Inception Workshop Report 14-15 January, Kathmandu, Nepal

Enabling Activities To Facilitate Early Action on the Implementation of Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)

Report of the Inception Workshop January 14-15, 2004

POPs Enabling Activities Project Singh Durbar, Kathnmandu Nepal Tel: 977 1 4220970

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Inception Workshop Report 14-15 January, Kathmandu, Nepal

Enabling Activities To Facilitate Early Action on the Implementation of Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)

Report of the Inception Workshop January 14-15, 2004 Kathmandu, Nepal Introduction: The Enabling Activities to facilitate Early Action on the Implementation of Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) is a project between His Majesty’s Government of Nepal, Ministry of Population and Environment and United Nations Development organization (UNIDO). The objective of the project is to assist His Majesty’s Government of Nepal to meet its obligation of the Stockholm Convention and endorse its National Implementation Plan (NIP) on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). And also to strengthen national capacity and enhance knowledge and understanding amongst decisionmakers, managers, the industry, NGOs and the public at large on POPs and to develop and formulate a National Implementation Plan. The Ministry of Population and Environment is the POPs focal point and is the executing agency of this enabling activities project. The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives and the Ministry of Industry, commerce and Supply are the major government institution related to the management of POPs. The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives has been implementing the RENPAP activities, which include the banning of POPs pesticides and the production of the POPs alternative pesticides like bio-pesticides and Neem based pesticides. On 14-15 January 2004, Inception Workshop in the framework of the project "Enabling Activities to Facilitate Early Action on the Implementation of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)" was held in Hotel Himalaya Kathmandu, Nepal. The Workshop was organized by the Ministry of Population and Environment and UNIDO with financial assistance of GEF. 2

Inception Workshop Report 14-15 January, Kathmandu, Nepal

The participants of the Workshop were Ministries, departments and NGOs including civil society representatives. Various papers were presented at the workshop with in the five main areas identified in the project document.

Organization of the Inception Workshop: Inception workshop was one of the major activities of the preparation phase and intended to bring all the stakeholders for an open discussion and for effective communication. The main objective of the workshop was to create an excellent opportunity for raising awareness at the country level. The Main objectives of the workshop were; • Overview of the Stockholm Convention on POPs • Implementation mechanism of the GEF project on the development of the National Plan for the Implementation of the Stockholm Convention in Nepal • Presentation of Work Plan of the GEF EA Project with indicative outcome and timeframes. • Technical presentations on issues like general characteristics of POPs, hazard to human health and environment. • Disposal technologies as well as phasing out of POPs. Participation in the workshop: Major stakeholders related to POPs management had been invited to attend the 2 days Inception Workshop that included government institutions, Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs), civil Society and environment journalists. All together 31 participants have participated on the workshop. The list of the participants and the institution is given on Annex 2; The workshop theme was divided in 5 main thematic areas, which was in line with the project documents. Agenda of the Inception Workshop: The agenda of the workshop was finalized in consultation with Dr. S.P. Dhua, Regional Coordinator for RENPAP as well as the Chief Technical Advisor for this project. Resource persons were asked to present papers on various technical, institutional, legal and policy related matters. Well-experienced and knowledgeable resource person was contacted for quality papers as far as possible. Resource people involved during the workshop were from government institutions, 3

Inception Workshop Report 14-15 January, Kathmandu, Nepal

research institution, and NGO and academic institution. The workshop was held in Hotel Himalaya, Kupandole, Kathmandu on 14-15th of January 2004. The agenda and schedule of the workshop is given on Annex1; Inaugural Ceremony

The Inception workshop inaugural ceremony was held with the opening of the workshop by Chief Guest, Honourable Vice Chairman of the National Planning Commission, Dr. Shankar Prasad Sharma by lightning the lamp. Chief Guest Honourable Dr. Shankar Prasad Sharma made a keynote address saying that he is glad to know that the Global Environment Facility (GEF) has helped Nepal to undertake this POPs Enabling Activities Project. He told that the indiscriminate use of pesticides has certainly an adverse effect on biodiversity, human health and environment, which has been clear from the study done in various part of the world. Dr. Sharma drew the attention on the stockpile of the obsolete pesticides lying in different storehouses and the containers have started leaking which may pollute ground water, soil and air. He stressed on the need of the safe packing and disposal of these harmful pesticides as soon as possible. For this work he emphasized the need of international assistance and urged the GEF project to undertake this issue seriously. He stressed on the need of coordination and assistance among concerned stakeholders. The workshop inaugural session was chaired by Dr. Hari Krishna Upadhaya, Honourable Member of the National Planning Commission. Distinguished guests who present during the inaugural ceremony were Mr. Purna Prasad Manandhar, Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Mr. Dinesh Chandra Pyakurel, Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supply and. Mr. Mohan Bahadur Karki, Secretary of the Ministry of Population and Environment. Similarly, Mr. Valentin Inschenko from UNIDO, Vienna and Dr. S.P. Dhua, Regional Coordinator, RENPAP and Dr. Y.P. Ramdev, Assistant Coordinator, RENPAP were also present during the inaugural ceremony of the Inception Workshop. Mr. Jay Ram Adhikari, National Project Coordinator of POPs Enabling Activities Project has made a welcome speech by welcoming all the invitees on behalf of the organizer for accepting the invitation and to come to the inaugural session of the workshop. Mr. Adhikari expressed sincere gratitude to Dr. Shankar Prasad Sharma, Honourable Vice Chairman of the National Planning Commission for his gracious presence as chief guest as well as to Dr. Hari Krishna Upadhaya,

