Existing multilateral and regional agreements offer
VIDEO EXTRACTED FROM THE GEO4 VIDEO
an opportunity to arrest and eventually reverse the NEWS RELEASE
increasing releases of hazardous chemicals. For
successful implementation, various actions need to
be taken including:
• full integration of a precautionary approach in
marketing chemicals;
• development of adequate chemicals-manage-
ment infrastructure in all countries, including laws
and regulations and monitoring capacities;
• substitution with less-hazardous materials, adop-
tion of best available technologies and environ-
mental practices;
• encouragement of innovation in manufacturing
non-chemical alternatives in agriculture and
waste avoidance and minimization.
Effective waste management strategies are lacking or are inadequate in many countries.
Credit: Ngoma Photos
Removal of contaminated sludge from electroplating tanks in Al-Qadissiya.
Credit: UNEP/Post Conflict Branch 2006
HARMFUL SUBSTANCES AND HAZARDOUS WASTE 55