Linking GHS to Linking GHS to SAICMSAICM

& the SAICM Quick & the SAICM Quick Start ProgrammeStart Programme

Regional Workshop on Chemical Hazard Regional Workshop on Chemical Hazard Communication & GHS Implementation for Communication & GHS Implementation for

Countries of the ECOWAS Region Countries of the ECOWAS Region 13-15 May 200813-15 May 2008

Presented By Abiola Olanipekun,NigeriaPresented By Abiola Olanipekun,NigeriaAfrican SAICM Regional Focal Point African SAICM Regional Focal Point

on behalf of on behalf of

SAICM Secretariat SAICM Secretariat

Objectives of PresentationObjectives of Presentation

Introduce SAICM, its key characteristics, Introduce SAICM, its key characteristics, the core SAICM texts, the ICCM & the the core SAICM texts, the ICCM & the QSPQSP

Briefly review the GHS, its relevance & Briefly review the GHS, its relevance & linkages for SAICM implementation linkages for SAICM implementation

Discuss the SAICM QSP as a means of Discuss the SAICM QSP as a means of providing support for GHS activities providing support for GHS activities

What is SAICM ?What is SAICM ?

SAICM is an international agreement SAICM is an international agreement providing a policy framework to support providing a policy framework to support efforts to achieve the Johannesburg Plan efforts to achieve the Johannesburg Plan of Implementation (WSSD) notably of Implementation (WSSD) notably

“ “ achieve by 2020 that chemicals are used & achieve by 2020 that chemicals are used & produced in ways that lead to the minimization produced in ways that lead to the minimization of adverse effects on human health & the of adverse effects on human health & the environment” environment”

The road to Dubai – SAICM The road to Dubai – SAICM development processdevelopment process

Initiated by UNEP Governing Council Initiated by UNEP Governing Council in 2002in 2002

– Three sessions of a preparatory Three sessions of a preparatory committee (2003, 2004 & 2005)committee (2003, 2004 & 2005)

Important characteristic of preparatory Important characteristic of preparatory processprocess– Multi-stakeholder (Govs, IGO, NGO) Multi-stakeholder (Govs, IGO, NGO) – Multi-sectoral (health, environment, Multi-sectoral (health, environment,

labour, agriculture) labour, agriculture) – Regional consultationsRegional consultations

Adopted by Ministers, Heads of Adopted by Ministers, Heads of delegation & representatives of civil delegation & representatives of civil society & private sector at society & private sector at International Conference on International Conference on Chemicals Management (Dubai, Chemicals Management (Dubai, 2006)2006)

Key Characteristics of SAICM (1)Key Characteristics of SAICM (1) Provides a new framework for global action or the sound Provides a new framework for global action or the sound management of chemicals management of chemicals

– In the form of a voluntary international agreement In the form of a voluntary international agreement

– To streamline, integrate & build on existing efforts to safely To streamline, integrate & build on existing efforts to safely manage hazardous chemicals & wastes (e.g. Conventions such manage hazardous chemicals & wastes (e.g. Conventions such as Basel, Rotterdam & Stockholm, IHR, non-binding agreements as Basel, Rotterdam & Stockholm, IHR, non-binding agreements such as GHS)such as GHS)

Formal endorsement by Governing Bodies of key Formal endorsement by Governing Bodies of key intergovernmental organizations (WHO, UNEP, ILO, intergovernmental organizations (WHO, UNEP, ILO, UNIDO, UNDP, UNITAR & OECD)UNIDO, UNDP, UNITAR & OECD)

Increasingly referred to in Ministerial processes at Increasingly referred to in Ministerial processes at regional level e.g. African Environment Ministers regional level e.g. African Environment Ministers (AMCEN) (AMCEN)

Key Characteristics of SAICM (2)Key Characteristics of SAICM (2)

Addresses chemical safety throughout all stages Addresses chemical safety throughout all stages of life cycle; of life cycle;

Recognizes the gaps & needs of developing Recognizes the gaps & needs of developing countries and countries in economic transition, countries and countries in economic transition, particularly in relation to capacity-building; particularly in relation to capacity-building;

Calls upon existing & new sources of financial Calls upon existing & new sources of financial support including mobilization of new resources support including mobilization of new resources (e.g. QSP) & building upon existing (e.g. QSP) & building upon existing mechanisms to support its implementation ( e.g. mechanisms to support its implementation ( e.g. Global Environment Facility – the GEF) Global Environment Facility – the GEF)