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Member of the National planning Commission for chairing the session. Similarly, Mr. Adhikari welcomed the dignitaries present in the workshop. Mr. Adhikari also highlighted the objective of the workshop as well as the objectives of the project. Dr. S.P. Dhua made a brief statement on the persistent organic pollutants and how they are transported from one place to another and bio-accumulate in the body tissues. He expressed his grateful thanks to His Majesty's Government of Nepal for providing an opportunity to work together in this project. He also expressed his concern on the stockpile of obsolete pesticides that are lying in Nepal and also assured that these POPs pesticides will be disposed by mobilizing the budget available in the RENPAP. Mr. Purna Prasad Manandhar, Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives made a brief statement saying that Nepal is facing a serious problem due to stockpile of hazardous persistent organic pollutants and therefore, the disposal of these stocks should be the foremost priority. He also emphasized on the need of coordination between ministries and the full participation among the ministries and concerned stakeholders is necessary. Mr. Dinesh Chandra Chandra Pyakurel, Secretary of the Ministry of Industry, Supply, and Commerce also made statement in the inaugural ceremony. He told that the dramatic industrial growth and indiscriminate use of chemicals have adverse impact on the environment. He emphasized the importance of Pesticide Act and Regulation and as well as Environmental Protection Act and Regulation for the sound management of harmful pesticides. He also urged with the UNIDO for the safe disposal of these pesticides. Mr. Mohan Bahadur Karki, Secretary of the Ministry of Population and Environment made a statement highlighting on the need of a close coordination among ministries and concerned stakeholder for the successful implementation of the project to prepare a National Implementation Plan as required by the Stockholm Convention. He told that the Ministry of Population and Environment would always work hand in hand with all the stakeholders and encourages all the partners for valuable suggestion and contribution. He thanked all the dignitaries, guest and participants who were present on the inaugural ceremony and assured that the outcome and the recommendation that come from the workshop will be the guidelines for the project in its implementation and requested all the concerned stakeholders to participate in the process. 5

Inception Workshop Report 14-15 January, Kathmandu, Nepal

Dr. Hari Krishna Upadhaya, Chairman of the Inaugural ceremony made a closing remark by making a statement that it is an utmost necessity of Nepal to dispose the stockpile of hazardous pesticides and requested the UNIDO to help in this task. Lastly, he closed the inaugural session by mentioning that this project will be able to make a concrete plan for the disposal of pesticides as well as create a public awareness on this issue. He thanked the organizer for providing him this opportunity to chair the session and to share his viewpoints Presentation of Technical papers: Various speakers presented technical papers in the workshop under five main thematic areas as identified by the project document. The synopsis of the papers is given below. Full versions of the papers are attached in Annex 3.

I. Determination of organizing Process

coordinating

Mechanism

and

Under this heading four papers were presented mainly on the introduction of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, implementation mechanism of the GEF on the development of the National Plan for the implementation of the Stockholm convention in Nepal, work plan of the GEF EA project and financial mechanism of the Stockholm Convention. Dr. S.P. Dhua presented paper on the implementation of the GEF EA project and highlighted about the how the project has been conceptualized and how the agreement was done between UNIDO and the Ministry of Population and Environment. His paper clearly elaborated on the status of UNIDO as an executing agency for the GEF projects. The paper also highlighted on the objective of the EA project, it's outcome and how UNIDO will help Nepal to prepare its National Implementation Plan. His paper also speaks on the mode of implementation mechanisms with-in the country and its coordinating mechanism among different stakeholders. Similarly Mr. Valentin Ishchenko from UNIDO presented paper on the implementation of the project highlighting on the major activities of the project mainly on the issues like establishing a POPs inventory and assessing national infrastructure and capacity, as well as, on setting of priorities and determining the objectives. He also presented a case study report from the Polish experiences while developing the National Implementation Plan on POPs, which is considered quite useful for Nepal, which is on the process of 6

Inception Workshop Report 14-15 January, Kathmandu, Nepal

developing NIP. The paper has presented a framework on the current situation about POPs in the Poland and action required to tackle it, which can be a model for Nepal while preparing the National Implementation Plan. The paper has also developed criteria to determine the priority in terms of weightage, which is very helpful in developing the NIP. Polish example of NIP has clearly identified the key objectives, measures to accomplish it and action needed. To put in a nutshell, Mr. Ishchenko's paper has opened up ideas and model for us during implementation of our enabling activities project. Mr. Ishchenko also briefly described about the overview of the Stockholm Convention highlighting mainly on it's objectives and the different provision made on the convention like elimination of POPs production, reduction and elimination of POPs releases from unintentional production, education and training and awareness raising among population as well as working with POPs, measures to reduce or eliminate releases from stockpiles and wastes, disposal of POPs, identification of the contaminated sites, development of national implementation Plan, information exchange, potential alternatives, research, development and monitoring, financial mechanism and bilateral assistance and reporting obligation of each party. National Project Coordinator of the POPs Enabling activities Project, Mr. Jay Ram Adhikari presented a paper on detail work plan of the GEF EA project. He presented the synopsis of activities outlined in the project document and the measures to implement them. The paper highlighted on the coordinating mechanism, drawing up overall work plan, constitution of task teams for developing inventory, training on inventories procedures, preparing inventory of production, distribution, use, import and export, assessment of infrastructure capacity, social and economic implication of POPs use and reduction, setting of priorities and national objectives and lastly developing National implementation Plan and specific action Plans. In conclusion, the paper has thoroughly presented the summary of the whole work plan. For these whole sessions, Mr. Shree Krishna Shrestha, Director General, of the Nepal Bureau of Standard and Metrology (NBSM) has chaired the session.

II. POP's and Its Impact On this theme three papers were presented on the issues of the POPs impact on human health and environment. First paper was on Government policy on management of hazardous substances, which was jointly presented by Mr. Narendra Prasad Pokhrel, Senior Divisional Chemist from the Ministry of Population and Environment 7

