Tenth Meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. In accordance with the agreement of the bureaux of the conferences of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal, the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade and the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, in the light of the exceptional circumstances caused by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, the fifteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention, the tenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention and the tenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention will be held back to back in two segments: the first online from 26 to 30 July 2021, and the second face to face over a two-week period in 2022 (tentatively in Geneva in June 2022). The arrangements for the high-level segment will be further considered by the bureaux after the closure of the online segment of the meetings of the conferences of the Parties.

Note by the Secretariat

I. Introduction

1. In accordance with decisions BC-15/1, RC-10/2 and SC-10/2 on the venue and dates of the face-to-face resumed meetings of the conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions in 2022 and in the light of the exceptional circumstances caused by the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, the fifteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal, the tenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade and the tenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants comprise two segments: an online segment, held from 26 to 30 July 2021, and a face-to-face segment to be held in Geneva from 6 to 17 June 2022.

Note by the Secretariat

The annex to the present note contains a tentative schedule of work for the online segment of the meetings of the conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions, which foresees the establishment of a contact group on budget and programme of work. It has been agreed by the bureaux of the conferences of the Parties at their joint meeting on 26 February 2021 and will be adjusted as work progresses. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

The annexes to the present note contain a tentative schedule of work for the face-to-face segment of the meetings of the conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions (annex I) and a list of possible contact and other groups (annex II). In line with the agreement of the bureaux of the conferences of the Parties to the three conventions, the high-level segment will be held on 1 June 2022 in Stockholm, Sweden, in connection with the Stockholm+50 international meeting (2–3 June 2022), and is therefore not part of the tentative schedule of work. The tentative schedule of work is provisional and could be subject to changes before or during the two weeks of the meetings. The present note, including its annexes, has not been formally edit.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the notes by the Secretariat on election of officers (UNEP/CHW.15/2, UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.10/2 and UNEP/POPS/COP.10/2), an overview table of all the elections expected to take place during the fifteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal, the tenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade and the tenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants is set out in the annex to the present note. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee: developments for action by the Conference of the Parties (UNEP/ POPS/COP.10/11), the annex to the present note sets out the curricula vitae received in advance of the tenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention of candidates nominated for appointment as members of the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee with terms of office beginning at the closure of the tenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties and ending on 4 May 2026. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

The curricula vitae of the members of the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee with terms of office from the closure of the tenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to 4 May 2026 appointed by decision SC-10/12 are set out in the annex to the present note. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee: developments for action by the Conference of the Parties (UNEP/POPS/COP.10/11), the curricula vitae of experts designated to replace members of the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee following the ninth meeting of the Conference of the Parties, in accordance with paragraph 9 of decision SC-1/7, are set out in the annex to the present note. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

The annex to the present note sets out a provisional list of meeting documents for the tenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. The documents listed in the annex are grouped according to the items on the provisional agenda for the meeting to which they pertain. Documents that have three document symbols are joint documents that are submitted for consideration by the conferences of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal, the Rotterdam Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal and the Stockholm Convention. Documents that are highlighted in color are for consideration by the conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions at the face-to-face segment of their 2021–2022 meetings. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

1. In order to facilitate consideration of the credentials of the representatives of the Parties present at the fifteenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention, the tenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention, and the tenth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention, the Secretariat has prepared a table listing those States and political or regional economic integration organizations that have deposited with the depositary their relevant instruments expressing their consent to be bound by these conventions, as at 1 April 2022. This table is attached as an annex to the present note.

Note by the Secretariat

1. The annex to the present note sets out a list of bodies and agencies that had not previously been admitted to meetings of the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants and that are requesting admission to participate in such meetings as observers in accordance with rule 7 of the rules of procedure for meetings of the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention, as at 27 May 2022.

