2003 – Towards toxic free future – stage 1

Funded by USAID & CRS usaid_logohcrs

Problem

Tens of thousands of tons of obsolete pesticides are stored throughout the developing world, usually in inadequate or even dangerous conditions. Preliminary estimates show that POPs comprise about 30 percent of these stocks. It has been shown that some of the POPs are able to mimic hormonal activity and so disrupt animal reproductive systems, potentially endangering the very ability of life to continue unimpaired.

The lack of knowledge and information among population increases the risk of adverse impact of POPs on human health. There is a lack of attention from environmental and others NGOs in the country to the problem, what also witnesses to the lack of public awareness. The real instrument to force the elimination of POPs and reduce their impact on health and environment is the ratification of the Stockholm Convention. That will contribute to begin the process of POPs elimination.

The project aimed at the establishment of cooperation and collaboration between governmental structures, NGOs, other civil societies and community and raising awareness among activists from NGOs, particularly women, in the spheres of ecology, environmental health, public health, consumer protection and food monitoring for advocating the need for ratification of Stockholm Convention and supporting the strict policy on chemicals in Armenian society.

The best approach to address the situation and bring it to the focus of policy interest is to involve all interested and relevant parties (stakeholders) and ensure their participation in activities aimed at tackling POPs problem: governments, industry, public interest groups, international financial institutions

Period of project implementation: May 2003 -September 2003. Location – Yerevan .

Goal

To bring the problem of POPs pollution to the focus of governmental, non-governmental orgnizations and contribute to its effective solution through raising environmental awareness and establishment of cooperation and collaboration between governmental structures, NGOs and other civil societies, and communities .

Outcomes

1 . 30 NGOs activists from Yerevan, working in the spheres of ecology, environmental health, public health, consumer protection and food monitoring with the focus on women about POPs and their harmful impact on human’s health as well as alternative solutions to POPs were informed through raising awareness campaign.

2. The Round Table was organized in Yerevan with participation of scientists, women leaders from NGOs and governmental officials (40) for discussion about the effects of toxic chemicals on health and environment. The working contacts were established between Yerevan community representatives and governmental sector. The appeal to the Parliament to promote elimination of toxic chemical pollution in Armenia was created.

Round Table
Healthy Environment for Our Children – Healthy Generation for Armenia