Inception Workshop Report 14-15 January, Kathmandu, Nepal

and Mr. Jay Ram Adhikari, National Project Coordinator (NPC) of the Enabling Activities Project. The paper highlighted mainly on the provision of Basel Convention, inventory of hazardous waste in Nepal, national institution in the control of hazardous waste, status of hazardous waste management, legal measures and its implementation status in Nepal. The paper also pinpointed the future measures to be taken for the effective implementation of Basel Convention for the management of hazardous waste in an environmentally sound manner. Second paper of this session was about the POP's – Risk/ Impact on human Health, which was presented by a research student from Brown University, USA, currently doing research in Nepal on POPs. In her paper, Ms. Rottenberg highlighted on when pesticides were introduced in Nepal for malaria eradication as well as on agriculture. She also mentioned about how the health of the people will be affected by the food contaminated by the residue of POPs pesticides. On her paper, she has cited some research studies, which show that there are significant residues of POPs pesticides in foods. The paper has also mentioned about health effect of POPs pesticides, the nature of these POPs pesticides and their effect on human health. Next paper on this category was on POP's –Impact on the environment presented by a Senior Divisional Chemist of the MoPE. In his paper, Mr. Pokhrel highlighted on the persistent characteristics of the POPs chemicals. He mentioned that the POPs has been used in agriculture to control the enemies of the agriculture such as pests, weeds and diseases. Widespread use and disposal of pesticides by farmers pose many possible sources of pesticides in the environment. Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are highly stable chemicals, which are used as pesticides or in industry. They are also generated unintentionally as the byproducts of combustion and industrial processes. POPs pose special problem in the environment which: • Persist in the environment for a long time before they break down. • Travel for a long distances to all parts of the world. • Accumulate in the tissues of the living organisms by absorbing POPs from food, water and air. • Poison humans and wildlife causing a wide range of toxic effects. Due to the persistent nature of the POPs they have been found everywhere. It tends to concentrate in the fatty tissues of humans and 8

Inception Workshop Report 14-15 January, Kathmandu, Nepal

animals that are high on the food chain and it is found from the study that the concentration of POPs is reaching up to 70,000 times more than the background levels. Mr. Pokhrel's paper describes how these POPs chemicals once released into the environment, become distributed in different media (air, water, sediment, soil, plants, animals, humans etc.}; undergo transport over short or long distances as a result of natural environmental processes usually involving air and water; undergo transformation into other chemicals and the products will be distributed between air, water, soil, sediment, product and living organisms. Similarly, these chemicals once released to the environment, degrade very slowly and remain in environmental media and organisms for years or even decades even when released in relatively small quantities and are said to be persistent. He mentioned that natural environmental processes can distribute these persistent substances over long distances, leading to regional and global contamination. Some of these environmental contaminants are taken up by wildlife and are retained in their bodies at concentrations higher than in their food and water. When predators at higher levels in the food chain consume contaminated wildlife, this can result in very high body burdens of contaminants. Many POPs are highly toxic and have the potential to injure wildlife and human health at very low concentration. Some wildlife species including some fish, seals, polar bears, etc and even humans have suffered from certain POPs despite major sources that are thousands of kilometers away. Mr. Pokhrel explained that the Dioxins and Furans are the chemicals produced un-intentially during industrial processes and due to incomplete combustion and released to the environment. Trace amounts of dioxins and furans are present in virtually all ecosystems on the earth. Once emitted, they can travel long distance, far from the source and last for a long time. More than 90% of the intake of dioxins and furans by humans is through food consumption, primarily of dairy products, meat, fish and eggs. In his paper, Mr. Pokhrel mentioned about the impact of POPs on wildlife that is birth defects, cancers and dysfunctional immune and 9

Inception Workshop Report 14-15 January, Kathmandu, Nepal

reproductive systems. Marine mammals such as the common seal, harbour, porpoise, and bottle nosed dolphin and beluga whale have suffered large population declines after being exposed to POPs. Some POPs may have serious health effects for humans. The effects are similar to those found in wildlife and include cancer, birth defects, fertility problems, susceptibility to diseases and even diminishing of intelligence. In this case the special vulnerable are fetuses and infants, which are exposes to POPs via the placenta, breast feeding and other pathways during early years of human development. Very high levels of DDT have been reported in human blood sample from several countries. The reason for this might be the huge quantities of pesticides used in agricultural practices and malaria eradication. In some regions of the world, this has been suggested to be a reason for a high incident of miscarriages and congenital malformations. Breast cancer in women appears to be rising in many countries. The pathogenesis of breast cancer has been linked with exposure to hormone disrupting chemicals and it is proved by many studies that DDT in the environment is increasing the risk of breast cancer. To get rid of existing POPs, the paper has stressed on the following measures to be undertaken: • • • • • • • • • •

Disposing of stocks of obsolete and unwanted POPs. Identifying equipment containing PCBs and managing it properly. Disposing of PCBs stocks in an environmentally sound manner. Identifying and testing alternatives to POPs. Finding and using alternatives. Stopping or restricting further production and use. Identifying chemicals with POPs characteristics and avoiding new POPs. Limiting DDT use to disease vector control. Identifying sources and reducing releases of unintentionally produced POPs. Continuing minimization and elimination of the total releases of dioxins, furans and PCBs.

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Inception Workshop Report 14-15 January, Kathmandu, Nepal

III. POP's Inventory Establishment and Assessment of National Infrastructure and Capacity Under this category two papers were presented; 1. Status of POPs preliminary inventory distribution, use and export of POPs in Nepal

of

production,

This paper was presented jointly by Mr. Ram Babu Paneru, Y P Giri, B. P. Mainali of the Nepal Agriculture Research council (NARC). Paper mainly focused on of POP related chemicals, production, distribution, import, and use of POP related Pesticides in Nepal. Paper briefly presented the description of various pesticides produced by a company in Nepal called NEPCIL, Nepal Krishi Rasayan Product and Pashupati Agrochemical Nepal Pvt. Ltd, which were involved in pesticide production although the information about their current production status is lacking. Paper emphasized on the need to conduct a study about the current production and use of pesticides in Nepal. Paper further explains that thousand of metric tons of different pesticides were imported as grants from different international donors for use in agriculture as well in health sector especially for Malaria control. The report indicated that altogether 4195.85 tons of DDT, 3243.26 tons of Malathion, 139.998 liters of Actellic, 98.23 tons of Ficon and 8.61tons of Icon were imported for public health use from 1976 to 1992 by the Department of Health, HMG/N. In 1993, Division of Malaria Control imported 200 tons of DDT from Indonesia as grant to control malaria but mosquitoes have already developed resistance to DDT, so, the amount was used to control Kalajara instead of malaria disease. The division again imported 205 tons of other insecticides to control malaria with the help of DANIDA. Paper further explained about how the establishment of government institution for the import and distribution of chemical pesticides all over the country and gave detail information on how these pesticides were regulated in Nepal specifically elaborating the provision made in the Pesticide Act, 1991 and Pesticide Rules, 1993. Paper presented recent survey conducted by Entomology Division, Khumaltar indicated that pesticides included in POPs such as DDT, Endrin, BHC are still being used by the farmers for different purposes. According to the report, the shopkeeper had provided DDT in the name of BHC to the farmers of Biratnagar.

