Linking GHS to SAICM & the SAICM Quick Start Programme

Regional Workshop on Chemical Hazard Communication & GHS Implementation for Countries of the ECOWAS Region May 2008 Presented By Abiola Olanipekun,Nigeria African SAICM Regional Focal Point on behalf of SAICM Secretariat

Objectives of Presentation Introduce SAICM, its key characteristics, the core SAICM texts, the ICCM & the QSP Briefly review the GHS, its relevance & linkages for SAICM implementation Discuss the SAICM QSP as a means of providing support for GHS activities

What is SAICM ? SAICM is an international agreement providing a policy framework to support efforts to achieve the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation (WSSD) notably “ achieve by 2020 that chemicals are used & produced in ways that lead to the minimization of adverse effects on human health & the environment”

The road to Dubai – SAICM development process Initiated by UNEP Governing Council in 2002 –Three sessions of a preparatory committee (2003, 2004 & 2005) Important characteristic of preparatory process –Multi-stakeholder (Govs, IGO, NGO) –Multi-sectoral (health, environment, labour, agriculture) –Regional consultations Adopted by Ministers, Heads of delegation & representatives of civil society & private sector at International Conference on Chemicals Management (Dubai, 2006)

Key Characteristics of SAICM (1) Provides a new framework for global action or the sound management of chemicals –In the form of a voluntary international agreement –To streamline, integrate & build on existing efforts to safely manage hazardous chemicals & wastes (e.g. Conventions such as Basel, Rotterdam & Stockholm, IHR, non-binding agreements such as GHS) Formal endorsement by Governing Bodies of key intergovernmental organizations (WHO, UNEP, ILO, UNIDO, UNDP, UNITAR & OECD) Increasingly referred to in Ministerial processes at regional level e.g. African Environment Ministers (AMCEN)

Key Characteristics of SAICM (2) Addresses chemical safety throughout all stages of life cycle; Recognizes the gaps & needs of developing countries and countries in economic transition, particularly in relation to capacity-building; Calls upon existing & new sources of financial support including mobilization of new resources (e.g. QSP) & building upon existing mechanisms to support its implementation ( e.g. Global Environment Facility – the GEF)

The core SAICM texts & resolutions Dubai Declaration –The political commitment to SAICM implementation Overarching Policy Statement –Setting out: scope, statement of needs, objectives, financial considerations, principles & approaches, modalities for implementation & reviewing progress Global Plan of Action –Provides guidance on work areas & activities that may be undertaken by stakeholders to give effect to SAICM Resolutions (4) –Incl. implementation arrangements Quick Start Programme

The Quick Start Programme (QSP) Resolution I/4 of the ICCM sets out objectives & strategic priorities for the QSP The objective of QSP is to support initial SAICM enabling capacity-building & implementation activities –developing countries, least developed countries, small island developing States and countries with economies in transition The QSP includes a new Trust Fund as well as multilateral, bilateral & and other forms of cooperation –Trust Fund support can be given for project applications from $50,000 to $250,000 Following 4 th round of QSP Trust Fund in April 2008, over 10M USD has been disbursed for 57 projects in 63 eligible countries

The road from Dubai – SAICM Implementation Key achievements have included –Extensive system of National (149), regional (5) & NGO Focal Points (50) –First series of regional meetings completed marking start of implementation –Quick Start Programme established & 4 rounds of project applications appraised (137) –Arrangements for second ICCM2 in preparation (11-15 May 2009, Geneva, Switzerland)

SAICM implementation in Africa In Africa 44 of 53 countries have nominated NFP –ECOWAS has 12/15 First African regional meeting ( Sept 07) –Second African regional meeting Dar es Salaam July 2008 Active African Core Group to assist Regional Focal Point for Africa –Ms Abiola Okanipekun Ministry of Environment, Nigeria Quick Start Programme –Approved applications from African countries 22/63 applications

The linkage between SAICM and the GHS GHS is the global communication system for chemicals –hazard identification (technical criteria & guidance) –hazard communication (language, warnings, images) –guidance on the means/formats for communication (labels, MSDS) GHS provides the foundation for the safe management of chemicals Improving the sound management of chemicals is the heart of SAICM