Note by the Secretariat

1. As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the evaluation of the continued need of DDT for disease vector control and promotion of alternatives to DDT (UNEP/POPS/COP.10/5), the DDT expert group assessed the information on production and use of DDT and prepared a report for the consideration of the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants at its tenth meeting.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the evaluation of the continued need for DDT for disease vector control and the promotion of alternatives to DDT (UNEP/POPS/COP.10/5), the annex to the present note sets out information submitted by the World Health Organization on the use of DDT and DDT alternatives in disease vector control. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the evaluation of the continued need for DDT for disease vector control and the promotion of alternatives to DDT (UNEP/POPS/COP.10/5), the annex to the present note sets out the report on the implementation of the road map for the development of alternatives to DDT by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on polychlorinated biphenyls (UNEP/POPS/COP.10/6), the annex to the present note sets out a draft guidance on a standardized approach to developing Inventories of PCB, entitled “Draft Guidance for Development of PCB Inventories and Analysis of PCB” prepared by the small intersessional working group on PCB. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on polychlorinated biphenyls (UNEP/POPS/COP.10/6), the annex to the present note sets out a draft guidance on a standardized approach to developing inventories of PCB, entitled “guidance for development of PCB inventories and analysis of PCB” prepared by the small intersessional working group on PCB. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on polychlorinated biphenyls (UNEP/POPS/COP.10/6), the annex to the present note sets out a report on the activities of the Polychlorinated Biphenyls Elimination Network submitted by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on evaluation and review of brominated diphenyl ethers pursuant to paragraph 2 of parts IV and V of Annex A to the Stockholm Convention (UNEP/POPS/COP.10/7), the annex to the present note sets out the report for the evaluation and review of brominated diphenyl ethers listed in Annex A to the Stockholm Convention. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the guidelines and guidance on best available techniques and best environmental practices (UNEP/POPS/COP.10/8), the reports of the expert meetings on Best Available Techniques and Best Environmental Practices, held in Bratislava, Slovakia, from 17 to 19 September 2019, and online, from 27 October to 5 November 2020 are set out in the annexes I and II to the present note, respectively. The present note, including its annexes, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the guidelines and guidance on best available techniques and best environmental practices (UNEP/POPS/COP.10/8), the guidance on best available techniques and best environmental practices for use of hexabromocyclododecane listed with specific exemptions under the Stockholm Convention updated by the experts on best available techniques and best environmental practices is set out in the annex to the present note. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the guidelines and guidance on best available techniques and best environmental practices (UNEP/POPS/COP.10/8), the guidance on best available techniques and best environmental practices relevant to the polybrominated diphenyl ethers listed under the Stockholm Convention updated by the experts on best available techniques and best environmental practices is set out in the annex to the present note. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the guidelines and guidance on best available techniques and best environmental practices (UNEP/POPS/COP.10/8), the guidance on best available techniques and best environmental practices for use of hexabromocyclododecane listed with specific exemptions under the Stockholm Convention updated by the experts on best available techniques and best environmental practices is set out in the annex to the present note. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the guidelines and guidance on best available techniques and best environmental practices (UNEP/POPS/COP.10/8), the guidance on best available techniques and best environmental practices for the use of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, perfluorooctanoic acid, and their related compounds listed under the Stockholm Convention updated by the experts on best available techniques and best environmental practices is set out in the annex to the present note. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on implementation plans (UNEP/POPS/COP.10/10), the annex to the present note sets out information on the status of transmission of national implementation plans, including a table indicating the deadlines for each Party to the Convention to transmit their national implementation plans, revised and updated plans, pursuant to Article 7 of the Convention, and the dates on which the plans were received by the Secretariat. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the implementation plans (UNEP/POPS/COP.10/10), the annex to the present note sets out a draft guidance on preparing inventories of dicofol. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the implementation plans (UNEP/POPS/COP.10/10), the annex to the present note sets out draft guidance on preparing inventories of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), its salts and PFOA-related compounds. The guidance also covers perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, its salts and perfluorooctane sulfonyl fluoride. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the implementation plans (UNEP/POPS/COP.10/10), the annex to the present note sets out a draft guidance on alternatives to dicofol. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the implementation plans (UNEP/POPS/COP.10/10), the annex to the present note sets out draft guidance on alternatives to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), its salts and PFOA-related compounds. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on implementation plans (UNEP/POPS/COP.10/10), the annex to the present note sets out a report on activities conducted by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in support of the development, review and updating of implementation plans. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on recommendation by the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee to list perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), its salts and PFHxS-related compounds in Annex A to the Convention and draft text of the proposed amendment (UNEP/POPS/COP.10/12), the annex to the present note sets out a compilation of comments received from Parties relating to the listing of chemicals in Annexes A, B and/or C to the Stockholm Convention recommended by the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee. The comments were submitted by Argentina, Canada, Colombia, the European Union, Guatemala, Oman, Peru, the Russian Federation, Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on technical assistance and capacity-building for the implementation of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions (UNEP/CHW.15/16–UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.10/15–UNEP/POPS/COP.10/13), the annex to the present note sets out a report by the Secretariat on the implementation of the technical assistance plan for the period 2018–2021 in the biennium 2020–2021, subject to the availability of resources. In support of information continuity, the report includes also information on the capacity-building and training activities carried out by the Secretariat in the year 2019 and planned for the year 2022, subject to the availability of resources. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on technical assistance and capacity-building for the implementation of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions (UNEP/CHW.15/16UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.10/15UNEP/POPS/COP.10/13), the annex to the present note sets out the technical assistance plan for the implementation of the three conventions for 2022–2025. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on technical assistance and capacity-building for the implementation of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions (UNEP/CHW.15/16UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.10/15UNEP/POPS/COP.10/13), the annex to the present note sets out the report on the technical assistance needs of developing-country Parties and Parties with economies in transition for implementation of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions and the technical assistance available from developed country Parties and others. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

