National Training and capacity building activities to assist in the development of a framework for the lifecycle management of industrial chemicals (import, use, storage, transport and disposal) under the Rotterdam Convention Tsaghkadzor, Republic of Armenia September 25-28, 2018

(Funding for this project was generously provided by the European Commission)

THE ROTTERDAM CONVENTION

ON THE PRIOR INFORMED CONSENT PROCEDURE

FOR CERTAIN HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS AND PESTICIDES IN INTERNATIONAL TRADE

SECRETARIAT OF THE ROTTERDAM CONVENTION

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations Environment Programme United Nations (FAO) (UNEP) Viale delle Terme di Caracalla International Environment House 00100 Rome, Italy 11-13, Chemin des Anémones Tel: (+39 06) 5705 2188 CH – 1219 Châtelaine Fax: (+39 06) 5705 6347 Geneva, Switzerland E-mail: [email protected] Tel: (+41 22) 917 8296 Fax: (+41 22) 917 8082 E-mail: [email protected]

Table of Contents

Contents

Introduction ...... 4

Training Activity ...... 7

Agenda and timetable ...... 12

Action Plan to Strengthen the Management of Industrial Chemicals in the Rotterdam Convention in Armenia: ...... 18 Action Plan to Strengthen Chemicals Management in the Republic of Armenia……..…21

Mass-Media Coverage of the Training…………………………………………………………..25

Minutes of the Training……………………………………………………………………………35 Annex. Competencies of Different Ministries and Agencies of the Republic of Armenia in the Sphere of Chemicals and Waste Management…………………………………………………

National Training under the Rotterdam Convention, Tsaghkadzor, Armenia, 25 to 28 September 2018 3

Introduction

The Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade establishes an international mechanism to regulate the trade of pesticides and industrial chemicals that are contained in its Annex III. The industrial chemicals included under the scope of the Rotterdam Convention have been banned or severely restricted for health or environmental reasons by Parties to the Convention. Of the 51 chemicals listed in Annex III, 14 are industrial chemicals.

Despite the entry into force in 2004 of the Rotterdam Convention and the progressive inclusion of industrial chemicals to its Annex III, the absence or insufficiencies of regulatory programmes for industrial chemicals in many developing countries translates into a lack of tools to effectively protect human health and the environment from the potentially harmful effects of industrial chemicals.

In this regard, Decision 4/9 adopted by the fourth meeting of the Conference of the Parties on national and regional delivery of technical assistance indicated that the strategic plan for implementing the work programme for industrial chemicals for 2009-2011 should, among others: • pay particular attention to the needs of Parties in meeting the requirements of paragraph 2 of Article 10 and Paragraph 1 of Article 5 of the Convention.

This programme builds upon pilot projects on supporting countries in dealing with industrial chemicals that were implemented in 2010 in Botswana and Jordan and in 2012 in Mauritania and Honduras. All the information and materials used were then compiled in the form of an interactive electronic toolkit (which will also be part of the IOMC Toolbox). This toolkit can be used by other countries to assess the basic elements required in the management of industrial chemicals that would assist them in meeting their obligations under the Rotterdam Convention and other related MEAs.

The pilot projects indicated that countries lacked the basic capabilities to assess exposures, evaluate and assess risk and manage risk when dealing with industrial chemicals.

The reduction of chemical risks is the ultimate goal of the environmentally sound management of all chemicals. Risk reduction options include fundamental arrangements such as chemical safety legislation and enforcement, as well as other basic national means for the management of chemicals, adequate labeling and responsible care and stewardship by industry.

Overall objectives:

• Raise awareness on the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) procedure and the newly listed industrial chemicals (PFOS, octabromodiphenyl ether and pentabromodiphenyl ether); How to make assessments of exposures with respect to these new chemicals. • Facilitate the strengthening of existing national structures and mechanisms for cooperation and coordination for the sustainable management of chemicals in an integrated manner that involves all relevant stakeholders in the implementation of the chemicals and wastes conventions. • Foster cooperation and facilitate dialogue between the DNA and stakeholders on the challenges faced in chemicals management and the implementation of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions and to share experiences and promote cooperation in addressing these challenges. • Provide tools and approaches that can be used to apply precaution in industrial chemicals management. Demonstration and use of the Rotterdam Convention Industrial Chemicals Management Toolkit, WHO Human Health Risk Assessment Toolkit, IOMC Toolbox for

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Decision-Making in Chemicals Management, LIRA Guidance and specific guidance for upstream chemical control legislation, etc. • Facilitate the development of a framework and implementation plans for industrial chemicals management;

Structure of the workshop:

The workshop was convened for 4 days for 23 participants from different stakeholder institutions. It operated through a series of plenary sessions and roundtable discussions.

