Reducing Negative Effect of Chemical
Substances and Waste for Sustainable Development
Goal after 2020
Greenwomen, in 2021, implemented the project on raising awareness of target groups on trending environmental topics.
Greenwomen implemented the following activity:
1. Raising awareness of target groups on how to better implement personal protection and to make safer choices during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Greenwomen prepared 4 posters raising awareness of target groups on how to choose the right face mask, how to properly wear it, and also on how to use household cleaning products safely.
Posters can be found at www.greenwomen.kz
2. Raising the consumer awareness for safer choices
Greenwomen prepared 7 videos raising the consumer awareness for safer choices of products. Videos cover such topics as “how to choose safer cosmetics, beauty and personal care products”, “what is fast fashion and green consumerism”, and how to make safer choice buying wallpaper, furniture, bathroom curtains, and household cleaning products.
Videos can be found at Greenwomen Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/greenwomen_kz/?hl=en
3. YouTube podcasts - interview with environmental experts on trending environmental topics
Greenwomen recorded 8 podcasts interviewing the environmental activists and experts from Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Armenia, Moldova, and Ukraine on trending environmental topics related to climate change, pollution, toxic waste, lead paint elimination, biodiversity, and environmental education.
The Kazakhstan's compliance with the obligations under the Stockholm Convention on POPs was analyzed in the following main areas:
Obsolete and unusable pesticides (including those having POPs characteristics) in agricultural
sector.
Equipment containing PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) that are used in manufacturing
processes and by transportation industry.
Industrial technologies leading to unintentional release of dioxins and furans.
This document also contains an overview of national laws currently regulating POPs and related to the fulfillment of obligations of the Republic of Kazakhstan under the Stockholm Convention on POPs, analysis of the National Implementation Plan (NIP), including a progress and the problems/difficulties in its implementation.
One of the chapters describes how authorities raise the public awareness of POPs in Kazakhstan.
The review also provides conclusions and recommendations on how better to address the most POPs problems in Kazakhstan.
The sources for materials include the UNDP in Kazakhstan, the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, JSC Zhasyl Damu (former Kazakh Research Institute of Ecology and Climate), and others. (The references to the sources used in this review are provided as the footnotes at the bottom of a page; very long hyperlinks were shortened for convenience of reading).
This project was implemented with financial support provided by IPEN and with technical support provided by Eco-Accord, the Center for Environment and Development, the IPEN’s hub for EECCA countries (Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia).
The views expressed in this report are those of the authors and not necessarily the views of the institutions that provided advisory and/or financial support.
This report is available in the following languages: English (summary) at IPEN website
www.ipen.org and in Russian (full
version) at Eco-Accord website
www.ecoaccord.org and Greenwomen website.
THE PROJECT "A Toxic Free Future" Goal 2020
Plastic waste pollution: looking for collaboration and searching for ways to
solve a problem
Eco-Accord, the IPEN EECCA (Eastern Europe, Caucasus
and Central Asia) Regional Hub, during 2019-2020, is supported a number of
initiatives from Kazakh non-governmental organizations, which are aimed to
address the problems associated with chemical pollution. One of the
initiatives is the awareness raising project on plastic pollution in EECCA
countries. Eco-Accord, starting from 2018, in cooperation with Greenwomen,
Analytical Environmental Agency from Almaty, Kazakhstan, conducted a
comprehensive study on the situation related to plastic waste pollution in
Kazakhstan and other EECCA countries. The environmental laws, production,
use and plastic recycling in the EECCA region were analyzed. The report on
situation with plastic waste pollution in the EECCA region was prepared
based on information provided by experts, civil society representatives and
public, including urban and rural inhabitants. The authors of the report
also analyzed media publications covering the situation with plastic waste
pollution in the region.
