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Further inclusion of nanotechnology and manufactured nanomaterials in SAICM. UNITAR/IOMC workshop on nanotechnology and manufactured nanomaterials, Asia & Pacific Region, China, Beijing, 09.06, 2011. Outline.
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Further inclusion of nanotechnology and manufactured nanomaterials in SAICM UNITAR/IOMC workshop on nanotechnology and manufactured nanomaterials, Asia & Pacific Region, China, Beijing, 09.06, 2011
Outline • SAICM a possible governance structure for addressing nanotechnologie and manufactrued nanomaterials • The Swiss proposal to include nano in the SAICM Global Plan of Action (GPA) • Conclusions
SAICM a possible governance structure for nano • Nano causes a challenge for all countries • It is an issue of global concern • Enhanced cooperation and coordination is needed to address potential effects of nano - at all levels >> There is a need for governance structure for nano >> What are the possible governance structure to address nano at global level?
SAICM a possible governance structure for nano • Potential of existing instruments in the international chemicals and waste management regime to address nano in the near future • Candidates: Stockholm, Rotterdam or Basel Convention, SAICM
SAICM a possible governance structure for nano • Stockholm Convention – very difficultMost nanomaterials on the market today are inorganic, current knowledge gap would prevent any nanomaterials to be listed before several years • Rotterdam Konvention – difficult Difficult to add newly substances (backward rather than forward looking), case by case basis, carbo nano tubes - chances exist that 2 countries will regulate this in long term • Basel Convention – difficult Development of nano-waste guidelines; Categorisation of hazardous and non hazardous waste?; not enough knowledge available for safe disposal
Inclusion of nano in the GPA SAICM – a possible option: • SAICM is a multi-stakeholder and multi-sectoral approach • ICCM-2 identified nanotechnology and manufactured nanomaterials as a new emerging policy issue • ICCM resolution on nanotechnologies and manufactured nanomaterials (II/4; E) • Africa and GRULAC adopted a regional resolutions on nano • The Strategic Approach is able to further address nano by including it in the SAICM Global Plan of Action
Inclusion of nano in the GPA • The Global Plan of Action is a working tool structured in working areas and associated activities • Thus the GPA offers a tool that countries can use if they want to undertake activities voluntarily in order to pursue the objectives of SAICM • Inclusion of nano in the GPA is already on the ICCM-3 agenda • There is a procedure for adding new activities to the GPA • This procedure is followed by Switzerland even it is not required for the nano issue
Swiss Proposal for the Inclusion of nano in the GPA Switzerland submitted in April 2011 a proposal to complement the GPA with • the creation of a new work area nanotechnologies and manufactured nanomaterials and • associated activities in relation to the environmental sound management of nanotechnologies and manufactured nanomaterials
Swiss Proposal for the Inclusion of nano in the GPA The new work area includes 16 activities to: • Encourage the generation and sharing of hazard and risk data in relation to nanomaterials and nanotechnologies; • Support technical, legal and institutional information sharing and capacity building for the management of nanomaterials;
Swiss Proposal for inclusion of nano in the GPA The new work area includes 16 activities to: • Integrate the management of nanomaterials in ongoing and projected chemical management programs; • Support the development of adequate risk management tools and mechanisms, including information schemes such as certification systems
Swiss proposal for inclusion of nano in the GPA Consultation process on this proposal has started • It takes place through the regional focal points and all other stakeholders of SAICM • Three regional meeting discussed it already (Africa, GRULAC, CEE) • It is on the agenda of the Asia & Pacific regional nano workshop and SAICM meeting >>This regional workshop in Beijing offers an opportunity to discuss and comment the Swiss proposal and thus the further inclusion of nano in SAICM
Swiss proposal for inclusion of nano in the GPA Results of this consultation process up to now: • Support from the African and LAC region for the proposal • Comments from the CEE region • Mexico, USA and Trinidad & Tobago handed in comments • A revised version of the proposal will be presented at the OEWG for further discussion and at ICCM-3 for possible adoption
Conclusion • Nanotechnology and manufactured nanomaterials can be a risk for human health and environment • Cooperative action is needed to address nano - at all levels • SAICM offers a good international governance structure to start addressing nano • Further inclusion of nano in SAICM by complementing the Global Plan of Action • The OEWG and the ICCM 3 offer the platform for discussing and realizing this inclusion