To ensure the effectiveness of the workshop each stakeholder was requested to prepare a brief report on their mandates and involvement in the management of chemicals and wastes. Participants were suggested to critically look at the legal, institutional and administrative arrangements which exist for chemicals and waste management and take into account relevant arrangements for the implementation of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions, including any key challenges being faced.

Preparatory work aimed at mapping responsibilities of Government Agencies for chemicals and wastes management at the national level taking into consideration previous assessments (e.g., National Chemicals Profile, SAICM Capacity Assessment, NIPs, NAPs, etc,) so recommendations as to how to enhance inter-ministerial coordination with respect to chemicals and wastes management could be developed. Another area of preparatory work included the assessment of current information flows of chemicals and wastes between relevant agencies (e.g., related to imports, exports, use, transport, recycling, disposal, national exposure assessments, etc.).

Participants

The List of Training Participants involves Designated National Authority for industrial chemicals plus relevant stakeholders in the general management of chemicals in the Republic of Armenia, including:

• Ministry of Nature Protection of the Republic of Armenia; • Ministry of Agriculture; • Ministry of Health, • Healthcare and Labour Inspection Body; • Food Safety Inspection Body; • Ministry of Economic Development and Investments; • Ministry of Emergency Situations; • State Revenue Committee’s Customs Authorities; • State Council on Statistics; • Republic of Armenia Police • Armenian Women for Health and Healthy Environment (AWHHE) NGO

Partners

UNEP Regional Office for Europe; World Health Organization; IOMC partners (UNITAR, UNEP Chemicals and Wastes Branch, CIEL).

Outputs of the workshop

• Participants shared information and experiences on existing inter-ministerial coordination/cooperation mechanisms at the national level, as well as identified the areas where they may be having challenges and how these could be addressed.

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• Participants identified strategies for enhancing/strengthening, national cooperation/coordination, monitoring and surveillance of priority chemicals, chemical risk evaluations and information exchange mechanisms on industrial chemicals and wastes under the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions. • Discussions were held and draft decisions made on further steps to develop and implement a national framework for the sound management of industrial chemicals. There was аn active search for answers to such questions as “How to promote effective implementation?”. Some of the foreseen challenges to be dealt with were identified, as well as all the players and stakeholders. • Clear definitions were given and documentation of the next steps defined: who will do what and when? • Awareness-raising on information requirements to conduct needs assessments and the elements of risk evaluation. Establish a process for evaluating the adequacy of national legislative and regulatory measures and policies and how to upgrade such legal measures and policies towards enabling and supporting the risk management decisions made on the management of hazardous industrial chemicals. • Establishment of a process for data collection and the preparation of a national report on ICM to allow understanding on the situation within the country on the management of industrial chemicals. This report would complement the National Profiles on chemicals management based on the UNITAR methodology. • Use of the electronic industrial chemicals toolkit and others (IOMC Toolbox, WHO Human Health Risk Assessment Toolkit). • Use of the LIRA Guidance and specific guidance for upstream chemicals control legislation. • An increase in the number of Import Responses for new chemicals (i.e. PFOS, Octabromodiphenyl ether and Pentabromodiphenyl ether) and/or notifications of Final Regulatory Actions, due to the increased knowledge on how to assess risks of any chemical and make notifications to the Secretariat.

Workshop Venue:

Tsaghkadzor, Republic of Armenia

Next steps:

The draft framework document resulting from this workshop on the lifecycle management of industrial chemicals could be important in the drafting of proposals to acquire funding to fill-in the gaps in the management of industrial chemicals, as identified.

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Training Activity

Day 1: September 25, 2018

SESSION ONE: OPENING

The Opening Speech of Mr. Alexander Mangwiro, Programme Officer, Secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions, Science and Technical Assistance Branch, UNEP, was followed by brief indication of the Training objectives, in particular: • Raise awareness on the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) procedure and the newly listed industrial chemicals (PFOS, octabromodiphenyl ether and pentabromodiphenyl ether); How to make assessments of exposures with respect to these new chemicals. • Facilitate the strengthening of existing national structures and mechanisms for cooperation and coordination for the sustainable management of chemicals in an integrated manner that involves all relevant stakeholders in the implementation of the chemicals and wastes conventions. • Foster cooperation and facilitate dialogue between the DNA and stakeholders on the challenges faced in chemicals management and the implementation of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions and to share experiences and promote cooperation in addressing these challenges. • Provide tools and approaches that can be used to apply precaution in industrial chemicals management. Demonstration and use of the Rotterdam Convention Industrial Chemicals Management Toolkit, WHO Human Health Risk Assessment Toolkit, IOMC Toolbox for Decision-Making in Chemicals Management, LIRA Guidance and specific guidance for upstream chemical control legislation, etc. • Facilitate the development of frameworks and implementation plans for industrial chemicals management.