Plastic waste is a growing concern in Kazakhstan, the EECCA countries and around the world. The authors of the report hope to draw the attention of the authorities to the problem of plastic waste and to urge them to make the systemic changes, including strengthening of national legislation, and reforming the policy, corporate behavior and consumer culture (i.e. convince consumers to make a better choice buying eco-friendly products and reducing the use of plastic, including plastic bags, in their everyday life).
On March 4-5, 2020, the international conference “Plastic waste pollution: looking for collaboration and searching for ways to solve a problem” took place in Almaty.
The representatives of UNDP, UNEP and UNICEF Offices in Kazakhstan, NGOs, national and local government bodies, companies that collect and recycle plastic waste, and media outlets participated in the Conference.
There were many presentation during the sessions where the participants learned about interesting projects and initiatives related to plastic waste. Plastic Free, the UNICEF volunteer program generated particularly strong interest. Plastic Free volunteers participate in the training through this program first and then teach schoolchildren how to reduce plastic use in their everyday life.
There are companies in Almaty that take practical steps toward reducing
plastic waste – for example, LLP “Green Generation Industries” developed
mobile app “Tazalyk”, that provides a database of reception points around
the country where any citizen can drop his used plastic household items and
earn points and bonuses which can be used for different purposes; the
company also installs its special boxes for a separate waste collection in
offices and educational institutions.
The participants of Conference expressed their concern over the plastic
waste pollution problem. Particular emphasis during the discussions on the
existing challenges in manufacturing, collection and disposal/recycling of
plastic waste was given to the toxic chemicals contained in it.
The participants of the Conference developed recommendations for
improving the system of collection and recycling of plastic waste in
Kazakhstan. These recommendations are addressed to stakeholders –
legislative and executive bodies, enterprises that manufacture plastic
products, companies that collect and dispose of plastic waste, NGOs, and
educational institutions.
Participants also urged the governments of the EECCA countries to provide
their support to the IPEN and BAN (Basel Action Network) calls proposing to
seek the systemic changes, including strengthening of national legislation,
and reforming the policy, corporate behavior and consumer culture (i.e.
convince consumers to make a better choice buying eco-friendly products and
reducing the use of plastic, including plastic bags, in their everyday
life).
Plastic waste management decision makers should recognize the right to
the public participation in decision making process related to an evaluation
of risks of plastic waste pollution, as well as the right to access justice
when such pollution caused harm to people health or environment. The
participants of Conference, considering that the problem of plastic waste
pollution is a growing concern at both levels, the global and national,
emphasized the urgency of developing of government plans of action to solve
the problem of plastic waste pollution in Kazakhstan and other EECCA
countries.
People have to change an approach to design, manufacture and use of
plastic products, in order to reduce plastic waste. Supporting the fight
against plastic waste pollution helps to prevent and to reduce the pollution
from single-use plastic products and to reduce consumer demand for
single-use plastic products on the markets in Kazakhstan and in the EECCA
region as a whole.
SAICM implementation around the world and in Kazakhstan
Greenwomen also prepared the report “SAICM implementation around the
world and in Kazakhstan” (in Russian language). The report provides
relevant information on SAICM, and official responses from Kazakh ministries
to the Greenwomen's requests regarding the SAICM implementation in
Kazakhstan. The Agency, in particular, requested to provide information on
activity related to the Eurasia REACH, lead in paint, highly hazardous
pesticides, POPs and other harmful substances, transboundary movement of
hazardous waste, and access to environmental information in Kazakhstan.
The Agency sent requests to the Ministry of Ecology, Geology and Natural
Resources, Ministry of Healthcare, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of
Industry and Infrastructure Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan and
some of their Committees. Greenwomen asked to provide information on
implementation of SAICM in Kazakhstan; this process has some challenges.
SAICM is not a legally binding agreement and it means that it is not a
subject to ratification/accession, and so forth. However, SAICM experts
today talk about SAICM 2.0, the updated version of SAICM aimed to be a new
strategic document for implementation beyond 2020, and encourage countries
to pay more attention to chemical safety issues.