1. As is mentioned in the notes by the Secretariat on the Basel Convention regional and coordinating centres (UNEP/CHW.15/17) and on the Stockholm Convention regional and subregional centres for capacity-building and the transfer of technology (UNEP/POPS/COP.10/14), the annexes to the present note set out reports by the Secretariat on the activities of the Basel and Stockholm conventions regional centres.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the financial mechanism (UNEP/POPS/COP.10/15), the annex to the present note sets out the full draft report on the fifth review of the financial mechanism of the Stockholm Convention, prepared by an independent expert, Mr. Jozef Buys. It is reproduced as submitted. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the financial mechanism (UNEP/POPS/COP.10/15), the annex to the present note sets out the full report on the assessment of funding needs of Parties that are developing countries or countries with economies in transition to implement the Stockholm Convention for the period 2022-2026, prepared by two independent experts, Ms. Suely Machado Carvalho and Mr. William Kwan. The report is reproduced as submitted. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the financial mechanism (UNEP/POPS/COP.10/15), a compilation of submissions received from developing country Parties and Parties with economies in transition of funding needs to implement the Stockholm Convention over the period 2022-2026 is set out in annex I to the present note. Such submissions were received from Argentina, Bolivia (Plurinational State of), Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Colombia, Costa Rica, Côte d'Ivoire, El Salvador, Eritrea, Georgia, Guyana, Kyrgyzstan, Madagascar, Montenegro, Myanmar, Nicaragua, Niger, North Macedonia, Qatar, Sao Tome and Principe, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Tanzania (United Republic of), Thailand and Trinidad and Tobago. The submissions under annex I are listed in the order of their submission date. The online questionnaire used to submit responses is reproduced in annex II to the present note. The present note, including its annexes, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the financial mechanism (UNEP/POPS/COP.10/15), a compilation of submissions received from Parties and observers on ways in which they could support the Stockholm Convention is set out in annex I to the present note. Such submissions were received from one Party (United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland) and one observer (Association of Uganda Professional Women in Agriculture and Environment). As set out in the note by the Secretariat on the financial mechanism (UNEP/POPS/COP.10/15), this compilation should be read in conjunction with previous submissions from Parties on this matter. The online questionnaire used to submit responses is reproduced in annex II to the present note. The present note, including its annexes, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the financial mechanism (UNEP/POPS/COP.10/15), the annex to the present note sets out the report of the Global Environment Facility to the Conference of the Parties at its tenth meeting. The report is reproduced as submitted. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the financial mechanism (UNEP/POPS/COP.10/15/Rev.1), the annex to the present note sets out the updated report of the Global Environment Facility to the Conference of the Parties at its tenth meeting, as called for in paragraph 3 (c) of decision SC-10/3. The present updated report should be read in conjunction with the report of the Global Environment Facility to the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants at its tenth meeting set out in the annex to document UNEP/POPS/COP.10/INF/36. The report is reproduced as submitted. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on mobilization of resources under the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions from non-State actors (UNEP/CHW.15/28–UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.10/24–UNEP/POPS/COP.10/28), the annex to the present note contains an assessment of the relevance for the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions of existing guidelines developed by the United Nations system on the mobilization of resources from non-State actors, such as private-sector entities, non-governmental organizations and development banks, to inform possible future arrangements relating to this matter, for consideration by the conferences of the Parties. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.  