The following introductory presentations were done “Rotterdam Convention”, “The Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions: an Overview” by Mr. Alexander Mangwiro,

Mr. Mangwiro gave the floor to Ms. Anahit Aleksandryan (Head, Hazardous Substances and Wastes Policy Division, Ministry of Nature Protection, Republic of Armenia, Focal point of Rotterdam, Stockholm, Minamata Conventions and SAICM), who welcomed the Training participants on behalf of Ms. Irina Ghaplanyan (First Deputy Minister of Nature Protection of the Republic of Armenia). Mr. Wondwosen Asnake Kibret (Policy and Partnership Coordinator, Europe Office, UN Environment) was the next to greet the participants and indicated that though he is for the 1st time in Armenia, the country is very important as a partner and collaborator of numerous initiatives of UN Environment. In his welcome address Mr. Jorge Luis Ocaña Correa (Manager, Chemicals and Waste Management Programme Division for Planet, United Nations Institute for Training and Research, UNITAR) emphasized that cooperation between UNITAR and Armenia began many years ago: from Chemical Profiles and some other strategic documents. Ms. Giulia Carlini (Staff Attorney, Environmental Health Program, Center for International Environmental law, CIEL) welcomed the Training participants and stressed the fact that different sectors are represented. Ms. Irina Zastenskaya (Technical Officer, Chemical Safety, WHO Office for Europe) mentioned that she had already participated in meetings held in Armenia and praised the activities performed in the Republic of Armenia towards sound management of chemicals. She also marked that in her presentations she would, though in the frames of Rotterdam Convention, underline the activity of healthcare institutions for prevention of chemicals adverse impacts towards human health.

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The self-representation of Training participants was supplemented by summaries on the represented organization, their main activity and responsibilities with the focus on roles in chemicals and waste management in Armenia (Annex attached)..

SESSION TWO

The following presentations were done during Session Two.

Ms. Giulia Carlini (CIEL) made a presentation “Chemicals management tool for a National framework for sound management of Chemicals. Information on chemicals”. The presenter stressed the important role of different types of information sources for tailoring policy measures. Mr. Jorge Luis Ocaña Correa made a presentation: “An Overview of the GHS”. Mr. Ocaña indicated the main steps in system establishing and the purpose of GHS, emphasizing labelling, Safety data Sheets, as well as benefits of GHS, including global ones. It was stressed that GHS does not cover pharmaceuticals, food additives, cosmetics, pesticides residues in food. Classification requirements, groups of hazards, transport pictograms, etc.were mentioned. The role of UNITAR and ILO in respect to chemicals was described with the focus on UNITAT/ ILO GHS activities, programme areas were identified, emphasizing how to get started with GHS. Information was provided about UNITAR Guidance document on GHS and the appropriate link.

Mr. Alexander Mangwiro made a presentation “Scope, Purpose and Structure. National Workshop on the Sound Management of Industrial Chemicals under the Rotterdam convention”. Mr. Alexander Mangwiro stressed the following key provisions of PIC procedure, its steps and benefits to Parties: • Early warning system • Informed decision-making • Shared responsibilities • Export notification • Information accompanying export • Networks among Designated National Authorities • Technical assistance After each presentations there was a lively discussion of the topic, in response to the questions both international experts and training participants made useful additions and explanations.

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Day 2: September 26, 2018

SESSION THREE The activity of Session Three was launched by the presentation done by Mr. Wondwosen Asnake Kibret (Policy and Partnership Coordinator, Europe Office, UN Environment). The following issues were emphasized: - Opportunities for engagement - How to learn more - Achieving sustainable development goals, etc.

The Georgian Form for GHS was presented and the necessity to enhance actions, because the cost of inaction is expensive. Mr. Wondwosen Asnake Kibret specially praised the good representation of the participants from different ministries, Agencies, NGO and the coherency of their activity.

Presentation on IOMC Toolbox for Decision-Making in Chemicals Management was done by Ms. Irina Zastenskaya, who briefly defined objectives of Inter-Organization Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals (IOMC) and the Toolbox with the focus on chemicals in the Sustainable Development Agenda. The prioritization of actions in Public Health sector for implementation of Minamata Convention was depicted and the coordination of actions between Rotterdam Convention and Minamata Convention emphasized, because, for example, mercury is a risk factor for health as it is 1 chemical element that might be in 3 forms. As to coordination of actions between different conventions, the role of Public Health sector is important and WHO has a Guidance document. Another important point is analysis of gaps. Prior to priorities setting there should be reasonable approaches for that, as well as grounds for mainstreaming priorities in strategy documents.