The 3rd Environmental Performance Review of Kazakhstan (EPR 3) conducted
by UNECE in 2018 (EPR-3 was approved in January 2019) provides the
recommendations related to chemicals safety issues in Kazakhstan. One of the
recommendations to the government is to develop a chemicals management
system that meets needs for the protection of human health and the
environment and would support the achievement of Sustainable Development
Goal 3, Target 3.9 (by 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and
illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and
contamination).
It is also important for government of Kazakhstan to pay its special
attention to such subject as comprehensive gender mainstreaming within the
management of chemicals and waste. Women are more likely to store higher
levels of environmental pollutants in their tissues than those found in men.
"Biological differences between men and women, such as physiological and
hormonal differences, create differing susceptibilities to the effects of
exposure to toxic chemicals…During pregnancy, lactation and menopause,
women’s bodies undergo changes that may increase their susceptibility to
health impacts from toxic exposures. Furthermore, owing to differences in
social roles, including occupational and household roles, and prevailing
harmful gender stereotypes, women and men are exposed differently to toxic
chemicals with respect to, among other things, the substances encountered
and the degree of exposure" [1].
Greenwomen developed the recommendations regarding the SAICM
implementation in Kazakhstan which, among other, include the following:
Develop a comprehensive National Plan of Action (NPA) for the
implementation of SAICM. The NPA’s main goal should be the protection of
human health and environment, it should consider the application of
preventive measures as a priority and protect vulnerable populations,
such as economically disadvantaged, women, low-income children, the
elderly, and others. The development of NAP should be an open, inclusive
and transparent process, with involvement of the primary stakeholders
such as businesses, civil society, governments, research institutions
and non-government organizations. NAP should consider the interests of
all stakeholders, as well as the rights to access to environmental
information, public participation in environmental decision-making, and
access to justice.
Develop an interagency coordination mechanism for the NPA’s
implementation, as well as a mechanisms to measure progress towards the
achievement of NAP goals.
Primary stakeholders, such as businesses, civil society,
governments, research institutions and non-government organizations,
should be engaged in intersectoral collaboration on SAICM
implementation.
[1] Implications for human rights of the
environmentally sound management and disposal of hazardous substances and
wastes. Report of the Special Rapporteur. The 74th session of the General
Assembly of the United Nations. 7 October 2019. [Electronic source] //United
Nations Digital Library. Official website. URL:
https://digitallibrary.un.org/record/3833656/files/A_74_480-EN.pdf
(accessed on 16 July, 2020).
2017-2018, Greenwomen & Eco-Accord (IPEN Hub for Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia) implemented the following actions:
Nanotechnologies and Nanomaterials:
Public Awareness and Participations in Decision-Making
On the 5th of June (International Environmental Day), Greenwomen in collaboration with Al-Farabi Kazakh National University and Scientific Technological Park KazNU, organised a round-table dedicated to
‘Nanotechnologies and Other Innovative Developments in Kazakhstan’. Participants from a wide range of backgrounds took part to this event including academia, industry, students and teachers. The objective of the round-table was to raise awareness about nanotechnology developments in Central Asia, to present research projects of leading specialists in biotechnology in Kazakhstan and to share achievements in alternative agriculture. Environmental health and safety risks of new technologies and the role of precautionary principle to address there were also discussed during the round table. As part of the event, participants visited the Technological Park and got acquainted with works of the Green Technologies Centre and Green Technologies Zone.
In addition, Greenwomen prepared a leaflet for students and journalists outlining what nanotechnologies are, their implications, current industrial applications, uses of nanomaterials in consumer products and projects implemented in this area in Kazakhstan and Central Asia.
Further, Greenwomen drafted an analytical overview
‘Nanotechnology: Environment and Healthcare’. The report is based on the IPEN’s position about nanotechnologies and covers nanotechnology applications potentially beneficial to address environmental challenges and to bring improvements to healthcare. The overview explained environmental, health and societal risks of nanotechnologies and associated regulatory challenges. It included information about nanotechnology developments and projects in Russia, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova and other countries of the EECCA region, as well as possible cross-border and regional partnerships.