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Inception Workshop Report 14-15 January, Kathmandu, Nepal

In conclusion, paper mentioned that, by considering the growing global concern of pesticide on human health and environment, the government of Nepal has banned a number of persistent and hazardous pesticides. But they are still in use in farmers' field condition due to following reasons: • • • • • •

No well equipped laboratory facilities for pesticide quality and residue analysis Open border with neighboring countries invites chances of entry of unregistered products into the country Illiterate and ignorant target groups Lack of skilled manpower for effective implementation of the Act and Regulations Unawareness among farmers regarding safe use of pesticides. Farmers have no idea of pesticide poisoning, first aid, waiting period and protective measure. Weak monitoring and enforcement.

Some of the Suggestions that the paper presented are; • • • • • • • •

Farmers, pesticide dealers and users should be trained about the ill effect of POPs related chemicals Develop alternative to POPs related chemical for agricultural use e.g. Promotion of IPM tools Strict regulation to control POPs through enforcement of Pesticide Act and the Pesticide Regulation Make import decisions and export notifications Need of developing a National strategy and action plan to cope with POP problem. Appropriate measures for disposal of date expired pesticides, and no reentrance of such pesticides into the market ensured Long term monitoring network should be conducted to know the present state of POPs pollution & its effect on the various ecocompartment Harmonization of the customs code will greatly assist in monitoring of banned and severely restricted chemicals and pesticides formulation at the entry points.

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Inception Workshop Report 14-15 January, Kathmandu, Nepal

2. Dioxin Toolkit This paper was presented by Mr. Narendra Prasad Pokhrel, Senior Divisional Chemist of the Ministry of Population and Environment. The main theme of the presentation is as follows; Dioxins and furans, Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDD) and Polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDF) are among the twelve Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). Paper presented the Dioxin toolkit, which is a simple, and standardized methodology, which comprises the UNEP recommended procedure for the effective compilation of source and release inventories of dioxin. Compilation of the inventories should be resource efficient and accurate enough to reliably identify the major sources. Inventories should be presented in a standard form. No emission testing is necessary to apply the toolkit and to compile an inventory. Paper mentioned that the toolkit should be designed to be adaptable. The emission factor database may be revised time-to-time and improved in response to the emergence of new emissions data or improved processes. The toolkit is designed to ensure the positive identification of the sources, which include: •

An effective methodology to identify relevant industrial and nonindustrial processes releasing dioxin,

•

Guidance on the gathering of information about relevant process having similar emissions, A database of emission factor, which is representative of process classes.

•

The toolkit is designed to be applicable to all countries but different sectors will investigate differently depending on the resources available and the local priority for those sources. The detail methodology, Protocol for the Inventory Assembly, classification and quantification detail is given in the Annex.

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Inception Workshop Report 14-15 January, Kathmandu, Nepal

Days II January 15, 2005

IV. POP's Inventory Establishment and Assessment of National Infrastructure and Capacity On the second day of the workshop altogether nine papers were presented under the theme POPs inventory establishment and assessment of national infrastructure and capacity. Mr. Narendra Prasad Pokhrel, Senior Divisional Chemist of the MoPE chaired the session of the first four papers. 1. Pesticide stock inventory and possible contamination in Nepal This paper was jointly prepared by Sanjaya Bista, Sunil Aryal, and Rameshwor Maharjan of the Entomology Division of Nepal Agriculture Research Council (NARC). Paper mainly focussed on the introduction and use of POPs pesticides in Nepal around 1950s for malaria eradication program. Later on these chemicals were utilized for the control of agricultural pests too. The overuse, misuse and abuse of pesticides were abundantly seen and heard. This has led many adverse effects including human health and environmental pollution. Paper also presented data of the consumption of pesticides in commercial farming as well as the previous efforts of disposal and inventory. In addition, a detail list of stocks of date expired pesticides and possible contamination and impacts of these pesticides in different medias and organism have been presented. In conclusion, paper stated that the obsolete pesticides are stockpiled in different warehouses under the supervision of various organizations at different places. There are several reports regarding the amount disposed off and accumulated, which seems to be contradictory with each other. The status of these obsolete pesticides in several warehouses is a matter of great concern to all. Although there are many problems for disposing them, the stored pesticides have to remain safely so that there will be less chance of contamination. There was a good effort done in this direction to store pesticide securely by Nepal Agricultural Research Council on its warehouses with the help of 14

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Green Peace Volunteer. Paper also advised to keep all these obsolete pesticides under the supervision of single organization in one warehouse. In the mean time, there is global concern regarding the misuse and overuse of pesticides, which disturb the natural ecosystem and create serious environmental problems. Immediate attention should be given to minimize these misuses as well as malpractices of pesticide handling. Creating awareness among farmers, pesticide dealers, resellers and wholesalers about contamination and hazardous effect of pesticides to human and environment can solve this problem. Also it is necessary to gather information regarding pesticide residue and contamination in different aspect. This could be achieved by strong coordination between different concerned organizations like NARC, MOA, MOPE, NGOs, INGOs and other related organizations that are participating on research and development activities. 2. Assessment of Opportunities of Disposal of Obsolete Stock: Sound Disposal Technologies This paper was presented by Mr. Suman Sharma, Chemist of the Ministry of Population and Environment. Paper provided the status of the stockpile of obsolete POPs pesticides as well as hazardous wastes in Nepal and systematically presented different steps of disposal, treatment facility required and different methods of disposal. Paper highlighted on the need of generating the actual data on the POPs pesticides as well as of all hazardous waste which could be quite helpful in making plan of disposal. In conclusion, paper emphasized to develop a mechanism of deposit refund system for the collection and disposal of obsolete pesticides and the pesticide containers, assigning pesticides retailer to facilitate such collection. Awareness should be raised among people about the hazardousness of the pesticides. Until a full-fledged hazardous waste management facility is established in the country, some bridging activities should immediately be commenced. List of such activities could be: • •

Refund deposit system for hazardous waste collection Guidelines for hazardous waste transport, storing and disposal

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Inception Workshop Report 14-15 January, Kathmandu, Nepal

• • •

Guidelines for incineration and stabilization of hazardous waste in cement kilns, training for the human resources engaged in these activities Separation, conditioning and sterilization of health care waste and dispose through municipal waste management system Stabilization and containment of the hazardous waste and disposal in sanitary landfill for temporary storing.