The core SAICM texts & resolutionsThe core SAICM texts & resolutions

Dubai DeclarationDubai Declaration

– The political commitment to The political commitment to SAICM implementationSAICM implementation

Overarching Policy StatementOverarching Policy Statement

– Setting out: scope, statement of Setting out: scope, statement of needs, objectives, financial needs, objectives, financial considerations, principles & considerations, principles & approaches, modalities for approaches, modalities for implementation & reviewing implementation & reviewing progressprogress

Global Plan of ActionGlobal Plan of Action

– Provides guidance on work areas Provides guidance on work areas & activities that may be & activities that may be undertaken by stakeholders to undertaken by stakeholders to give effect to SAICM give effect to SAICM

Resolutions (4) Resolutions (4) – Incl. implementation arrangements Incl. implementation arrangements

Quick Start Programme Quick Start Programme

The Quick Start Programme The Quick Start Programme (QSP)(QSP)

Resolution I/4 of the ICCM sets out objectives & strategic Resolution I/4 of the ICCM sets out objectives & strategic priorities for the QSPpriorities for the QSPThe objective of QSP is to support initial SAICM enabling The objective of QSP is to support initial SAICM enabling capacity-building & implementation activities capacity-building & implementation activities – developing countries, least developed countries, small island developing countries, least developed countries, small island

developing States and countries with economies in transitiondeveloping States and countries with economies in transition

The QSP includes a new Trust Fund as well as The QSP includes a new Trust Fund as well as multilateral, bilateral & and other forms of cooperationmultilateral, bilateral & and other forms of cooperation– Trust Fund support can be given for project applications from Trust Fund support can be given for project applications from

$50,000 to $250,000 $50,000 to $250,000

Following 4Following 4thth round of QSP Trust Fund in April 2008, round of QSP Trust Fund in April 2008, over 10M USD has been disbursed for 57 projects in 63 over 10M USD has been disbursed for 57 projects in 63 eligible countrieseligible countries

The road from Dubai – SAICM The road from Dubai – SAICM ImplementationImplementation

Key achievements have Key achievements have includedincluded– Extensive system of National Extensive system of National

(149), regional (5) & NGO (149), regional (5) & NGO Focal Points (50)Focal Points (50)

– First series of regional First series of regional meetings completed marking meetings completed marking start of implementation start of implementation

– Quick Start Programme Quick Start Programme established & 4 rounds of established & 4 rounds of project applications appraised project applications appraised (137)(137)

– Arrangements for second Arrangements for second ICCM2 in preparation (11-15 ICCM2 in preparation (11-15 May 2009, Geneva, May 2009, Geneva, Switzerland) Switzerland)

SAICM implementation in SAICM implementation in AfricaAfrica

In Africa 44 of 53 countries have In Africa 44 of 53 countries have nominated NFP nominated NFP – ECOWAS has 12/15ECOWAS has 12/15

First African regional meeting (11-First African regional meeting (11-14 Sept 07)14 Sept 07)– Second African regional Second African regional

meeting meeting Dar es Salaam 16-17 July Dar es Salaam 16-17 July 20082008

Active African Core Group to Active African Core Group to assist Regional Focal Point for assist Regional Focal Point for AfricaAfrica– Ms Abiola OkanipekunMs Abiola Okanipekun

Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Environment, NigeriaNigeria

Quick Start Programme Quick Start Programme – Approved applications from Approved applications from

African countries 22/63 African countries 22/63 applicationsapplications

The linkage between SAICM and The linkage between SAICM and the GHSthe GHS

GHS is GHS is the globalthe global communication system for communication system for chemicalschemicals– hazard identification (technical criteria & guidance)hazard identification (technical criteria & guidance)– hazard communication (language, warnings, images)hazard communication (language, warnings, images)– guidance on the means/formats for communication guidance on the means/formats for communication

(labels, MSDS)(labels, MSDS)

GHS provides the GHS provides the foundation for the safe foundation for the safe managementmanagement of chemicals of chemicals

Improving the sound management of chemicals Improving the sound management of chemicals is the heart of SAICM is the heart of SAICM

GHS in the political context of GHS in the political context of SAICMSAICM

Dubai Declaration Dubai Declaration – Para3 “Insufficient progress has been made in Para3 “Insufficient progress has been made in

international chemicals management ……… international chemicals management ……… (inlcuding) adoption of the GHS ”(inlcuding) adoption of the GHS ”