Mr. Alexander Mangwiro made the presentation “Achieving Cooperation and Collaboration at the National Level” to clearly define the difference between coordination and cooperation, the challenges and needs, as well as suggestions on how to improve coordination. The difference was demonstrated between negative coordination; positive coordination; policy integration, and strategic integration. Mr. Jorge Ocaña made a presentation “Introduction to the IOMC Toolbox for Decision- Making in Chemicals Management”. He specially stressed the scope of activity by Inter- Organization Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals (IOMC), importance of gaps analysis and problem identification, as well as limited or low resources. Ms. Giulia Carlini made a presentation “LIRA Guidance” and tackled the following issues ‘What is Chemicals control?’, ‘Benefits of chemicals control’, ‘Aims of Circular Economy’, ‘Globe free from hazardous Substances’, etc.

Simulation Exercises The appropriate texts were distributed in advance and the participants were suggested to consider the cases in specially formed groups. Training participants suggested Mr. Artak Khachatryan as a Rapporteur to present the outcome of discussions.

Day 3: September 27, 2018

SESSION FOUR

The activity of Day Three was launched by report of Mr. Artak Khachatryan as a Rapporteur. Representing the situation in an imaginary country of Gonzo, Mr. Khachatryan constantly made

National Training under the Rotterdam Convention, Tsaghkadzor, Armenia, 25 to 28 September 2018 9 additions, comparing the situation with the state-of-the-arts in Armenia. Some examples were also given by Ms. Elena Manvelyan, Anahit Aleksandryan and Nune Bakunts.

Mr. Alexander Mangwiro summarized that as considering by the discussion, all Training participants benefited from the exercises and it will help them in their precise cases.

Ms. Irina Zastenskaya made presentation on “Health Surveillance”. In particular, she emphasized that chemicals are among the factors causing such health problems endocrine disorders, infertility, etc. In some cases when chemicals are banned or their production is stopped the ‘accompanying’ diseases also cease to be registered. Another presentation was “Chemicals risk assessment: introduction to the WHO approach”, in which Ms. Zastenskaya emphasized that almost all Articles and clauses of Rotterdam Convention are based on assessment of chemicals risk towards human health. She also presented “WHO Human Health Risk Assessment Toolkit: Chemical Hazards”. Then Ms. Zastenskaya briefly described the difference between Maximum Allowable Concentrations (MACs) and risk assessment. The issue was followed by additional explanation by Ms. Anahit Aleksandryan, who described the process of MACs establishing in details. Ms. Irina Zastenskaya also explained the NOEAL values and provided information that there is electronic tool for determination of danger posed by substances in closed space (e.g., in schools). Hazards are evaluated with focus on target organs of human body. Next presentation of Ms. Zastenskaya was devoted to Toxicology/ Poisons Centers.

Ms. Giulia Carlini made a presentation on LIRA Guidance with the focus on main phases and activities in managing placement of chemicals on the market. Main structural components were also considered.

Group Exercise

The next exercise “Framework for the Lifecycle Management of Industrial Chemicals under the Rotterdam Convention, in Armenia” required preparation of Action Plan to Strengthen the Management of Industrial Chemicals under the Rotterdam Convention in Armenia”.

The exercise was discussed in Groups and Draft Plan prepared in Armenian language.

Day 4: September 28, 2018

The activity of Training Day Four began with presentation done by Mr. Artak Khachatryan, who delivered the results of group discussion and described the Action Plan that was prepared on the basis of discussions held by Training participants on September 27, 2018. The revealed challenges were emphasized. The Table was filled in, however, some questions were addressed to Mr. Alexander Mangwiro and appropriate response, explanations obtained.

Ms. Irina Zastenskaya made a presentation “Main Elements in the frames of 3-lateral Project on Road Map preparation. The Evaluation Questionnaires were distributed and the training participants filled them out answering the given questions concerning the Objectives, Structure, and Outputs of the event.

FINAL SESSION: CLOSING

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Mr. Alexander Mangwiro, on behalf of the UNEP/SRC thanked participants for their participation. He further reiterated the Secretariat’s commitment to assist Parties to the Rotterdam Convention in meeting their obligations. He assured the participants of the Secretariats desire to continue working with Parties such as Armenia in helping them to soundly manage chemicals that are under BRS Conventions as well as SAICM.

Ms. Anahit Aleksandryan, the Rotterdam Convention national focal point, officially closed the meeting. She expressed gratitude to the SRC and the participants for their active participation and contributions that made the Training interesting and lively. She finally declared the meeting closed.

