Global Environment Facility grants USD 5M for chemical disposal project
The Global Environment Facility (GEF) has awarded 5 million dollars to the Ministry of Environment for a chemical disposal project in Sri Lanka. The UNDP is dedicated to assisting the Government of Sri Lanka and its citizens in developing a strong chemical waste management system, said Azusa Kubota, the Resident Representative, of UNDP in Sri Lanka.
Even though Sri Lanka does not manufacture products containing POPs or mercury, many products containing these substances are imported to the country annually.
“Though stringent regulations have been introduced, a lack of capacity in the application of these regulations results in the continued mismanagement of chemical imports to the country,” the UNDP said in a statement.
The ‘Integrated Management and Environmentally Sound Disposal of POPs Pesticides in the Agricultural Sector and Mercury & Waste in the Healthcare Sector in Sri Lanka’ project is implemented by the Environment Ministry and the United Nations Development Programme.
The project aims to improve the implementation of regulations, strengthen national systems and capacities in chemical management, and support the transformation of healthcare waste management systems in Sri Lanka.
It contributes to fulfill national commitments towards Stockholm, Minamata, Basel, and Rotterdam Conventions while addressing other issues related to management of chemicals and waste in Sri Lanka, B K. Prabath Chandrakeerthi, Secretary, Ministry of Environment said
“This is a good financial and technical assistance opportunity for Sri Lanka to improve the regulatory framework related to waste and chemical management and support the transformation of healthcare waste management systems.”
UNDP said the project spanning both the Health and Agriculture sectors, offered a “holistic strategy for chemical and healthcare waste management to address complex environmental and social challenges effectively.”
The inception workshop was held to launch the project to dispose of POP pesticides in the agriculture sector and mercury and waste in the healthcare sector.
The workshop was attended by other high-level representatives from the Sri Lankan Government such as representatives from the Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Education, Central Environment Authority, Provincial-level Ministry of Health officials, and key personnel from Ministry of Power & Energy, Provincial Councils, Local Government, Registrar of Pesticides, Sri Lanka Customs, Board of Investment, Consumer Affairs Authority, Kurunegala Municipal Council, Eravurpattu Pradesheeya Sabha, Private Sector, and other pertinent organizations.
“It is only through a coordinated approach that we can meet the ambition of saving both people and the planet,” said Azusa Kubota, the Resident Representative, of UNDP in Sri Lanka.
UNDP is “firmly committed to supporting the Government of Sri Lanka and its people on their journey in building a solid chemical waste management system” she added.
The Ministry of Environment will implement the project with support from UNDP in Sri Lanka over 5 years with an expected end date of October 2029. The results and benefits of the project will contribute towards achieving SDGs 3, 5, 8, 9, 12 and GHG emission reduction targets for the country, said the UNDP.
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