3. National legislation and regulatory mechanism/control of pesticide, industrial chemical and un-intentional by-product POP's Mr. Laxman Mainali, Law Officer, Ministry of Population and Environment presented this paper. In his paper, Mr. Mainali, clearly described the prevailing legal provision in the management of POPs related pesticides and chemicals in Nepal. Paper specifically provided the provision that are on the Pesticide Act, 1991 and the Pesticide Rules, 1994 as well as in the Environment Protection Act 1997 and Environment Protection Regulation 1997 and Industrial Enterprise Act, 1992. In conclusion, Mr. Mainali has stated that the Pesticide Act and its Rules are only the specific legislations for controlling pesticides, the EPA, EPR and, Industrial Enterprises Act are also relevant in reducing environmental effect from the activities relating to pesticides. The IEE and EIA provisions of EPA and EPR and provisions of the Industrial Enterprises Act regarding to prescribing conditions, to be complied by the industry, in the permission letter or registration certificate before establishment of industries, are the relevant provisions in order to regulate pesticides, industrial chemicals, and un-intentional by products POPs. There are no Act and Rules in the country that directly deals with industrial chemicals and un-intentional by products of POPs. Therefore, there is a need to formulate a separate Rule on industrial chemical and un-intentional by product of POPs under the provision of Section 24 of the EPA. 4. Assessment of Soil Contamination for Pesticides This paper was jointly presented by Dr. S.P. Dhua, Regional Coordinator, RENPAP and Mr. D.N. Manandhar, Senior Scientist of the Nepal Agriculture Research Council. Mr. Manandhar presented research findings done by various researchers in different parts of the world and the relevant facts about soil contamination and the POPs pesticides 16

Inception Workshop Report 14-15 January, Kathmandu, Nepal

used in the past. Most importantly he presented research study conducted by himself and his fellow researchers about contamination of water and soil in different districts of Nepal taking samples from various areas. In this study, it is found that most of the samples were free from significant level of contamination of pesticide residues. Typically γ and α-isomers of BHC were detected in most of the samples. Among 21 samples thus analyzed, γ-BHC was detected from 13 samples whereas α-BHC from 7 samples. The maximum level of γBHC detected was 0.001 ppm and that of α-BHC was 0.003 ppm. Aldrin was detected in one sample. Though there is no reference for allowable maximum contamination level of these pesticides in soil, crops produced from such contaminated field may accumulate a significant level of pesticide residue that can pose serious health implication to the consumers. It is interesting to note the presence of α, γ, δ isomers of BHC in water sample but at very low level. As far as the drinking water quality is concerned, WHO has set the guideline values of γ- BHC and aldrin as 0.002 and 0.003 ppm respectively. The maximum allowable contamination of γ-BHC in drinking water as set by US EPA is 0.00002 ppm. The observed level of BHC beyond WHO guideline value in the drinking water could produce various detrimental health impacts on consumers. However, the residual levels of BHC lie within the recommended WHO guideline for drinking water in all the 4 analyzed water samples. In all the samples collected from Begnas, Rupa and Phewa Lake, only γ-BHC was detected. None of the samples showed the residue of DDT. The concentration level of γ-BHC was less (0.01 ppm) in water samples of Rupa and Phewa lake than that of Begnas Lake (0.034 to 0.10 ppm) (Table 3). Among the samples tested, the highest level of concentration (0.10 ppm) of γ-BHC was detected in the water samples collected at the surface and 2.5 mtr. depth from Begnas lake.

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Mr. Bhusan Tuladhar of the Clean Energy, Nepal, chaired these sessions. In this session, altogether five papers were presented. First paper on this category was on; 5. Medical Waste Treatment Technology Dr. Sushil Koirala presented the paper on medical waste treatment technology. In his paper, Dr. Koirala mentioned that medical waste treatment technology is still a complex task in Nepal. Various studies and surveys have shown that majority of health care institutions do not have their own medical waste management facilities within their health care system. Almost all health care institutions including private hospitals and nursing homes are depending on municipal landfills site to dispose their medical waste. Dumping medical waste in the river banks, open burning of hazardous waste within hospital premises, mixing medical waste with normal non hazardous waste and disposing them into landfills site through municipal normal waste collection system are still a common practice in Nepal. He explained the various disposal technologies that is available at present and gave the advantage and disadvantage of choosing a particular system or technology. Choosing a particular disposal technology depends on various criteria according to the need and affordability. Keeping in view of the criteria the following four factors are major in Nepalese context. And we need the technology, which is (4 Es) Economical (Low cost Technology) Easy (Easy for operation) Environment friendly Effective (Proven Technology). Health care institutions of Nepal (waste producer) are now realizing the facts that producer should manage the waste and should pay the cost of its management. In present context, there is a of lack of Nepalese Guideline for Medical Waste Management and health care institutions are always confused while setting up medical waste treatment technology in Nepal.

