WWF Urges Governments to Accelerate Treaty Process in View of Known Dangers From POPS
July 3rd, 1998

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Pouring pesticides into a sprayer, Kenya
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MONTREAL, Canada -- The conservation organization WWF
today urged governments at the close of the first round of
treaty talks on persistent organic pollutants (POPs) to speed
up the process of phasing out POPS in tune with the widely
held belief 'urgent action' is needed.
"It is encouraging to hear that governments basically agree
that POPs are extremely dangerous, requiring urgent
actions," said Clifton Curtis, Director, WWF-US Global
Toxics Program. "But effective follow-through on key issues
remains inadequate to the task. These key issues include
elimination of POPs production, use and existing stockpiles,
real progress in providing adequate alternatives, adequate
financial and technical assistance, among others."
In relation to the above key issues, it is also clear that more
information is needed in order to develop detailed action
plans. Nonetheless, enough information exists for
governments to make basic elimination commitments now.
At the same time, governments and several UN agencies,
including UNEP, WHO, FAO, UNIDO and others agreed at
this meeting to work together in compiling updated data and
information for consideration and use at the second round of
negotiations in February 1999 and thereafter.
"The process, so far, does not match the sense of urgency,"
said Julia Langer, Director, Wildlife Toxicology Program,
WWF-Canada. "We need an emergency plan to deal with the
important stumbling blocks in achieving a legally binding
POP Convention by the year 2000. Moreover, we have to
ensure that the Convention has teeth. Otherwise, doing away
with the toxic legacy people and wildlife are exposed to daily
will remain a wish".
WWF believes that the chemical industry must play a major
role in the process of POPs elimination. So far, however, the
industry has been reserved and reticent in moving forward.
"They will have to roll up their sleeves and be more
forthcoming with essential information," added Ms Langer.
"Industry's help is crucial to well informed negotiations. For
example, it is Canada's industry, not the government, that is
the best and most current source of data for a pesticides
data-base and a dioxin inventory."
The 12 POPs that have been targeted by UNEP for early
action include DDT and 8 other pesticides, two industrial
chemicals - PCBs and hexachlorobenzine; and dioxins and
furans, unintended but highly toxic byproducts of industrial
combustion and chlorine-based bleaching. In addition,
negotiators have agreed to develop criteria for adding other
POPs to the action list.
Contact:
Clifton Curtis at +1 514 984 3461,
Julia Langer at +1 416 489 4567 ext. 258,
Judi Levita +1 416 489 4567 ext. 276,
Lee Poston +1 202 778 9536 or
Someshwar Singh +1514 953 8295.
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