Note by the Secretariat

The annex to the present note sets out a report by the United Nations Environment Programme on activities of the Special Programme to support institutional strengthening at the national level for implementation of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions, the Minamata Convention on Mercury, and the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the implementation plans (UNEP/POPS/COP.10/10), the annex to the present note sets out a draft guidance on alternatives to dicofol. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the global monitoring plan for effectiveness evaluation (UNEP/POPS/COP.10/18), and in accordance with their mandate, the regional organization groups prepared the third regional monitoring reports that will serve as a basis for the development of the global monitoring report. Given their length, the reports are available on the Convention website. The present note has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the global monitoring plan for effectiveness evaluation (UNEP/POPS/COP.10/18), the updated guidance on the global monitoring plan for persistent organic pollutants prepared by the global coordination group is set out in the annex to the present note. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on cooperation and coordination with the Minamata Convention on Mercury (UNEP/CHW.15/20–UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.10/16–UNEP/POPS/COP.10/20), the annex to the present note contains a report of the task force on programmatic cooperation between the Secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions, the secretariat of the Minamata Convention on Mercury and the Chemicals and Health Branch of the United Nations Environment Programme on its work, particularly describing the joint framework for future collaboration that had been agreed between the three entities in the context of the implementation of decision MC-3/11 on enhanced cooperation between the secretariat of the Minamata Convention and the Secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions. The report is set out in the annex to the present note.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on cooperation and coordination with the Minamata Convention on Mercury (UNEP/CHW.15/20–UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.10/16–UNEP/POPS/COP.10/20), the annex to the present note was originally planned to set out information on activities undertaken by the Conference of the Parties to the Minamata Convention that are relevant to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions. This information has been superseded by a joint report prepared by the secretariats of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions and of the Minamata Convention on the main cooperative activities undertaken between the secretariats in areas of mutual interest, as well as other activities conducted jointly by Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions and the Minamata Convention. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on international cooperation and coordination with other organizations (UNEP/CHW.14/21/Rev.1–UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.9/17/Rev.1–UNEP/POPS/COP.9/21/Rev.1), the annex to the present note sets out in section I a report providing detailed information on the international cooperation and coordination activities undertaken by the Secretariat with international bodies, including intergovernmental organizations, international and regional organizations, other multilateral environmental agreement secretariats, international non-governmental organizations, and networks from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2021. The annex also contains in section II information on cooperation with other entities for activities with an international scope from 1 January 2019 to 31 December 2021. The activities described in the report are either specific to one Convention or relevant to two or three conventions. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

The annex to the present note sets out a letter from the chair of the Inter-organization Coordinating Committee on the status of discussions about the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions being invited to become members of the Inter-Organization Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on international cooperation and coordination with other organizations (UNEP/CHW.15/21UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.10/17UNEP/POPS/COP.10/21), the annex to the present note sets out a report submitted by the Executive Director to the meetings of the conferences of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal, to the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade and to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants on programmatic cooperation. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on international cooperation and coordination with other organizations (UNEP/CHW.15/21UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.10/17UNEP/POPS/COP.10/21), the annex to the present note sets out a report submitted by the Executive Director to the meetings of the conferences of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal, to the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade and to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants on programmatic cooperation. The present document has been revised in order to present an updated report as of April 2022 for the face-to-face segment of the meetings of the conferences of the Parties. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on international cooperation and coordination with other organizations (UNEP/CHW.15/21UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.10/17UNEP/POPS/COP.10/21), the annex to the present note sets out a report submitted by the secretariat of the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management to the meetings of the conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the secretariat on international cooperation and coordination with other organizations (UNEP/CHW.15/21/Rev.1–UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.10/17/Rev.1–UNEP/POPS/COP.10/21/Rev.1), the secretariats of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions and of the Minamata Convention prepared a joint study entitled “Interlinkages between the chemicals and waste multilateral environmental agreements and biodiversity: key insights”. The study is available at the following link.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on international cooperation and coordination with other organizations (UNEP/CHW.15/21/Rev.1–UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.10/17/Rev.1–UNEP/POPS/COP.10/21/Rev.1), the secretariats of the Basel, Rotterdam and the Stockholm conventions and of the Minamata Convention prepared a joint study entitled “Chemicals, wastes and climate change: interlinkages and potential for coordinated action”. The study is available at the following link.