Moreover, Greenwomen, together with IPEN (Pops Elimination Network) developed two webinars with the participation and support of an international expert in the field of nanotechnology, David Azoulay – Managing Attorney and Director of Environmental Health Programme at the Centre for International Environmental Law (CIEL).
Webinar 1: ‘Legal, Societal and Environmental Aspects of Nanotechnology Developments’
Webinar 2: ‘Role of Civil Society in Addressing Challenges of Nanotechnologies and Nanomaterials: NGO Networks and the Precautionary Principle’
Greenwomen, in 2015, in collaboration with Eco-Accord (IPEN Hub for Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia (EECCA); Russia) implemented the following action:
Public participation in chemical safety issues in EECCA region: the IPEN subregional workshop for Central Asian NGOs
The workshop took place in Almaty, Kazakhstan, in June 2015. The environmental NGOs from Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan took part in this workshop. The participants discussed highest priority issues of chemical pollution in Central Asian countries, as these NGOs see them.
The following statements addressed to governments, manufacturing companies and civil society organizations, as well as to other stakeholders in Central Asia, were prepared and distributed during the workshop:
Statement “On the need to take urgent measures to halt production, import and use of highly hazardous pesticides (HHPs)”
Statement “On ratification of Minamata Convention on Mercury”
Statement “On the implementation of the Stockholm, Rotterdam and
Basel Conventions”
Nanotechnology: innovation policy in Kazakhstan and CIS countries
Nanotechnology is a field of fundamental and applied science and technology, dealing with totality of theoretical study and practical methods of research, analysis and synthesis, as well as production methods and use of products with predetermined atomic structure created by controlled manipulation of individual atoms and molecules (Wikipedia).
Kazakhstan takes certain steps toward development of nanotechnology. Nursultan Nazarbayev, President of Kazakhstan, in 2008, authorized the establishment of the National Nanotechnology Laboratory in Shymkent city (South Kazakhstan). MPs of Majilis (lower chamber of Parliament) in mid-December 2015 presented law which introduces amendments and addenda to some legislative acts of Kazakhstan related to industrial and innovation policy.
Nanotechnology, along with robotics, space technology and genetic engineering, is one of the innovation sectors of high priority in Kazakhstan and must be actively developed in the near future.
The Ministry of Education and Science of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the National Academy of Sciences of the Republic of Kazakhstan coordinate research for nanotechnology in Kazakhstan.
Experts see the practical application of nanotechnology in Kazakhstan (in the short term) in creating of nanostructured catalysts, pharmaceutical products, nanoelectronics and multifunctional materials.
Alexandrina Soldatenko prepared the review (in English) describing situation related to nanotechnology development in EECCA countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine and Uzbekistan). describing nanotechnology development in EECCA region.
Please send your comments and feedback to:
lidia.astanina@gmail.com
Endocrine disruptors and their negative impact on human health: review and awareness-raising campaign
The world community is more and more concerned about endocrine disruptors. The participants of the third session of the International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM3) which took place in Nairobi (Kenya) in 2012 adopted the Special Resolution related to this issue. They also agreed to work together studying the negative impact of endocrine disruptors on human health.
Endocrine disruptors were also a subject for discussions on the Forth session of International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM4) which took place in Geneva (Switzerland) in September 2015.
IPEN, the International POPs Elimination Network, which is currently comprised of 700 participating organizations in 116 countries, working on chemical safety issues, takes a proactive stance with regard to endocrine disruptors. IPEN believes that it is necessary to provide people with more knowledge and information about the negative impact of endocrine disruptors on human health.
Greenwomen prepared the review entitled “Endocrine disruptors and their impact on human health” and also implemented an awareness-raising campaign distributing information about endocrine disruptors among NGOs and decision-makers working in the chemicals management field.
