From Geneva to Seychelles: Strengthening implementation of Global Chemicals Conventions |19 May 2025
From Geneva to Seychelles: Strengthening implementation of Global Chemicals Conventions
The Chemicals Conventions comprising the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions are global treaties aimed at protecting human health and the environment from the harmful impacts of hazardous chemicals and waste.
The 2025 meetings of the Conference of the Parties (COPs) to the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions collectively known as the Chemicals Conventions were held in Geneva from April 28 to May 9. A High-Level Segment took place from April 30 to May 1.
These COPs bring together approximately 1,600 participants representing around 170 countries, along with about 260 observer organizations. The overarching theme for this year’s meetings and High-Level Segment was “Make Visible the Invisible: Sound Management of Chemicals and Wastes.”
The sessions aim to enhance national implementation of the three international treaties that govern hazardous chemicals and waste. Key discussions include strategic, technical, and regulatory decisions to improve global chemical safety and waste management.
The 17th meeting of the Basel Convention addressed several crucial matters, including:
- A proposed strategic framework for the Convention's implementation from 2025 to 2031, prepared by a small intersessional working group.
- Proposed amendments to Annexes II, VIII, and IX of the Convention texts, with a focus on e-waste regulations.
The 12th meeting of the Rotterdam Convention reviewed:
- The status of implementation of the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) procedure for hazardous chemicals and pesticides in international trade.
- Recommendations from the Chemical Review Committee related to the inclusion of new substances under the PIC procedure.
The 12th meeting of the Stockholm Convention considered:
Recommendations from the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee regarding the listing of new POPs in the Convention annexes.
- Technical guidelines on the environmentally sound management of waste containing or contaminated with Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). The focus was on the newly added POPs: UV-328, Dechlorane plus and Methoxychlor.
- Guidelines for managing waste with UV-328 and chemical of concern
In addition to individual convention matters, the COPs are jointly discussing:
- The Programme of Work and Budget for the upcoming period
- Mobilization of resources, particularly from non-state actors.
- National Reporting
- Technical assistance and capacity-building for the implementation of conventions
At country level, Seychelles is currently updating its National Implementation Plan under the Stockholm Convention. Additionally, we are also implementing a five-year project funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), titled “Indian Ocean ISLANDS - Seychelles: Implementing Sustainable Low and Non-Chemical Development in SIDS.” The project supports actions identified in the National Implementation Plan on POPs and addresses recommendations from the 2016 Mercury Initial Assessment Report.
Devika Vidot, Minister for Investment, Entrepreneurship, and Industry, represented Seychelles at the High-Level Segment. She participated in a roundtable discussion focused on circularity, pollution, and means of implementation. Minister Vidot spoke on the topic of circularity, sharing Seychelles' experiences and challenges as a Small Island Developing State (SIDS). She emphasized the importance of making circular economy initiatives in waste management appealing and viable for entrepreneurs.
Seychelles ratified the Basel Convention in August 1993 and the Stockholm Convention in September 2008. Other members of the Seychelles delegation included Nanette Laure, Fredrick Kinloch, Michelle Azemia, and Farah Laporte.
Contributed