Note by the Secretariat

1. As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the clearing-house mechanism for information exchange (UNEP/CHW.15/22-UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.10/18-UNEP/POPS/COP.10/22), the annex to the present note sets out the workplan for the implementation of the joint clearing-house mechanism for the biennium 2022–2023.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on mainstreaming gender (UNEP/CHW.15/23–UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.10/19–UNEP/POPS/COP.10/23), the annex to the present note sets out a report on gender-related activities implemented by the Secretariat as outlined in the updated Gender Action Plan of the Secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

1. As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on synergies in preventing and combating illegal traffic and trade in hazardous chemicals and wastes (UNEP/CHW.15/24–UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.10/20–UNEP/POPS/COP.10/24), annex I to the present note sets out revised draft forms, including explanatory notes, to provide information on cases of trade occurring in contravention of the Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions, taking into account comments received and, as appropriate, the approach taken under the Basel Convention. Annex II sets out a compilation of the comments received on earlier versions of the forms.

Note by the Secretariat

1. As mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on synergies in preventing and combating illegal traffic and trade in hazardous chemicals and wastes (UNEP/CHW.15/24–UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.10/20–UNEP/POPS/COP.10/24), the annex to the present note sets out information received from a range of organizations and relevant global and regional enforcement networks on activities aimed at assisting Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions to prevent and combat illegal traffic and trade in hazardous chemicals and wastes, as well as recommendations concerning opportunities for strengthened cooperation. Information was provided by the Basel Convention Regional Centre (BCRC) Caribbean, the Basel Convention Regional Centre / Stockholm Convention Regional Centre (BCRC/SCRC) South Africa, the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (EUROPOL), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Green Customs Initiative (GCI), the European Union Network for the Implementation and Enforcement of Environmental Law (IMPEL) the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the World Customs Organization (WCO), the World Health Organization (WHO) Framework Convention on Tobacco control, and the STRIKE and the Waste Force projects on activities aimed at assisting Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions to prevent and combat illegal traffic and trade in hazardous chemicals and wastes, as well as recommendations concerning opportunities for strengthened cooperation.

Note by the Secretariat

1. As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on from science to action (UNEP/CHW.15/25–UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.10/21–UNEP/POPS/COP.10/25), annex I to the present note sets out the conclusions of the subregional workshop to enhance science-policy-industry interaction and to support Parties in science-based decision-making for the implementation of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions, which was held from 28 to 30 January 2020 in Lagos, Nigeria.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the implementation plans (UNEP/POPS/COP.10/10), the annex to the present note sets out a draft guidance on information collection for industrial persistent organic pollutants. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

1. In decisions BC-14/29, RC-9/17 and SC-9/27, on programmes of work and budgets for the biennium 2020–2021, the conferences of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal, the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade and the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, among other things:

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the financial mechanism (UNEP/POPS/COP.10/15/Rev.1), the annex to the present note contains sets out an updated report on the outcomes of the validation work as input to the needs assessment, prepared by a team of experts from the University of Massachusetts, Boston (UMB), based in the United States of America, represented by its Center for Governance and Sustainability. The present updated report should be read in conjunction with the report on the outcomes of the validation work as input to the Needs Assessment set out in the annex to document UNEP/POPS/COP.10/INF/56. The report is reproduced as submitted. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

1. In decisions BC-14/29, RC-9/17 and SC-9/27, on programmes of work and budgets for the biennium 2020–2021, the conferences of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal, the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade and the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, among other things:

Note by the Secretariat

1. In decisions BC-14/29, RC-9/17 and SC-9/27, on programmes of work and budgets for the biennium 2020–2021, the conferences of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal, the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade and the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, among other things:

Note by the Secretariat

1. As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on programmes of work and proposed budgets for the biennium 20222023: combined proposal (UNEP/CHW.15/26UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.10/22UNEP/POPS/COP.10/26), the annex to the present note sets out budget activity fact sheets for the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions developed by the Secretariat. They should be read in conjunction with the aforementioned note and the information document on programmes of work and proposed budgets for the biennium 20222023: proposed operational budgets for the two funding scenarios (UNEP/CHW.15/INF/53UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.10/INF/34UNEP/POPS/COP.10/INF/57).