– Para 11- “Unwavering in commitment to promoting Para 11- “Unwavering in commitment to promoting sound management of chemicals…in accordance with sound management of chemicals…in accordance with Agenda 21 & WSSD Plan of Action *Agenda 21 & WSSD Plan of Action *

WSSD Plan of Action 2002WSSD Plan of Action 2002– specifically promotes implementation of GHS by specifically promotes implementation of GHS by

encouraging …..”having the system fully operation by encouraging …..”having the system fully operation by 2008” 2008”

GHS is consistent with the GHS is consistent with the SAICM Overarching Policy SAICM Overarching Policy

StrategyStrategyObjective B: Knowledge & InformationObjective B: Knowledge & Information

– To ensure for all stakeholders that information (on To ensure for all stakeholders that information (on chemicals & chemicals management) in appropriate chemicals & chemicals management) in appropriate languages is disseminated by making full use of languages is disseminated by making full use of communication mechanisms such as the GHS communication mechanisms such as the GHS [Subpara 15 b)ii][Subpara 15 b)ii]

– To promote the implementation of the common To promote the implementation of the common definitions & criteria contained in the GHS [subpara definitions & criteria contained in the GHS [subpara 15 h)]15 h)]

GHS in the context of the SAICM GHS in the context of the SAICM Global Plan of ActionGlobal Plan of Action

Provides guidance on work areas & activities Provides guidance on work areas & activities that may be undertaken by stakeholders to give that may be undertaken by stakeholders to give effect to SAICM effect to SAICM – Executive Summary identifies GHS as a global priority Executive Summary identifies GHS as a global priority

& encourages implementation on the basis of an & encourages implementation on the basis of an existing recognized standard, tool and approach (para existing recognized standard, tool and approach (para c)c)

– Table B lists possible work areas & associated Table B lists possible work areas & associated activitiesactivities

Current Status of QSP Trust Current Status of QSP Trust FundFund

Total number of project applications submittedTotal number of project applications submittedin four rounds of the QSP trust fundin four rounds of the QSP trust fund

137 applications were received from137 applications were received from – 106 Governments* (11 Multi-country) 106 Governments* (11 Multi-country) – 31 from NGOs31 from NGOs

Overall 57 projects (41%) were approved or conditionally Overall 57 projects (41%) were approved or conditionally approved approved – Total $9,948,763 disbursed Total $9,948,763 disbursed

51 from government 51 from government 6 from civil society6 from civil society

28 applications (20%) were considered incomplete or 28 applications (20%) were considered incomplete or ineligibleineligibleSuggestions offered by TFIC on resubmission of Suggestions offered by TFIC on resubmission of unsucessful eligible applicationsunsucessful eligible applications

The QSP Trust Fund may help The QSP Trust Fund may help meet unmet needs to support meet unmet needs to support

GHS activitiesGHS activities Approximately 80 countries have identified a need for Approximately 80 countries have identified a need for support to prepare for the GHSsupport to prepare for the GHSGHS was identified as a priority for first African regional GHS was identified as a priority for first African regional meeting (Sept 06)meeting (Sept 06)WSSD Global Partnership for Capacity Building WSSD Global Partnership for Capacity Building recommended that further emphasis should be given to recommended that further emphasis should be given to linking GHS to SAICMlinking GHS to SAICM– SAICM Secretariat brought SAICM to attention of UN Sub-SAICM Secretariat brought SAICM to attention of UN Sub-

Committee of Experts (Dec 07)Committee of Experts (Dec 07)– SAICM- QSP GHS Project applications are encouraged (none SAICM- QSP GHS Project applications are encouraged (none

so far been appraised)so far been appraised)

QSP Trust Fund: QSP Trust Fund: Key points for applicants (1)Key points for applicants (1)

Eligible governments may apply for project funding from Eligible governments may apply for project funding from the QSPthe QSP– All eligible applications must be formally endorsed in writing by All eligible applications must be formally endorsed in writing by

the SAICM QSP Focal Point in relevant country (list on SAICM the SAICM QSP Focal Point in relevant country (list on SAICM web site)web site)

NGOs are eligible to apply if they demonstrate NGOs are eligible to apply if they demonstrate exceptional circumstances (e.g. expertise, address gap)exceptional circumstances (e.g. expertise, address gap)Multi-country & regional projects are also eligibleMulti-country & regional projects are also eligible– Governments may apply for a multi-country project as well as a Governments may apply for a multi-country project as well as a

NGO & national project over the lifetime of the QSP Trust Fund NGO & national project over the lifetime of the QSP Trust Fund