GHS in the political context of SAICM Dubai Declaration –Para3 “Insufficient progress has been made in international chemicals management ……… (inlcuding) adoption of the GHS ” –Para 11- “Unwavering in commitment to promoting sound management of chemicals…in accordance with Agenda 21 & WSSD Plan of Action * WSSD Plan of Action 2002 –specifically promotes implementation of GHS by encouraging …..”having the system fully operation by 2008”

GHS is consistent with the SAICM Overarching Policy Strategy Objective B: Knowledge & Information –To ensure for all stakeholders that information (on chemicals & chemicals management) in appropriate languages is disseminated by making full use of communication mechanisms such as the GHS [Subpara 15 b)ii] –To promote the implementation of the common definitions & criteria contained in the GHS [subpara 15 h)]

GHS in the context of the SAICM Global Plan of Action Provides guidance on work areas & activities that may be undertaken by stakeholders to give effect to SAICM –Executive Summary identifies GHS as a global priority & encourages implementation on the basis of an existing recognized standard, tool and approach (para c) –Table B lists possible work areas & associated activities

Current Status of QSP Trust Fund Total number of project applications submitted in four rounds of the QSP trust fund 137 applications were received from –106 Governments* (11 Multi-country) –31 from NGOs Overall 57 projects (41%) were approved or conditionally approved –Total $9,948,763 disbursed 51 from government 6 from civil society 28 applications (20%) were considered incomplete or ineligible Suggestions offered by TFIC on resubmission of unsucessful eligible applications

The QSP Trust Fund may help meet unmet needs to support GHS activities Approximately 80 countries have identified a need for support to prepare for the GHS GHS was identified as a priority for first African regional meeting (Sept 06) WSSD Global Partnership for Capacity Building recommended that further emphasis should be given to linking GHS to SAICM –SAICM Secretariat brought SAICM to attention of UN Sub- Committee of Experts (Dec 07) –SAICM- QSP GHS Project applications are encouraged (none so far been appraised)

QSP Trust Fund: Key points for applicants (1) Eligible governments may apply for project funding from the QSP –All eligible applications must be formally endorsed in writing by the SAICM QSP Focal Point in relevant country (list on SAICM web site) NGOs are eligible to apply if they demonstrate exceptional circumstances (e.g. expertise, address gap) Multi-country & regional projects are also eligible –Governments may apply for a multi-country project as well as a NGO & national project over the lifetime of the QSP Trust Fund Applications should demonstrate multi-sectoral & multi- stakeholder support & involvement

QSP Trust Fund: Key points for applicants (2) Applications should make it clear the direct links between the project & QSP objectives & in particular which of the 3 strategic priorities are addressed: a) Chemical profiles and identification of capacity needs; b) Chemicals management institutions, plans, programmes and activities, building upon work conducted to implement international agreements; c) Integrating – i.e., mainstreaming – chemicals in national strategies and development priorities

QSP Trust Fund Project appraisal Appraisal of applications in two rounds per year by Trust Fund Application Committee Compatibility with QSP objectives and strategic priorities (see ICCM I/4) –Geographical balance, Sectoral balance –Priority for Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Other relevant factors include co -funding –multisectoral impact –participation of stakeholders

QSP Trust Fund: application process There are 2 application rounds /yr. Next round closes at start of September 2008 Applications are submitted in English only –After each application deadline the SAICM secretariat screens applications for eligibility TFIC meets 2 months after applications close to review and make the appraisal of the applications The applicant is notified in writing by the SAICM secretariat of the Committee’s decision.

QSP applications – further guidance QSP Trust Fund application materials available on the SAICM web site IGOs (WHO, UNEP, UNITAR, ILO, UNDP, UNIDO) can provide guidance & act as executing agency in agreement with applicant SAICM secretariat –facilitates the application process –provides advice to applicants –screens applications for completeness –services the Executive Board and Trust Fund Implementation Committee (TFIC)

Conclusions SAICM is an important international initiative which helps focus on capacity-building needs. GHS implementation is already subject of the Dubai declaration & SAICM Objectives & Strategic priorities. SAICM QSP Trust Fund provides opportunities for initial capacity building support. The SAICM secretariat and international organizations stand ready to assist in developing project proposals.

Contact Information SAICM Secretariat c/o Chemicals Branch, UNEP/DTIE, Chemin des Anémones, International Environment House CH-1219 Châtelaine, Geneva, Switzerland