Note by the Secretariat

1. As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on programmes of work and proposed budgets for the biennium 20222023: revised combined proposal (UNEP/CHW.15/26/Rev.1UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.10/22/Rev.1UNEP/POPS/COP.10/26/Rev.1), the annex to the present note sets out revised budget activity fact sheets for the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions developed by the Secretariat. They should be read in conjunction with the aforementioned note and the information document on programmes of work and proposed budgets for the biennium 20222023: revised proposed operational budgets for the two funding scenarios (UNEP/CHW.15/INF/53/Rev.1UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.10/INF/34/Rev.1UNEP/POPS/COP.10/INF/57/Rev.1). The present note has been revised following the online segment of the meetings of the conferences of the Parties, in order to take into account the outcomes of that segment, namely decisions BC-15/2, RC-10/3 and SC-10/4 on interim programmes of work and budgets for 2022, as well as other relevant developments.

Note by the Secretariat

1. In decisions BC-15/30, RC-10/19, SC-10/26 on the programmes of work and budgets for the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions for the biennium 2022–2023, the conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions approved their respective programme budgets, taking as a reference the revised budget activity fact sheets contained in document UNEP/CHW.15/INF/54/Rev.1UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.10/INF/35/Rev.1UNEP/POPS/COP.10/INF/58/Rev.1

Note by the Secretariat

1. By decision SC-1/3, subsequently amended by decision SC-5/2, the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants adopted financial rules for the operation of the Conference of the Parties, its subsidiary bodies and the Secretariat. Paragraph 1 of rule 3, which deals with the budget, requires the Executive Secretary to dispatch information on actual income and expenditure for each year of the previous biennium and estimates of actual expenditures in the current biennium, to all Parties to the Convention at least 90 days before the opening of the meeting of the Conference of the Parties at which the budget for a given biennium is to be adopted.

Note by the Secretariat

1. By decision SC-1/3, subsequently amended by decision SC-5/2, the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants adopted financial rules for the operation of the Conference of the Parties, its subsidiary bodies and the Secretariat. Paragraph 1 of rule 3, which deals with the budget, requires the Executive Secretary to dispatch information on actual income and expenditure for each year of the previous biennium and estimates of actual expenditures in the current biennium, to all Parties to the Convention at least 90 days before the opening of the meeting of the Conference of the Parties at which the budget for a given biennium is to be adopted.

Note by the Secretariat

1. The annexes to the present note contain information on pledges and contributions to the technical cooperation and voluntary special trust funds of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions received in the biennium 20202021 as at 19 May 2022. Annex I contains an overview of such pledges and contributions received from Parties. Annex II contains more detailed information on pledges and contributions received by Party. All amounts are in United States dollars, unless otherwise stated, and include programme support costs.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the implementation of the memorandum of understanding between the United Nations Environment Programme and the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention (UNEP/CHW.15/27), the note by the Secretariat on the implementation of the memorandum of understanding between the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the United Nations Environment Programme and the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade (UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.10/23) and the note by the Secretariat on the implementation of the memorandum of understanding between the United Nations Environment Programme and the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention (UNEP/POPS/COP.10/27), the annex to the present note sets out the delegation of authority policy and framework for the management and administration of multilateral environmental agreement secretariats approved by the Executive Director of United Nations Environment Programme and effective as of 15 September 2021. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

1. Meetings of the Conference of the Parties shall take place at the seat(s) of the Secretariat, unless the Conference of the Parties decides otherwise or other appropriate arrangements are made by the Secretariat in consultations with the Parties. In the case of the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal and the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, the seat of the Secretariat is at Geneva, Switzerland. In the case of the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade, the seats of the Secretariat are at Geneva, Switzerland, and Rome, Italy.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the financial mechanism (UNEP/POPS/COP.10/15/Rev.1), the annex to the present note sets out the summary of the experts’ findings with regard to polychlorinated biphenyls, including a non-exhaustive list of options to address potential issues with regard to financing polychlorinated biphenyls. The findings are based on the full report on the assessment of funding needs of Parties that are developing countries or countries with economies in transition to implement the Stockholm Convention for the period 2022–2026 (UNEP/POPS/COP.10/INF/33), prepared by two independent experts, Ms. Suely Machado Carvalho and Mr. William Kwan. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the financial mechanism (UNEP/POPS/COP.10/15/Rev.1), the annex to the present note sets out the report prepared by the Secretariat on the implementation of the memorandum of understanding between the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants and the Council of the Global Environment Facility with regard to cooperation between the secretariats and reciprocal representation, including follow-up actions. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the implementation of the memorandum of understanding between the United Nations Environment Programme and the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention (UNEP/CHW.15/27), the note by the Secretariat on the implementation of the memorandum of understanding between the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the United Nations Environment Programme and the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention (UNEP/ FAO/RC/COP.10/23) and the note by the Secretariat on the implementation of the memorandum of understanding between the United Nations Environment Programme and the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention (UNEP/POPS/COP.10/27), the annex to the present note contains a report of the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme to the respective conferences of the Parties on the implementation of the memorandums of understanding. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the implementation of the memorandum of understanding between the United Nations Environment Programme and the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention (UNEP/CHW.15/27), the note by the Secretariat on the implementation of the memorandum of understanding between the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the United Nations Environment Programme and the Conference of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention (UNEP/ FAO/RC/COP.10/23) and the note by the Secretariat on the implementation of the memorandum of understanding between the United Nations Environment Programme and the Conference of the Parties to the Stockholm Convention (UNEP/POPS/COP.10/27), the annex to the present note contains a report of the Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme to the respective conferences of the Parties on the implementation of the memorandums of understanding. The present document has been revised in order to present an updated report as of March 2022 for the face-to-face segment of the meetings of the conferences of the Parties. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

