WASHINGTON, April 6, 2000-The World Bank and the government of
Canada have signed an agreement to establish a Canadian $20
million (approx. US $14 million) trust fund in an effort to
reduce or eliminate the release of persistent organic pollutants
(POPs) from developing countries.
Of all the pollutants released into the environment every year by
human activity, POPs are among the most dangerous. They are
highly toxic, causing an array of adverse effects, notably death,
disease, and birth defects among humans and animals. Specific
effects can include cancer, allergies and hypersensitivity,
damage to the central and peripheral nervous systems,
reproductive disorders, and disruption of the immune system.
For wildlife, the effects of POPs exposure are already well
documented, including birth defects, cancers, and dysfunctional
immune and reproductive systems. For example, marine mammals such
as the common seal, harbor porpoise, bottle nosed dolphin, and
beluga whale have suffered large population declines after being
exposed to POPs. Some POPs are also considered to be endocrine
disrupters, which, by altering the hormonal system, can damage
the reproductive and immune systems of exposed individuals as
well as their offspring. They can also have developmental and
carcinogenic effects.
POPs are either used as pesticides, consumed by industry, or
generated unintentionally as by-products of various industrial
processes. The 12 POPs recognized as requiring the most urgent
action are: Aldrin, Chlordane, DDT, Dieldrin, Dioxins, Endrin,
Furans, Heptachlor, Hexachlorobenzene (HCB), Mirex,
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) and Toxaphene.
An Intergovernmental Negotiating Process has been ongoing over
the last few years to develop a legally binding instrument for
implementing international action on certain Persistent Organic
Pollutants. Representatives from over 100 governments have been
gathering to negotiate an international agreement to minimize
emissions and releases of these 12 POPs into the environment. The
negotiations also address the accumulation of unwanted and
obsolete stockpiles of pesticides and toxic chemicals,
particularly in developing countries. It is anticipated that
negotiations should be completed early next year.
The trust fund will support this negotiation process by
encouraging and helping source countries to build their capacity
to reduce their releases of POPs by:
· reducing or eliminating their production of POPs; · reducing or
eliminating their use of POPs including switching to safer, more
sustainable alternatives; · safely disposing of stockpiles and
wastes; and · reducing emissions of POPs.
The primary objectives of this arrangement will be to:
· Help developing countries and economies-in-transition (EIT)
build their commitment and capacity to take measures to reduce
the release of POPs; · Engage the commitment and support of
developing countries and EIT's for the anticipated UNEP
convention and other POPs agreements, and in activities that will
address POPs issues of concern to a number of countries including
Canada; and · In doing so, help key source countries in need to
address their critical domestic health, environment and
sustainable development issues related to POPs.
It is hoped that other donors will be encouraged to contribute to
similar POPs initiatives. Some of the funding will also be used
to support UNEP and other multilateral organizations that have
been involved in assisting countries in areas associated with
POPs. The World Bank program under the new POPs Trust Fund is
expected to be launched in the next two months.
SOURCE: World Bank
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