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Agenda and timetable

National Training and capacity building workshop to assist in the development of a framework for the lifecycle management of industrial chemicals (import, use, storage, transport and disposal) under the Rotterdam Convention

Tsaghkadzor, Republic of Armenia

September 25-28, 2018

PROVISIONAL AGENDA

Time Activity Facilitator DAY 1 Tuesday 25 September Session 1: Opening, Introduction and Background Information

Registration of participants Morning 08:00 – Ministry of Nature Opening Speech 10:00 Protection of the Ms. Irina Ghaplanyan, First Deputy Minister of Nature Republic of Protection, Republic of Armenia Armenia Opening Remarks – Scope, purpose and structure of the BRS Secretariat workshop - P0 (Programme background) (Participants write on stick ups, their expectations and what they hope to gain from this workshop) Rotterdam Convention Overview BRS Secretariat • Main provisions of the Convention • PIC Procedure Synergies with other processes: Outcome of UNEA3 on UN Environment pollution, the Ostrava outcome on environment and health, Europe Office and preparations forUNEA4. COFFEE BREAK 10:30 - • Presentation of Armenia’s first Voluntary National Government of 12:30 Review (VNR) on the implementation of the 2030 Armenia Agenda and links to Chemicals Management • Armenia stakeholder presentations on their roles in Armenia stakeholders

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Chemicals Management in Armenia (Participants) Government of • Update on the development of national portfolios for Armenia action to minimize adverse effects of chemicals on human health and the environment. LUNCH

Session 2: National Framework development for the sound management of chemicals 14:00 – Role of National Coordination and Cooperation for sound BRS Secretariat 15:30 chemicals management: • What is effective national coordination? • Importance of inter-ministerial coordination • How to engage other stakeholders and encourage constructive participation • Information exchange and dissemination (simulation exercises) Key components of a national framework on the sound BRS secretariat/CIEL management of chemicals • Presentation of tools available to support Parties, including: Rotterdam Convention Resource Kit; Rotterdam Convention toolkit on industrial chemicals; LIRA Guidance (general) • Overview of chemicals information collection and WHO management –P8 • Overall prioritization and planning for implementation of the health-related activities: discussion of the WHO guidance on the implementation of the Minamata Convention. COFFEE BREAK 16:00 – Content and role of a national framework for the sound CIEL 18:00 management of industrial chemicals; how it is related to existing sector legislation on sound management for industrial chemicals, and what can it deliver

Discussion on the current National Framework for Chemicals Participants Management for Armenia (Gaps and possible solutions, links to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda in Armenia etc.)

DAY 2 Wednesday 26 September Session 3: Plan of action for chemicals management Morning New industrial chemicals under the Rotterdam convention BRS Secretariat 08:00 – Chemicals management tool for a National framework for UNITAR 10:00 sound management of chemicals: Hazard assessment and role of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of chemicals (GHS) for sound chemicals management of industrial chemicals IOMC GHS Implementation guidelines 2010. UNITAR

COFFEE BREAK 10:30- Continuation of the above activity 12:30 LUNCH 14:00 – UNEP LIRA Guidance CIEL

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17:30 • Institution building • Cost recovery mechanisms • National implementation of legal texts according to the LIRA methodology Brief discussion on how to link the Plan of action for chemicals management with the implementation of the 2030 Participants Agenda in Armenia.

DAY 3 Thursday 27 September Session 4: Hazard, Risk Evaluation, Assessment and Management Morning Video: transmission of import responses under the Rotterdam BRS secretariat 08:00 – Convention 10:00 Simulation exercises on Import Responses for Industrial Participants Chemicals (TML, TEL, asbestos amphibolites, PCB, Tris) – stakeholder analysis, DGD usage, etc.. Report of group discussions in plenary. • Surveillance WHO • Risk assessment • Notification of Final Regulatory Actions under the Rotterdam Convention – Bridging Information COFFEE BREAK

10:30 – Chemical accidents: WHO 12:30 • Public health management of chemical accidents • International Health Regulations • Poison Centres Introduction to risk assessment and presentation of the WHO Toolkit Toolkit demonstration LUNCH 14:00 – Demonstration of the IOMC Toolbox for Decision-Making UNITAR 15:30 in Chemicals Management (IOMC Toolbox)

COFFEE BREAK 16:00 – Continuation of simulation exercises Participants 18:00 Report of group discussions in plenary.

DAY 4 Friday 28 September Morning Using all the Tools and guideline documents, draft a plan of Participants 09:00 – action for strengthening chemicals management in your 12:30 country – legal instruments, RC Import Responses, GHS implementation strategy, who does what and when? And how to integrate into the implementation of the 2030 agenda in Armenia. Break

Training evaluation Closing

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National Training

and capacity building activities to assist in the development of a framework for the lifecycle management of industrial chemicals (import, use, storage, transport and disposal) under the Rotterdam Convention