1. As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the guidelines and guidance on best available techniques and best environmental practices (UNEP/POPS/COP.10/8), the Secretariat invited Parties and others to nominate new experts in the joint Toolkit and best available techniques and best environmental practices expert roster.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on the guidelines and guidance on best available techniques and best environmental practices (UNEP/POPS/COP.10/8), the experts on best available techniques and best environmental practices developed new draft guidance on the identification and management of sites contaminated with persistent organic pollutants. Given its length, the draft guidance is available on the Convention website. The present note has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on technical assistance and capacity-building for the implementation of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions (UNEP/CHW.15/16–UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.10/15–UNEP/POPS/COP.10/13), the annex to the present note contains a report entitled “Environmental and health emergencies – the role of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions in supporting Parties in prevention, preparedness, response and recovery”. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on international cooperation and coordination with other organizations (UNEP/CHW.15/21/Rev.1UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.10/17/Rev.1UNEP/POPS/COP.10/21/Rev.1), the annex to the present note sets out information on the outcome of the follow-up by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to General Assembly resolution 73/333 on the follow-up to the report of the ad hoc open-ended working group established pursuant to General Assembly resolution 72/277. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

1. As is mentioned in document UNEP/CHW.15/29–UNEP/FAO/COP.10/26–UNEP/POPS.10/30, the present note provides a joint proposal for interim programmes of work and budget for 2022.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on interim programmes of work and proposed budgets for 2022: combined proposal (UNEP/CHW.15/29–UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.10/26–UNEP/POPS/COP.10/30), the annex to the present note provides information on the modalities for the continuation of the intersessional work and processes under the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions until new decisions would be adopted by the resumed meetings of the conferences of the Parties at their face-to-face segment in 2022. The deadlines suggested in the present annex for the provision of comments on relevant products were, when relevant, agreed by the concerned subsidiary body and would enable the work to be completed in time for consideration by the conferences of the Parties during the face-to-face segment of their meetings. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

The annex to the present note provides information on activities undertaken since the online segment of the meetings of the conferences of the Parties which was held from 26 to 30 July 2021. This includes developments in furtherance to decisions BC-15/2, RC-10/3 and SC-10/4 on interim programmes of work and budgets for 2022, in which the conferences of the Parties took note of the information on the modalities for the continuation of the intersessional work and processes into 2022 until the face-to-face segment of the meetings of the conferences of the Parties in 2022. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

As is mentioned in the note by the Secretariat on programmes of work and proposed budgets for the biennium 2022−2023: revised combined proposal (UNEP/CHW.15/26/Rev.1UNEP/FAO/RC/COP.10/22/Rev.1UNEP/POPS/COP.10/26/Rev.1), the annex to the present note sets out responses from Parties on their views regarding the use of potential savings made owing to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Responses were provided by Belarus, the European Union, Gambia, Kenya, Mali, Mexico, Paraguay, Philippines, Senegal, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and Uzbekistan. The present note, including its annex, has not been formally edited.

Note by the Secretariat

1. By decisions BC-14/27, RC-9/15 and SC-9/25, the conferences of the Parties to the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal, the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade and the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants decided, among other things, that the next meetings of the conferences of the Parties would include a high-level segment of no more than one day’s duration.