Minamata Convention on Mercury and IPEN campaign to eliminate mercury pollution
Greenwomen continues its activity to support the Minamata Convention on Mercury, a legally binding agreement on mercury, and the IPEN’s campaign to eliminate mercury pollution.
The Agency carried out its awareness-raising campaign distributing information which was adapted for better understanding of general public.
The materials include the following:
Fact sheet about mercury
Minamata Convention on Mercury Background
Leaflet on Mercury: for general public
Educational module “Toxic metal Mercury. How to prevent poisoning and how to cooperate”. The module is designed for educators teaching “Environmental Studies and Policy” courses and their students, and also for government employees working in environmental state departments.
Eliminate lead paint: global campaign
The International lead poisoning prevention week of action was held in 2015 for the third time. Greenwomen took part in the IPEN project, which engaged 7 countries of Asia. Greenwomen prepared and distributed the following materials: a press release, information about negative impact of lead on human health, a statement urging Kazakh authorities and paint manufacturers to take action pursuing the global goal to eliminate lead in paint by 2020.
The statement was sent to Ministry of National Economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, to “Green Economy” Department of Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Kazakhstan and to paint manufacturers. The discussion of situation related to elimination of lead paint in different countries was held shortly before the Week. NGOs from Central Asian countries took place in this discussion. The recommendations based on the outcomes of the discussion were prepared and sent to the state departments and manufacturing companies.
REPORT “LEAD IN SOLVENT-BASED PAINTS FOR HOME USE IN ALMATY, KAZAKHSTAN, 2016” Greenwomen, in October 2016, participated in the study on lead content in household paint. This study was implemented in partnership with
IPEN
(International POPs Elimination Network), under the IPEN’s Global Project
“Eliminate lead in paint”, with financial support of Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) and New York Community Trust (NYCT).
Greenwomen was among the environmental organizations of 9 EECCA countries that were participated in the study.
Greenwomen prepared its report entitled “Lead in solvent-based paints for home use in Almaty, Kazakhstan, 2016”. Please find the short version of report
in English.
The extended version of the report available
in Russian.
Emission inventories development in Kazakhstan: workshop in Almaty
Greenwoman and United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (ECE) held the workshop “Emission inventories development in Kazakhstan” in June 2015 in Almaty. Government employees working in state environmental departments took place in this workshop. They discussed various options for emission inventories; sources of information and possibility of sending data on emissions to sources open to the public. Greenwomen had opportunity to learn more about sources of information and process of data collection implementing by manufacturing companies in Kazakhstan.
Here are some actions which have been implemented in 2013:
Solving the problems related to mercury contamination in Kazakhstan
Greenwomen prepared a report entitled
”Mercury contamination: today’s reality” (in Russian).
The main goal of this report is once more to attract attention to the mercury contamination in Kazakhstan, by pursuing the following objectives:
raising public awareness of the impact of mercury pollution and its consequences;
implementation of measures to eliminate and to improve the control of sources of mercury pollution;
receiving support from the government to adopt and to implement national legislation and policies to control the mercury pollution;
building public capacity and providing support to the policy of adoption and ratification of the Minamata Convention, a global legally binding treaty on mercury.
Greenwomen prepared the statement addressed to the Government of the
Republic of Kazakhstan. This document contains ideas and suggestions
regarding the development of more effective measures to solve the
problems associated with mercury pollution in the country.
Two leaflets covering the matters related to toxic-free toys and the impact of mercury on human health and environment were also prepared.
The information campaign in support of the IPEN’s position on
necessity of Central Asian countries to join the global actions to
eliminate 10 new POPs added to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent
Organic Pollutants (POPs) was implemented.
Synergism of the three conventions on chemical safety
Greenwomen prepared the report on the implementation of the three conventions on chemical safety in Kazakhstan. This report presents an analysis of information on how Kazakhstan implements three conventions, what are the legal frameworks for such implementation, on important environmental national programs and international projects related to the chemical safety.