Tsaghkadzor, Armenia

25 to 28 September 2018

List of Participants

NN Name, Surname Affiliation

1. Ms. Irina Ghaplanyan First Deputy Minister of Nature Protection of the Republic of Armenia 2. Ms. Anahit Aleksandryan Head, Hazardous Substances and Wastes Policy Division, Ministry of Nature Protection, Republic of Armenia Focal point of Rotterdam, Stockholm, Minamata Conventions and SAICM 3. Mr. Alexander Mangwiro Programme Officer, Secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions, Science and Technical Assistance Branch, UNEP 4. Mr. Jorge Luis Ocaña Correa Manager, Chemicals and Waste Management Programme Division for Planet, United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) 5. Ms. Irina Zastenskaya Technical Officer, Chemical Safety, WHO Office for Europe 6. Ms. Giulia Carlini Staff Attorney, Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) 7. Mr. Wondwosen Asnake Kibret Policy and Partnership Coordinator, Europe Office, UN Environment 8. Ms. Ruzanna Grigoryan Head, Department of International Cooperation, Ministry of Nature Protection of the Republic of Armenia

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NN Name, Surname Affiliation

9. Mr. Mekhak Ghazaryan Head, Waste and Atmosphere Emissions Management Agency, Ministry of Nature Protection, Republic of Armenia 10. Mr. Artak Khachatryan Head, Division of waste inventory, classification and technology investigation, Environmental Monitoring and Information Center State Non-Commercial Organization Focal point of Basel Convention

11. Mr. Arsen Kamalyan Head, Division of Water and Atmosphere Control, Department of Water, Atmosphere, Soils, Wastes and Hazardous Substances Control, Inspectorate for Nature Protection and Mineral Resources, Republic of Armenia 12. Mr. Karapet Karapetyan Head, Division of Technogenic Accidents, Department of Arranging Population Protection and Elimination of Disasters Consequences, Rescue Service, Ministry of Emergency Situations, Republic of Armenia Colonel of Rescue Service 13. Mr. Arman Hambardzumyan Head, “Licensing Center” Licensing Agency, Ministry of Agriculture, Republic of Armenia

14. Mr. Armenak Melkonyan Chief Customs Inspector, Classification and Non- Tariff Regulation Division, Customs Control Department, State Revenue Committee under the Government of the Republic of Armenia 15. Ms. Nune Bakunts Deputy General Director, National Center for Disease Control and Prevention SNCO, Ministry of Health of the Republic of Armenia 16. Ms. Armenuhi Arustamyan Chief Specialist, Department of Hygienic and Anti- epidemic Supervision, Healthcare and Labor Inspection Body of the Republic of Armenia

17. Ms. Ovsanna Tshakatyan Head, Control-Toxicological Laboratory, “Republican Veterinary-Sanitary and Phytosanitary Center of Laboratory Services” SNCO of the Food Safety Inspection Body subject to the Government of the Republic of Armenia 18. Ms. Nelli Baghdasaryan Member, State Council on Statistics, Republic of Armenia 19. Mr. Samvel Paranyan Chief Specialist, Department of Sectoral Economic Policy, Ministry of Economic Development and Investments of the Republic of Armenia 20. Mr. Arman Vardanyan Police Operative, 1st Division of the 2nd

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NN Name, Surname Affiliation

Department of General Department for Combating Organized Crime, Republic of Armenia Police Captain of Police 21. Ms. Elena Manvelyan President, Armenian Women for Health and Healthy Environment (AWHHE) NGO 22. Ms. Alla Ivchenko Administrative Support

23. Ms. Irina Kulajyan Administrative Support

24. Mr. Arthur Aroustamov Simultaneous translator

25. Ms. Sona Hayrapetyan Simultaneous translator

26. Mr. Karen Arustamov Equipment provider

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Action Plan to Strengthen the Management of Industrial Chemicals in the Rotterdam Convention in Armenia:

Status of chemicals management in Armenia:

The “Law of Chemicals” is lacking in the Republic of Armenia. Chemicals are regulated in the frames of Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade, and Minamata Convention on Mercury.

In 2005 the Government of the Republic of Armenia approved the “List of chemicals and pesticides regulated by Rotterdam Convention and banned in the Republic of Armenia” (Decision No. 293-N dated March 17, 2005). In September 2016, the new List was approved by the Government of the Republic of Armenia.

There is a “List of banned plant protection means, including persistent organic pollutants”: - Decision of the Board of Eurasian Economic Commission dated October 6, 2015; No. 131 “On measure of non-tariff regulation” 1.4. Plant protection mans and other persistent organic pollutants banned for import”. Currently the “Unified List for the countries of Eurasian Economic Community under the Stockholm Convention” is at the stage of approval / negotiation.