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6. Assessment of infrastructure capacity and institutions to manage POPs including regulatory controls needs and options for strengthening them Mr. Ashok K. Saraf, Urban Environment Senior Program Officer of DANIDA has presented this paper. In his paper, Mr. Saraf assessed how GEF is supporting Nepal in her capacity building regarding preparation of National Implementation Plan, which would include policy and regulatory reform, capacity building and investment programs. He further mentioned about the institutional and organizations concerned with the management of POPs in Nepal. More importantly, he explains about the institutions responsible for the management of POPs and hazardous chemicals in Nepal and reviewed the role of different government and non-governmental institutions involved in the management of POPs and public awareness program. In conclusion, Mr. Saraf mentioned that although trained chemist are available in Nepal; laboratories are not fully equipped to measure quantum and residue of POPs pesticides. There is a need of constituting a well defined laws and directives and enforcement and compliance monitoring effectively. There is also need of assessing the monitoring and research & development capacities available within MOPE, and other associates and gaps to be identified for future planning. 7. Waste Incineration This paper was presented by Mr. Suman Sharma, Chemist of the Ministry of Population and Environment. In his paper, Mr. Sharma presented the objectives of the waste incineration, different incineration technology, design feature of each incinerator, measures to be taken for the control of air pollution during incineration. In Conclusion, he concluded that hazardous waste management incineration is one of the important activities adopted all over. However, such facilities require huge capital investment for establishment and expensive operating costs. To be practical, there is very little possibility to have such facilities in Nepal in immediate future. Thus, there is a need of a program that bridges the gap of not having incinerating facility to the future integrated hazardous waste management facilities. For hazardous waste containing high calorific value or refractory to biodegradation and natural decomposition such as POPs which is to be incinerated at very high temperature with meticulous feeding to prevent TCDD and TCDF generation. 19

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8. Assessment of Enforcement Capacity to ensure Compliance Mr. Ram Charitra Sah, Environment Scientist of the Pro Public, presented this paper. In his paper, Mr. Sah has given the present infrastructure as well as legal provision that are present in the management of POPs in Nepal. He explains that he Government now has greater capacity to regulate pesticide through Pesticide Inspector. In conclusion the paper made following recommendations; • • • • •

• •

A pesticide Quality Laboratory is to be established Establish standards for registration of products, Screen out and deregister the more toxic pesticides or pesticides banned elsewhere. Increase documentation of decisions made by the committees and sub-committee. Call for a stronger enforcement regulations. Better Coordination between government agencies (within and among and other concerned) for the control over smuggled pesticide, pesticide donations acceptance decision-making, and government recommendation to use. Promotion of IPM Both Plant Protection Directorate (PPD-1992) and MOPE (1995) are young institution and share the same problem of understaffing, under budgeting and under trained. So, there should be program of human resource development and strengthening of institution.

9. Identification of PCB and material containing PCB This paper was jointly presented by Dr. S.P. Dhua, Regional Coordinator of the RENPAP and Mr. Shree Krishna Shrestha, Director General of the Department of Standard and Metrology. Dr. Dhua presented paper highlighting on the obligations set out by the Article 3 of the Convention relating to PCB like ceasing production of new PCBs, reduce the exposure to PCBs, environmentally sound management of PCBs and reporting mechanism. Similarly, paper provided stepwise approach to PCB identification, tests for determining presence and concentration of PCBs. Mr. Shree Krishna Shrestha presented paper on the current situation of PCBs in Nepal based on the case study survey conducted by Department of Standard and Metrology with the support from UNEP. The main findings of the study that is presented by the paper are;

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Inception Workshop Report 14-15 January, Kathmandu, Nepal

• • • • • • • •

Stakeholders are found to be quite unaware about the adverse effect of PCBs. Very large number of equipments being used all over the country. Lack of information on handling, treatment and disposal of PCBs. Non-availability of systematic data with regard to procurement of transfers. In many transformers- labelling such as country of origin, year of manufacture, and nature of oils used, are missing. Lack of documentary evidences create exact identification problem Grant aid from donors led to own transformers from many diverse countries. 2000 litres of PCBs in two transformers supplied by Traufo Union Germany found in the military owned Ammunition factory and has been stored safely in a secluded place with restricted access.

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Inception Workshop Report 14-15 January, Kathmandu, Nepal

V. National Implementation Plan Under this theme two papers were presented and the session was chaired by Mr. Mohan Bahadur Karki, Secretary of the Ministry of Population and Environment. 1. Identification of management options, including phasing out and risk reduction options Dr. S.P.Dhua, Regional Coordinator, RENPAP and Dr. Y.P. Ramdev, Assistant Regional Coordinator, RENPAP presented this paper. In the first part as an introduction author presented brief introduction of POPs, it's properties and objective of the Stockholm convention on pops. Paper also presented the provisions made in the convention regarding prevention of unintentional production, control of emission and focus on prevention measures. Paper also mentioned on how risk reduction on the human health and environment can be done and developing the alternatives to POPs pesticides like Neem based bio pesticides and non-combustion technology for POPs elimination, which has been already carried out in Slovakia and Philippines. 2. Need for Introduction of Technologies and technology transfer of developing indigenous technologies. This paper was presented by Dr. Ananda Shova Tamrakar, Associate Professor, Tribhuvan University, Nepal. On her paper, she mentioned about the effort to replace chemical pesticides with non-chemical alternatives necessitates empowering farmers with a variety of simple, sustainable, village based technologies that are available. Farmers have been using a variety of plant extracts in pest control for centuries. This method of pest control provides an ideal source of low cost, safe, environmental friendly and effective pesticides. A number of these plant products and other indigenous technologies for pest control were used in the villages. Many of the plants inherently possess certain phytochemicals which when used against the insect and other pest in some or other way inhibit them from their activities such as feeding, respiring, reproducing etc. eventually leading them to collapse and die without any untoward side effects. Natural plant product being indigenous resources with insecticidal, repellent, antifeedent and growth inhibitory activities is one of the important alternatives to replace synthetic pesticides. She highlighted on the need of introduction of indigenous method of plant-based bio pesticides to protect nature from pesticide pollution, which has given 22

Inception Workshop Report 14-15 January, Kathmandu, Nepal

rise to a global problem. On her paper she has categorically presented different plant based extract, its properties, method of preparation and application and the pest controlled through these extracts. In conclusion, she recommended these plant based extract of biopesticides as an alternative to POPs pesticides. Closing Session Mr. Mohan Bahadur Karki, Secretary of the Ministry of Population and Environment kindly chaired the last session and presented his viewpoints as a Chairman of the closing session. Mr. Secretary stated that the technical papers presented during the two day long workshop and the comments made and suggestion received will certainly be the valuable output of the workshop and this will open up a new horizon and lead us to the fulfilment of our objectives regarding the Stockholm Convention on POPs. He thanked all the participants, paper presenter and the representatives from UNIDO and RENPAP. Before the remarks from the Secretary DR. S.P. Dhua, Regional Coordinator of the RENPAP presented the synopsis of the two-day workshop. Similarly, Mr. Jay Ram Adhikari, National Project Coordinator of the POPs Enabling Activities Project presented the issues that was raised during the two-day workshop and assured that the suggestion and comments made from the participants will be taken due care of.