Capacity building within the frameworks of the project to promote the 2020 Goal "Toxic free future!"
Greenwomen developed the educational module entitled “Stockholm
Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and new POPs”. The
main goal of the module is to provide detailed information about the
Stockholm Convention and 10 new POPs under it; about the best available
safe technologies for POPs disposal, etc. The module is designed to
raise awareness of stakeholders on chemical safety. Click here to
download the module "Stockholm Convention
on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and new POPs" (in Russian).
Online webinars to promote and implement the 2020 Goal “Toxic free future!” in EECCA region
International POPs Elimination Network (IPEN), “Greenwomen”, Analytical Environmental Agency (Kazakhstan) and EcoAccord, Center for Environment and Sustainable Development (Russia), conduct educational courses which include the series of online webinars to promote and implement the 2020 Goal “Toxic free future!” in EECCA region (Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia).
The webinar entitled "Toxic chemicals in consumer products: international and regional aspects” took place in December 2013. The experts provided information on the legal and institutional aspects of chemicals management at the international level in the European Union; in the countries that are members of the Customs Union (Belarus, Kazakhstan and Russia) and also at the national level in Armenia, Moldova, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.
The language of the webinars is Russian. The webinars take place at
WizIQ, online
learning platform for students and teachers.
The Analytical Environmental Agency «Greenwomen» continues the implementation of the projects working towards “A Toxic Free Future” Goal 2020.
In March 2012, Greenwomen created the
“Toxic Free Future” group on Facebook. The members of this group are NGOs representatives and experts on toxic chemicals. The main goal of the “Toxic Free Future” group is to exchange information regarding the chemical safety of food and of consumer goods. The first stage includes discussions of the following issues:
- toxic toys;
- toxic beauty products that contain dangerous chemicals;
- hazardous chemicals in food and in consumer goods;
- the impact of mercury on human health. Greenwomen, after discussions among the members of the group about the toy safety standards in Kazakhstan, prepared questions and sent them to the Agency for Statistics of the Republic of Kazakhstan, to the Ministry of Environmental Protection, to the Ministry of Health Care and to the Committee for Technical Regulation and Metrology of the Ministry of Industry and New Technologies of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Gosstandart). We received responses to all our requests from all ministries and government departments.
Greenwomen prepared a report entitled “Toxic-free toys is a guarantee of safety of children's health” based on our own research, the analysis of data, information and responses from government officials to our requests regarding toy safety standards in Kazakhstan, including the legislation and the market trends related to this matter. The report was prepared under the awareness-raising campaign in Kazakhstan.
The representatives of IPEN who participated in the Fourth Session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to Prepare a Global Legally Binding Instrument on Mercury (INC4) developed the position of the network on key points of the global, legally binding treaty on mercury. Greenwomen supports IPEN’s position by the following actions.
Our organization prepared the statement addressed to the Government of the Republic of Kazakhstan. This document contains ideas and suggestions regarding the development of more effective measures to solve the problems associated with mercury pollution in the country. The suggestions were discussed with NGOs and experts as well as with members of the «Toxic Free Future» group. The suggestions were sent to the Environmental Committee of the Parliament of the Republic of Kazakhstan, to the Ministry of Environmental Protection, to the Ministry of Health Care and to the Ministry of Trade and New Technologies.
Greenwomen conducted research on the issue of mercury contamination in Kazakhstan and prepared a report entitled «Mercury contamination: today’s reality». Greenwomen, during the process of preparing this report, used its original materials and also materials obtained from new agencies, websites and media.
The main goal of this report is once more to attract attention to the above fact (i.e. mercury contamination in Kazakhstan) pursuing the following objectives:
- raising public awareness of the impact of mercury pollution and its consequences;
- implementation of measures to eliminate and to improve the control of sources of mercury pollution;
- receiving support from the government to adopt and implement national legislation and policies to control the mercury pollution;
- building public capacity and providing support to the policy of adoption and ratification of a global legally binding treaty on mercury.