The Government of the Republic of Armenia approved the Concept of the “Law of Chemicals” (Decision No. 1265-L dated November 8, 2018). The Law will regulate registration of chemicals, responsibilities of different stakeholders, etc. In particular, the Law will provide for • regulation of chemicals safe/ sound handling in the Republic of Armenia; • establishment of a unified system for chemicals registration; • setting forth requirements on chemicals classification; • setting forth requirement for chemicals labelling that will ensure efficient system for notification of the final consumer about the hazardous properties of chemicals; • integrated regulation of chemicals import and export system; • establishing and clearly differentiating authorities/ responsibilities of state governance bodies in the area of chemicals handling; • establishing the rights and responsibilities of persons involved in the chemicals handling area; • setting forth responsibility for violation of legislative requirements on chemicals handling. Legislation for pesticides registration is in place. 1. Republic of Armenia Law “On Phytosanitary” contains requirement on state registration of pesticides and farm chemicals as well as list of documents required by Commission for issuing conclusion on pesticides and farm chemicals registration; on the base of conclusion the state registration of mentioned substances is done. - 2. Decision of the Republic of Armenia Government No. 908-N dated July 26, 2007 “On approval of the membership list and order of actions of the Commission for registration of pesticides and farm chemicals and recognizing Decisions of the Republic of Armenia Government No. 18 of January 2001 and No. 11 of January 8, 2002 as invalid (no longer in force)”. - 3. Decision of the Republic of Armenia Government No. 478-N dated May 12, 2016 “On establishing the order of state registration, re-registration, withdrawal of registration of pesticides and farm chemicals and recognizing Decision of the Republic of Armenia Government No. 1039-N of August 30, 2007 as invalid (no longer in force)”.

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- 4. Order of the head of State Service for Food Safety of the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Armenia No. 02-N dated February 25, 2011 “On approval of the List of chemical and biological plant protection means allowed for use in the Republic of Armenia”.

The Concept of “Extended Producer Responsibility” as well as Strategy and the Action Plan are approved (Protocol Decision of the Republic of Armenia Government “On approval of the Strategy and subsequent Action Plan for implementation of extended producer (importer) responsibility systems to industrial products in 2018-2021” (No. 14 dated April 12, 2018).

➢ Challenges: o Financial implication (registration fee, etc.) o Lack of policy regarding safe alternatives to toxic pesticides o weak legislation in the field of chemicals regulation o insufficient capacities o exchange of information missing o low awareness about chemicals among industry, traders, users, etc. o

➢ Possible Solutions o ”Law on chemicals” adopted o Secondary legislation (by-laws) developed o Improved legal regulation on control of chemicals o Awareness raising o Capacity building o Fund-raising campaigns

At the meeting the participants expressed their views on the Strategic Approach and the sound management of chemicals and waste beyond 2020.

In looking for a vision for “Beyond 2020”, participants acknowledged and reaffirmed the “2020 goal” of the sound management of chemicals and waste throughout their life cycle to prevent or minimize adverse effects on human health and the environment. Participants suggested that there be a non-time bound or long-term vision with concrete short term timelines for measurable objectives which can be supported by concrete milestones or steps that should be taken towards such objectives. Participants agreed that vision should be consistent with UNEA resolution 1/5 and SDG 12.4, and proposed the following vision: «To avoid or minimize adverse effects of chemicals and waste to human health and the environment during the lifecycle”. Meeting participants agreed that the future approach should complement the 2030 SDG Agenda and reaffirm core Strategic Approach documents, such as the Dubai Declaration.

Some suggested possible principles include: • Sustainable consumption and production/integrated life cycle approach • Extended producer responsibility • Sustainable chemistry • Science-policy interface • Participation of women, vulnerable groups, and stakeholders/inclusivity • Protection of workers • The right to a healthy environment • Gender equity • Responsible use

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Priorities

Participants emphasized the following: the need for a higher quality of life, a lifecycle approach, a non-toxic environment, a thought set of prevention, no harm to public health, a need to act, safe alternatives and legislation. • Chemicals in products • Highly hazardous pesticides • The development of science-based studies to inform political decisions • Strengthened communication

Participants of the meeting suggested that the strategic goals (objectives) should be ambitious, long term, and limited in number. Those strategic objectives should be further complemented by several concrete milestones, with timelines. As strategic objectives participants suggested the following examples of goals.

• To prevent and reduce risks and adverse impacts • To maximize benefits of chemicals through sustainable production and use • To increase knowledge and awareness of chemicals of concern • To avoid the most hazardous substances, and to practice substitution • To enhance implementation through multi-sectoral and participatory planning, knowledge management and capacity building • Develop whole of society approaches to reduce risks of chemicals and waste

Each strategic objective should be complemented by several concrete, measurable, and if feasible time limited milestones. The meeting participants developed an Action Plan for achievement of the above-mentioned objectives.