Applications should demonstrate multi-sectoral & multi-Applications should demonstrate multi-sectoral & multi-stakeholder support & involvement stakeholder support & involvement

QSP Trust Fund: QSP Trust Fund: Key points for applicants (2)Key points for applicants (2)

Applications should make it clear the direct Applications should make it clear the direct links between the project & QSP objectives & links between the project & QSP objectives & in particular which of the 3 strategic priorities in particular which of the 3 strategic priorities are addressed:are addressed:

a) Chemical profiles and identification of capacity a) Chemical profiles and identification of capacity needs;needs;b) Chemicals management institutions, plans, b) Chemicals management institutions, plans, programmes and activities, building upon work programmes and activities, building upon work conducted to implement international agreements; conducted to implement international agreements;

c) Integrating – i.e., mainstreaming – chemicals in c) Integrating – i.e., mainstreaming – chemicals in national strategies and development prioritiesnational strategies and development priorities

QSP Trust FundQSP Trust FundProject appraisalProject appraisal

Appraisal of applications in two rounds per year Appraisal of applications in two rounds per year by Trust Fund Application Committeeby Trust Fund Application Committee

Compatibility with QSP objectives and strategic Compatibility with QSP objectives and strategic priorities (see ICCM I/4)priorities (see ICCM I/4)

– Geographical balance, Sectoral balanceGeographical balance, Sectoral balance– Priority for Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Priority for Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and

Small Island Developing States (SIDS)Small Island Developing States (SIDS)

Other relevant factors include coOther relevant factors include co-funding-funding– multisectoral impactmultisectoral impact– participation of stakeholdersparticipation of stakeholders

QSP Trust Fund: application QSP Trust Fund: application processprocess

There are 2 application rounds /yr. There are 2 application rounds /yr. Next Next round closes at start of September 2008round closes at start of September 2008

Applications are submitted in Applications are submitted in English onlyEnglish only – After each application deadline the SAICM After each application deadline the SAICM

secretariat screens applications for eligibilitysecretariat screens applications for eligibility

TFIC meets 2 months after applications TFIC meets 2 months after applications close to review and make the appraisal of close to review and make the appraisal of the applications the applications

The applicant is notified in writing by the The applicant is notified in writing by the SAICM secretariat of the Committee’s SAICM secretariat of the Committee’s decision.decision.

QSP applications – further QSP applications – further guidanceguidance

QSP Trust Fund application materials available on the QSP Trust Fund application materials available on the SAICM web site SAICM web site http://http://www.chem.unep.ch/saicm/qsptf.htmwww.chem.unep.ch/saicm/qsptf.htm

IGOs (WHO, UNEP, UNITAR, ILO, UNDP, UNIDO) can IGOs (WHO, UNEP, UNITAR, ILO, UNDP, UNIDO) can provide guidance & act as executing agency in provide guidance & act as executing agency in agreement with applicantagreement with applicant

SAICM secretariatSAICM secretariat

– facilitates the application processfacilitates the application process– provides advice to applicants provides advice to applicants – screens applications for completenessscreens applications for completeness– services the Executive Board and Trust Fund Implementation services the Executive Board and Trust Fund Implementation

Committee (TFIC)Committee (TFIC)

ConclusionsConclusions

SAICM is an important international initiative SAICM is an important international initiative which helps focus on capacity-building needs. which helps focus on capacity-building needs.

GHS implementation is already subject of the GHS implementation is already subject of the Dubai declaration & SAICM Objectives & Dubai declaration & SAICM Objectives & Strategic priorities.Strategic priorities.

SAICM QSP Trust Fund provides opportunities SAICM QSP Trust Fund provides opportunities for initial capacity building support. The SAICM for initial capacity building support. The SAICM secretariat and international organizations stand secretariat and international organizations stand ready to assist in developing project proposals. ready to assist in developing project proposals.

Contact InformationContact Information

SAICM SecretariatSAICM Secretariatc/o Chemicals Branch, UNEP/DTIE, c/o Chemicals Branch, UNEP/DTIE, 11-13 Chemin des Anémones, 11-13 Chemin des Anémones, International Environment House International Environment House CH-1219 Châtelaine, Geneva, SwitzerlandCH-1219 Châtelaine, Geneva, Switzerlandsaicm@chemicals.unep.chsaicm@chemicals.unep.chhttp://http://www.chem.unep.ch/saicmwww.chem.unep.ch/saicm//