Conference on chemical products: Moritz Leuenberger pleads for responsibility

Bern, 23.09.2004 - The Swiss Environment Minister, Federal Councillor Moritz Leuenberger opened the ministerial part of the First Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention in Geneva today. This Convention regulates exports and imports of the most dangerous pesticides and chemical products. As Head of the Swiss Federal Department of the Environment, Transport, Energy and Communications (DETEC) Mr. Leuenberger expressed delight that so many countries have shown a readiness to accept responsibility and to seek information about the dangers associated with these products in a transparent manner. On Friday the conference will decide on the permanent location of the Convention Secretariat. Geneva and Rome have submitted a joint candidature. Bonn is also a candidate.

In his speech opening the conference of ministers, Moritz Leuenberger said that, as one of the world’s major producers of chemical products, Switzerland considers it important that the chemical industry develops in a way that is responsible and sustainable and with respect for both man and nature, at home and abroad. The Rotterdam Convention banning the export of the most dangerous pesticides and chemical products unless the importing country has been duly informed about the nature of the product and has given its consent, will help to ensure greater safety in the utilisation of chemical products and to improve environmental protection.  

The Rotterdam Convention, the Basel Convention which regulates transboundary movements of hazardous wastes, and the Stockholm Convention on persistent organic pollutants (POPs),  together establish an effective international regime for the sustainable use and management of hazardous chemical products and wastes.

Geneva a centre of international expertise

International policy with regard to chemical products and wastes is decided in Geneva as the leading centre of expertise in this field. The Secretariats of the three relevant Conventions – those of Rotterdam, Basel and Stockholm – operate side by side in the Swiss city’s International Environment House. Other organisations that play an important role in the regulation of chemical products and have helped to earn Geneva a reputation as the leading centre of international expertise include the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Labour Organization (ILO), and the World Trade Organization (WTO), to name but three. Pesticides are the particular concern of the Rome-based United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO).

Decision on Friday

The First Conference of the Parties, chaired by Secretary of State Philippe Roch, Director of the Swiss Agency for the Environment, Forests and Landscape (SAEFL), will decide tomorrow Friday on the permanent seat of the Convention Secretariat. The two cities of Geneva and Rome, which have jointly hosted the Secretariat ad interim since 1998, have submitted a joint candidature for the permanent body. Bonn is also a candidate.


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