Major Issues Raised during the Workshop 1.

Disposal of obsolete stockpile pesticides

Most of the participants of the workshop raised question on the disposal of the obsolete pesticides that are lying in different storehouses with in Nepal. The participants from Nepal forum of Environmental Journalist repeatedly raise the concern about the disposal and also the status of POPs pesticides. Policy makers also expressed their concern during the inaugural session that Nepal is facing a serious problem due to stockpile of hazardous persistent organic pollutants and therefore, the disposal of these stocks should be the foremost priority. The stockpile of the obsolete pesticides lying in different storehouses that are in the containers have started leaking which may pollute ground water, soil and air. There was a common concern from all the participants on the need of the safe packing and disposal of these harmful pesticides as soon as possible. For this work he emphasized

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Inception Workshop Report 14-15 January, Kathmandu, Nepal

the need of international assistance and urged the GEF project to undertake this issue seriously. 2.

Proper monitoring and compliance

Recent survey conducted by Entomology Division, Khumaltar indicated that pesticides including POPs such as DDT, Endrin, and BHC are still being used by the farmers for different purposes. It was mentioned that although the Nepal has banned the import and use of POPs pesticides but these pesticides are still in use. Considering the growing global concern of pesticide on human health and environment there is a need for establishing a well equipped laboratory facilities for pesticide quality and residue analysis. Similarly, proper legislation, strict monitoring and compliance are essential for the proper management of POPs pesticides. 3.

Public awareness

Many farmers and public in general do not know the ill effect of POPs related pesticides and chemicals so there is a need of creating a public awareness campaign against the adverse effect of persistent organic pollutants and create a long term monitoring network to know the present state of POPs pollution & its effect on the various ecocompartment. 4. Proper Inventory of the obsolete stocks There was a great concern from the participants that the obsolete pesticides are stockpiled in different warehouses under the supervision of various organizations at different places. There are several reports regarding the amount disposed off and accumulated, which seems to be contradictory with each other. The status of these obsolete pesticides in several warehouses is a matter of great concern to all. Although there are many problems for disposing them, the stored pesticides have to remain safely so that there will be less chance of contamination. There fore there is a need a conducting a comprehensive inventory and safe packing of these pesticides. 5. Need for incineration of medical waste Various studies and surveys have shown that majority of health care institutions do not have their own medical waste management facilities

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Inception Workshop Report 14-15 January, Kathmandu, Nepal

within their health care system. Almost all health care institutions including private hospitals and nursing homes are depending on municipal landfills site to dispose their medical waste. Dumping medical waste in the river banks, open burning of hazardous waste within hospital premises, mixing medical waste with normal non hazardous waste and disposing them into landfills site through municipal normal waste collection system are responsible foe the outbreak of diseases. Therefore, a proper and safe incineration facility for the medical waste is most essential for Nepal. 6.

Coordination among Stakeholder

To achieve the objective of the Stockholm Convention on POPs there is a need of close coordination among the concerned agencies like Ministry of Agriculture and cooperatives, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Supply, Federation of Nepal Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI), Nepal Agriculture Research council, Non governmental Organizations and Ministry of Population and Environment. It was emphasized that the coordination between ministries and the concerned stakeholders is necessary. 7.

Research and Development

Pesticides have been introduced and used in Nepal for Malaria control and to control pests and diseases in agriculture since 1950. Since that time large quantities of pesticides had been used indiscriminately without proper safety measures. It is believed that there might be significant level of pollution in our environment. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct research and gather information regarding pesticide residue and contamination in different locality and in different environment media. Participants of the workshop raised their concern about these issues and requested to the project to conduct thorough research and disseminate the findings to the general public for awareness raising. It has been also emphasized for a need of doing research on developing alternatives for POPs pesticides, which is safer, and environment friendly.

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Inception Workshop Report 14-15 January, Kathmandu, Nepal

Conclusion: The two day Inception Workshop was an excellent opportunity to create awareness and disseminate information about Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) as well as providing information about the objectives and work plan of the GEF funded POPs Enabling Activities Project. This workshop also provided an opportunity to discuss various issues about persistent organic pollutants, the status of POPs pesticides in Nepal, their disposal and need for developing a better coordination and understanding among concerned stakeholders. The valuable comments, suggestion expressed and issues raised during the workshop would be a valuable input for the project during the planning and implementation of the workplan.

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Inception Workshop Report 14-15 January, Kathmandu, Nepal

Annex1: Agenda of the Inception Workshop Days I, January 14, 2004 08.30 – 09:00 09.00 – 10:00

Registration Inaugural address Opening address Stockholm Convention on POPs/ POP Overview

10.00 - 10.15

Speaker Hon. Dr. Shankar Sharma, Vice Chairman, National Planning Commission Mr. Valentin Inschenko, UNIDO Dr. S.P. Dhua

Tea Break

I. Determination of Coordinating Mechanism and Organizing Process Moderator/Chairman: Mr. Shree Krishna Shrestha, Director General, NBSM 10:15- 11.00 11.00 – 11:30 11.30- 12:00 12.00 – 12:30 12.30 - 13.30

Implementation mechanism of the GEF project on the development of the National Plan for the Implementation of the Stockholm Convention in Nepal Presentation of Work Plan of the GEF EA Project Financial mechanism of the Stockholm Convention Commitments of the national stakeholders Lunch break

Dr. S. P. Dhua/ Valentin Inschenko

Mr.