The main objective of the training module is to provide knowledge and skills for the fulfillment of international political decisions and instruments for the fulfillment of the 2020 goal of a Toxic-Free Future and to establish attitude to the need of resolving the problem of chemical pollution in all the spheres of economic activity.
The tasks of the training modules include: understanding of the need to promote and fulfill the 2020 goal; analysis of damage inflicted by productions and toxic chemicals to ecological systems and public health, and analysis of economic and social problems of the country.
The modules are designed for non-governmental organizations that specialize in education for sustainable development, teachers and students, and environmentalists of industrial enterprises.
THE PROJECT "Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) in the Republic of
Kazakhstan"
The project for the development of the National Action Plan for NGOs of the Republic of Kazakhstan is aimed at implementing the SAICM (Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management), and this project was completed at the end of 2010 in Kazakhstan. The Action Plan was integrated into the global International SAICM Implementation Project (ISIP). Also, the Action Plan was discussed, and so were its priorities, by the Kazakh NGOs, and by NGOs from Central Asian countries.
The NGOs Action Plan on SAICM contains different chapters, and it includes the chapter on enhancing the role of civil society. The Action Plan provides suggestions for the government to do the following: first, assist the NGOs and the representatives of civil society and, second, to cooperate with both to promote SAICM. Special attention should be paid to the act of disseminating information about toxic chemical substances found in consumer goods (such as toys, electronics, textiles, and construction materials); mercury in consumer goods and in electronic waste, lead content in paint etc.
THE PROJECT "Civil Society
and Reasonable Management of Hazardous Waste in the Republic of
Kazakhstan"
This joint project is implementing in Kazakhstan by an International
Network "Women in Europe for the Common Future" (WECF), the University
of Kassel (Germany), EcoForum (Kazakhstan) and the Analytical Ecological
Agency "Greenwomen" (Kazakhstan) with the financial support of the
European Union. The duration of project is 2009-2011.
One of the
project's main objectives is to increase public awareness of the harmful
effects of asbestos and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and their
influence on health. The participants in this project are also looking
for public and political support for national and regional measures
aimed at restricting the use of asbestos and POPs, controlling their
disposal, cleaning up polluted sites and storing toxic waste in a safe
manner.
This project is very relevant due to the fact that the EECCA
region (Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia) is one of the largest
manufacturer of asbestos in the world. Despite the fact that the
production and use of asbestos materials have been reduced all over
world (this was subsequent to the publication of statistical information
on the increase of malignant asbestos-related diseases), the EECCA
region continues to be world leader in the production and use of
asbestos.
This joint project gave rise to the publication "Asbestos and Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs): Policy and Practice in Kazakhstan and the European Union Countries." It contains information on the use of asbestos, the results of the international conference of experts that was held in Almaty in April 2009, the measures taken by non-governmental organizations and the international experience with asbestos.
The project participants also prepared the leaflet in Kazakh and Russian languages for wide distribution among local public. The leaflet provides the basic information about asbestos and recommendations on its safe use.
THE PROJECT
“Creation of network for ecological journalists of Central Asia”
(Central Asian Network for Ecological Journalists - CANEJ)
Project was supported and sponsored by the UNESCO International Programme for Communications
Developing (IPDC)
CANEJ
objectives were to establish arrangements to ensure freedom of
speech and access
to ecological information (one of the main principles of the Aarhus
Convention); increase awareness of journalists on environmental
problems of Central Asia and to strengthen their capacity to cover
these problems in mass-media.
