological footprint from the perspective of consumers.” This activity is within thematic areas: EU and Accession, Educational Signals and Courses, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Production and Consumption
Summer Eco-School
“Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development”, in cooperation with City of Sombor administration – Department of Public Services and Utilities organised Summer Eco-School in UNESCO Biosphere Reservate Golija (MAB – UNESCO) – Studenica (27-31 August 2012). Participated students from Sombor attending different faculties. Lectures and educative workshops include concept of protection of natural and cultural heritage within biosphere reservate, biodiversity and sustainable use of plant resources, Sustainable tourism and possibilities for development of rural areas, Ecological footprint, as well as walking tours (“Learning by Walking”). Ecological footprint is developed through support by UNESCO, and represents educational signal and courses.
Eco-responsible Consumer
”Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development” representative, participated on TAIEX Workshop “Green voluntary mechanisms – EMAS and Eco Labels” (29-30 May, 2012)
Organization “Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development”, by the partner organization “Association of Consumer Serbia – APOS” is involved in the implementation of the project ” Responsible consumer for the sustainable future.” “Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development” representative Danko Aleksic participated in the Round table on 29 March 2012. in Novi Sad. On this occasion, he gave a presentation on “Ecological footprint from the perspective of consumers.”
Environmental Education for students from Sombor
“Environmental Ambassadors for Sustainable Development”, in cooperation with City of Sombor administration – Department of Public Services and Utilities organised Summer Eco-School “2012 Golija Summer Eco-School” in UNESCO Biosphere Reservate Golija – Studenica (27-31 August 2012). Participated students from Sombor atending diferent faculties. Lectures and educative workshops include concept of protection of natural and cultural heratage within biosphere reservate, biodiversity and sustainable use of plant resources, Sustainable tourism and possibilities for development of rural areas, Ecologycal footprint, as well as walking tours (“Learning by Walking”).
In December 2013, 3 workshops were held for preschool children in Sombor.
Projects 2004-2011
- Sustainable Development and Environment towards EU: “EnE – Environment to Europe” Conferences 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, in cooperation with Serbian Chamber of Commerce
- E-communication standards , 2011, supported by Ministry of Environment and Spatial Planning
- “Support to the Department of Planning, Programming, Monitoring and Reporting on EU Funds and development assistance to the Office for European Integration of Serbia, for establishing a partnership to promote the use of international assistance “, participant as the member of leading SEKO Consortium for Environment and Energy, 2011 ,
- Ecological footprint: analysis and training, project supported by UNESCO, 2011
- Possible aspects of environmental protection and natural resource management for Rural Development, supported as advisory project in the “Project on Transitional Agriculture Reform,” World Bank , 2011, 2011/2012, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of the Republic of Serbia
- Environment Forum , project supported by EC (DG Environment)
- Analytical study of the impact of air pollution on the population in selected urban locations (Pancevo, Vrsac, Bor), (participation in the project with the questioning of citizens in selected locations on the subject), a project supported by the ministries responsible for the environment and for science
- Hazardous Waste Management, TAIEX DG Enlargement INFRA 32384 project, 2009
- Say Yes to Palilula , project supported by City of Belgrade Municipality Palilula
- Modify habits – keep Belgrade clean!, the project supported by the Secretariat of Environment of Belgrade
- Hit the right tone by use environmentally friendly rules , project supported by City of Belgrade Municipality Vracar
- Regional environmental advocacy and cohesion of the Western Balkans (abbreviation: REA), Project supported by the Embassy of Nederland (2009-2011) , REA Project Snapshots , Courses
- Children – the guardians of municipality, project supported by City of Belgrade Municipality Vozdovac
- Local Environmental Security (abbreviation: LES), project supported by OSCE in Serbia, LES Brochure
- Keep it healthy, keep it green, keep it European , project supported by NDI
- Involvement of NGOs in Serbia in the research of renewable energy sources, a project supported by the EU
- My Belgrade – My Environment , the project supported by the Secretariat of Environment of Belgrade
- Local strategic planning , project supported by City of Belgrade Municipality Stari Grad
- Technology Transfer Partnerships, project supported by CIDA
- Sustainable development and environmental leaders for tomorrow, 2006/2007, MATRA
- Building a common ‘green’ future in Europe (Regional Initiative for cohesion in the field of environment), project supported by Open society Fund
- RENCO – Regional Environmental Cohesion: Towards sustainable development strategy for urban South-East Europe, project supported by Sida and Ministry of Environment
- Women as the Voice for Sustainable Development and Environment , project supported by CIDA, WAVE_Report_2007-draft
- Education courses for provincial and local authorities on public participation in decision-making related to the Environmental Impact Assessment and Strategic Impact Assessment , Project supported by Ministry of Environment