IHPA-Pops-Newsletter-No20

15 November 2010, Brussels EU Parliament:

Ria Oomen-Ruijten, Esther de Lange and Dan Jørgensen, Members of European Parliament urge 5 Directors General of EU Commission to take concrete steps to develop and Action Plan to fight obsolete pesticides in the neighbouring partner countries:

After the Mini-Hearing on Obsolete Pesticides in Eastern European Countries, the Caucasus and Central Asian Countries in the European Parliament on 29 of June 2010, IHPA had sent a letter requesting 5 EU Director Generals to come forward with a plan on Obsolete Pesticides. On 20 October 2010, EU Commissioner Karel Kovanda answered positively that:
“The European Commission is fully aware of the environment and health concerns posed by obsolete pesticides and other unused hazardous chemicals in the region.

Action is taken within the EU’s existing policy framework, i.e. the European Neighbourhood Policy and the EU-Central Asia Strategy, to raise awareness in partner countries, and promote a strategic and legislative approach.

Building on existing initiatives and coordination with local and international institutions, the European Commission is also examining possibilities for granting financial assistance in the context of existing instruments, to complement activities of other donors already active in this field.”

However, no concrete actions have not been brought forward by Mr. Kovanda in his letter. Therefore the Ria Oomen-Ruijten, Esther de Lange and Dan Jørgensen, Members of European Parliament express clearly in their letter:
“We believe, however, that concrete steps are needed to bring the active donors together and call on the Commission to develop an Action Plan to fight obsolete pesticides in our neighbouring partner countries”

For further details see appended:

Letter on Obsolete Pesticides to Mr Kovanda – 15.11.2010

Status of obsolete stockpiles of pesticides in EECCA Countries: sharing experience of EU countries

07 – 09 September, 2011, Gabala, Republic of Azerbaijan

Dear all,
We have the pleasure to announce the 11th International HCH and Pesticides Forum, to be held from 07 – 09 September, 2011, in Gabala, the beautiful town in the mountains of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

During my visit at the end of September and beginning of October, all stakeholders have shown full commitment and strong engagement. Azerbaijani hosts and I are confident that the Forum will be a success, showing the achievements in the field the country has made.

The Special Forum website (http://www.hchforum.com) is now under construction, and from 10th of December 2010 you will be able to register.
Further all IHPA newsletter readers will be updated on the 2nd announcement and all new developments.
So we are waiting for you to join us and move forward in the solution of obsolete and POPs pesticides in September in Azerbaijan. We count on you!

With kind regards,
John Vijgen,
Director IHPA

Visit the 11th International HCH and Pesticides Forum website and download 1st Announcement: