National Launching Workshop for the POPs Project
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The Ministry of Environment held a national launching workshop for the Global Environment Facility (GEF)-funded project “Development of National Implementation Plans (NIPs) for the Management of Persistent Organic Pollutants” on April 26-29, 2004 at the Ministry in Antelias. The overall objective of the project is to strengthen national capacity to manage persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and to assist the government of Lebanon in meeting its obligations to the Stockholm Convention. Specifically, the aim is to reduce or eliminate POPs including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dioxins and furans, and pesticides. Representatives from the Ministry of Environment, UNEP, UNDP, Lebanese Government institutions, research centers, industries, associations, academia, and NGOs were among the participants. The workshop was designed to launch the project as well as provide training to participants on preparing a national profile and addressing pesticides and PCBs. During the opening ceremony, welcoming speeches were presented by the Ministry of Environment and UNEP. The training that followed was provided by UNEP and intertwined with presentations by local groups on legislation, technical infrastructure, and current related studies. The media was invited and present to propagate public awareness regarding POPs and inform the public about the project. The Stockholm Convention went into force on May 17, 2004. Countries, including Lebanon (per Law No. 432) must meet their obligations to the Convention by May 2006. |
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