Mr. Jay Ram Adhikari Dr. S.P. Dhua -

II. POP's and its Impact Moderator/ Chairman: Mr. Kul Prasad S. Sapkota, NBSM 13.30 - 14.00 14.00 – 14:30 14.30 - 15.05 15.05 – 15:40 15.40 - 16.00

Government policy on Management of Hazardous substances POP's - Risk / Impact on human health POP's - Impact on the environment POPs - Socio-economic impact Tea Break

Mr. Jay Ram Adhikari/ Mr. Narendra Prasad Pokhrel Ms. Rebekah Rottenberg Mr. N.P. Pokherel -

. POP's Inventory Establishment and Assessment of national Infrastructure and Capacity 16.00 - 16.35

Status of POP's preliminary inventory of production, distribution, use, import and export of POP's in Nepal

16.35 - 17.10

Inventory of intentionally produced POP's Pesticides Industrial chemical Dioxin toolkit

17.10 - 17.45

End of day one

27

Ram Babu Paneru, Yagya Prasad Giri, Bishwo Prasad Mainali NARC Mr. Narendra Pokherel

Prasad

Inception Workshop Report 14-15 January, Kathmandu, Nepal

Days II, January 15, 2004 . POP's Inventory Establishment and Assessment of national Infrastructure and Capacity (Continued) Moderator/Chairman: Mr. Narendra Prasad Pokhrel, Senior Divisional Chemist, MoPE 09.00 – 9:30

Preliminary inventory of stock and contaminated sites,

09:30-10.00

Assessment of opportunities for disposal of obsolete stock - Sound disposal technologies National legislation and regulatory mechanism/control of pesticide, industrial chemical and un-intentional byproduct POP's Tea break Assessment of soil contamination for pesticides

10.00 - 10.30 10.30-10.45 10.45 - 11.30

11.30-12.00 12.00 - 12.30 12.30 – 13:00 13.00 - 13.30 13:30 – 13:45 13.45 - 14.15 14.45 - 15.15

15.15 - 15.45 15.45 - 16.15 16.15 - 16.30

Sanjaya Bista, Sunil Aryal, Rameshwor Maharjan NARC Mr. Suman Sharma Mr. Laxman Mainali

Prasad

Dhruba Narayan Manandhar, NARC/ Dr. S. P. Dhua Moderator/Chairman: Mr. Bhusan Tuladhar, Clean Energy, Nepal Medical Waste Treatment Technology Dr. Sushil Koirala Assessment of infrastructure capacity and institutions Mr. Ashok Kumar Saraff, to manage POPs including regulatory controls, needs ESPS and options for strengthening them Waste incineration Mr. Suman Sharma Assessment of enforcement capacity to ensure Mr. Ram Charitra Shah compliance; Lunch Break Assessment of monitoring and R&D capacity - Needs and options for strengthening them Assessment of social and economic implication of POPs use and reduction, including the need for the enhancement of local commercial infrastructure for distributing alternative technologies/ products Monitoring of POPs Identification of PCB and material containing PCB Mr. Shree Krishna Shrestha/ Dr. S.P. Dhua Tea break

IV. National Implementation Plan and Specification Plan Moderator/Chairman: Mr. Mohan Bahadur Karki, Secretary, MoPE 16.30 - 17.00 17.00 - 17.35 17.35 - 18.00 18.00 - 18.20

Identification of management options, including phasing out and risk reduction options Need for introduction of technologies, including technology transfer, possibilities of developing indigenous alternatives Assessment of cost and benefits of management options Closing Remarks

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Dr. S.P. Dhua/Dr. Y.P. Ramdev Dr. Ananda Shova Tamarkar Secretary Mr. Bahadur Karki

Mohan

Inception Workshop Report 14-15 January, Kathmandu, Nepal

Annex 2: List of Participants S.No. 1.

Name of Participants Mr. Bhakta Raj Palikhe

Organization Department of Agriculture, Plant Protection Directorate Pro-Public

2.

Mr. Sushil Bahadur Karki

3.

Mr. Durga Dahal

4.

Mr. Kul Prasad Sharma Nepal Bureau of Standard Sapkota and Metrology

Pesticide Nepal

Association

of

5. Ms.Palpasa Tuladhar

Environmental and Public Health Organization Nepal Forum for Environment Journalist

6.

Mr. Mohal Mainali

7.

Mr. Bhairab Rishal

8.

Mr. Sharad Nepal

9.

Mr. Surya Thapa

10.

Mrs. Renu Shrestha

11.

Mr. Dilip Khatiwada

12.

Mr. Ram Bahadur Paneru

13. 14. 15. 16.

Nepal Forum for Environment Journalist Center Bureau of Statistics

Bahadur Ministry of Population and Environment Ministry of Industry Commerce and Supply Ministry of Population and Environment

Nepal Agriculture Centre Mr. Sunil Aryal Nepal Agriculture Centre Mr. Sanjaya Bista Nepal Agriculture Centre Mr. Dhruba Narayan Nepal Agriculture Manandhar Centre Mr. Janak Rai

Research Research Research Research

Federation of Nepal Chamber of Commerce and Industry

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Inception Workshop Report 14-15 January, Kathmandu, Nepal

17. 18. 19.

Mr.Ram Bahadur Shretha

Ministry of Agriculture and Co-operatives Mr. Laxman Mainali Ministry of Population and Environment Mr. Ramesh Kumar Silwal Nepal Chemical Society

20.

Mr. Dhan Prasad Sharma Ministry of Health Poudel

21.

Mr. Bhusan Tuladhar

Clean Energy, Nepal

22.

Mr. Naresh Sharma

23.

Mr. Narendra Pokhrel

24.

Mr. Suman Sharma

25.

Mr. Sanchaya Parajuli

26.

Mr. Santosh Shrestha

27.

Mr. Pradeep Amatya

28.

Mr. Bhai Raja Manandhar

29.

Mr. Ram Babu Koirala

Ministry of Population and Environment Ministry of Population and Environment Ministry of Population and Environment Kathmandu Metropolitan City Nepal Health Research Council Lalitpur Sub-Metropolitan City Ministry of Population and Environment Nepal Permaculture Group

30.

Mr. Deepak K.C.

Metro FM

31.

Mr. Purushottam Kunwar

Ministry of Population and Environment

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Inception Workshop Report 14-15 January, Kathmandu, Nepal

Annex 3: Technical Papers

31