THE PROJECT
Polycholrinated biphenyls pollution:
monitoring of the territory and PCBs sources inventory development
- addressing the problem in Kazakhstan
The International POPs Elimination Project (IPEP)
A Russian NGO “Eko-Soglasie” serves as the
IPEP Coordinating Center for Eastern Europe,
Caucuses and Central Asia, Olga Speranskaya:
speransk2004@mail.ru
Polycholrinated biphenyls pollution:
monitoring of the territory and PCBs sources inventory development
- addressing the problem in Kazakhstan Downloadas MS
Word
The sub-regional workshop entitled "TOWARDS A TOXIC FREE FUTURE”
(Impact of Toxic Chemicals on the Environment and Public Health in
Central Asia: Ways to Address Problems) was held on 11-13 February
2007 in Almaty more info >>
THE PROJECT
Asbestos – increasing awareness in Eastern Europe to strengthen the
Rotterdam Convention
Aim of the project: To create awareness in EECCA countries on the health
hazards of asbestos use, and create public and political support for
national and international.
THE PROJECT
The Project "Strengthening Public Capacities in the EECCA region to
participate in the PRTR process and Access to Information" (in Russian)
A discussion group is moderated by Ecological News Agency "Greenwomen"
and in consultations with a Russia-based NGO Eco-Accord. UNITAR (United
Nations Institute for Training and Research) hosts the Forum.
The Forum "Strengthening Public Capacities in the EECCA region to
participate in the PRTR process and Access to Information (in Russian) -
please, refer to the Virtual Classroom
http://prtrvc.unitar.org
The
seminar entitled "Prospectives of ratification Pollutant Release and
Transfer Registers Protocol and assistance for developing it in
Central Asia" was held in December 2006, in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The
seminar was organized by European Ecoforum in cooperation with "Greenwomen"
Ecological News Agency (Kazakhstan) more info >>
On 17 May 2004 the Stockholm Convention on persistent organic
pollutants (POPs) will take effect serving as the first global agreement
aimed at introducing a complete ban on the most poisonous chemical
substances.
We, the ecological non-government organizations of Kazakhstan appeal to
our country's government to expedite the Stockholm Convention
ratification.
The public union "Greenwomen" Ecological News Agency" appeals to
non-governmental organizations in Kazakhstan and Central Asia to add
their signatures to the attached Address.
The
PSA reel (public service anoouncement)
on POPs was prepared as a part of the information campaign "We are
against POPs"! (in the frameworks of the IPEN International POPs
elimination Project) www.ipen.org ,
http://accord.cis.lead.org.
The purpose of the project is to attract public attention in the
Republic of Kazakhstan to the POPs and POPs pollution of the
environment. The PSA reel intends for mass-media and NGOs. They can use
it for different trainings and roundtables, meetings and discussions on
POPs subjects in EECCA countries.
UNIDO supports financially the information campaign "We are against POPs!"
THE PROJECT is aimed at development of information and publishing activities
carried out
by Ecological News Agency GreenWomen
THE PROJECT
Developing indicators for monitoring on Aarhus convention
The project is carried out by OSCE (Organization for Security and
Co-operation in Europe) in Almaty, by the
Public Association "Greenwomen" and funded by government of the USA
From October
28-30, 2003 a workshop took place in Almaty, Kazakhstan on
elaboration of indicators for monitoring implementation of the Aarhus
Convention "on access to information, public participation in
decision-making and access to justice in environmental matters."
Summary of seminar:
THE PROJECT
Fostering public participation in carrying out national programs on
implementation of international environmental protection conventions in
Kazakhstan
MILIEUKONTRAKT OOST-EUROPA (The Netherlands) provides financial support
for the project.
THE PROJECT Development of instruments and mechanisms supporting promotion
and implementation of key environmental protection conventions in Central
Asia based on the example of the Stockholm Convention: public participation
in the global persistent organic pollutants liquidation process
in Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan,
Tadjikistan, Turkmenistan).
Central Asian Regional Ecological Center (CAREC) and United States
Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) provide financial support for the
project.
The review on implementation of obligations of the Republic of Kazakhstan under the Stockholm Convention on POPs