National Training under the Rotterdam Convention, Tsaghkadzor, Armenia, 25 to 28 September 2018 20

Action Plan to Strengthen Chemicals Management in the Republic of Armenia

NN Issue Activities Responsible(s) Timing 1 Initiation of the process Assignment of the Inter- - Ministry of 2019-2020 for coordination of ministerial Commission Nature chemicals management to lead and coordinate the Protection, RA establishment of - Ministry of Chemicals legislation, Health, RA; GHS and a National - Ministry of programme for the Agriculture, RA; control the access to Ministry of substances regarded Emergency hazardous to stay freely Situations; and openly available - Ministry of finance: - Customs Service; - Ministry of Economic Development and Investments

2 Preparation and The Law will regulate - Ministry of 2019-2020 adoption of the “Law on registration of chemicals, Nature Chemicals” responsibilities of Protection, RA different stakeholders, - Ministry of etc. Health, RA; In particular, the Law - Ministry of will provide for Agriculture, RA; • regulation of chemicals Ministry of safe/ sound handling in Emergency the Republic of Situations; Armenia - Ministry of • establishment of a Finance: unified system for - Customs Service; chemicals registration - Ministry of • setting forth Economic requirements on Development and chemicals Investments classification, • setting forth requirement for chemicals labelling that will ensure efficient system for notification of the final consumer about the hazardous properties of chemicals • integrated regulation of chemicals import and export system • establishing and clearly

National Training under the Rotterdam Convention, Tsaghkadzor, Armenia, 25 to 28 September 2018 21

NN Issue Activities Responsible(s) Timing differentiating authorities/ responsibilities of state governance bodies in the area of chemicals handling • establishing the rights and responsibilities of persons involved in the chemicals handling area, • setting forth responsibility for violation of legislative requirements on chemicals handling.

3 Preparation of by-laws By-laws will regulate - Ministry of 2020-2021 for “Law on Chemicals” registration, labeling, Nature GHS Protection, RA - Ministry of Health, RA; - Ministry of Agriculture, RA; Ministry of Emergency Situations; - Ministry of Finance: - Customs Service; - Ministry of Economic Development and Investments

4 Review the Upon development of - Ministry of 2019 – implementation of chemical legislation Nature continuously Chemicals related obligations taken at the Protection, RA Conventions: : time of ratifying those - Ministry of Stockholm Convention conventions should be Health, RA; on Persistent Organic taken into consideration - Ministry of Pollutants, Rotterdam Agriculture, RA; Convention on the Prior Ministry of Informed Consent Emergency Procedure Situations; for Certain Hazardous - Ministry of Chemicals and Finance: Pesticides in - Customs Service; International Trade, and Ministry of Montreal protocol on Economic Substances that Deplete Development and the Ozone Layer Investments 5 Prepare the management Providing information - Ministry of 2020-2021 capacity of chemicals and training opportunities Nature importers and chemicals to industry and trade Protection, RA;

National Training under the Rotterdam Convention, Tsaghkadzor, Armenia, 25 to 28 September 2018 22

NN Issue Activities Responsible(s) Timing industry - Ministry of Economic Development and Investments; - Ministry of Health, RA; - Ministry of Agriculture, RA

6 Develop the Chemicals Develop the registration - Ministry of 2020-2022 registry of chemicals importers Nature and manufacturers and Protection, RA the chemicals they offer - Ministry of on the market for Health, RA; professional use and for - Ministry of use among the general Agriculture, RA; public. Ministry of Emergency The information about Situations; the chemicals importers - Ministry of and manufacturers and Finance: about the market for - Customs Service; chemicals in the country - Ministry of is needed. It is crucial to Economic develop the contacts with Development and them and the dialogue for Investments the implementation of this roadmap. It is necessary to have statistics about chemicals in the country, composition, use of substances in chemicals, the aim of each chemical, changes in use patterns. Such a Registry would also much support the enforcement of the Chemicals law 7 Establishing poison Develop Poison Center - Ministry of 2020 control along lines recommended Health, RA Make it mandatory for by WHO chemicals importers and Establish Poison Control manufacturers to Center under the Ministry provide the Ministry of of Health Health (operative center) responsible for poison control with safety data sheets for chemical substances in order to support emergency health response

National Training under the Rotterdam Convention, Tsaghkadzor, Armenia, 25 to 28 September 2018 23

NN Issue Activities Responsible(s) Timing 8 Consider principles of Strengthen the prevention - Ministry of 2020-2022 Chemicals health & of risks by eliminating Health, RA; safety at the work places the sources of risks, Ministry of change the choice and use Nature of chemicals and Protection, RA chemical-technical - Ministry of solutions, by collective Agriculture, RA; measures and organizational changes in the work environment

9 To ensure the process of Ensuring the process of Ministry of Health, 2018-2019 providing information providing information RA; related to health impacts related to health impacts of chemical factors, of chemical factors, Ministry of Nature including different type including different type Protection, RA produce, natural produce, natural poisons, Ministry of poisons, industrial industrial chemicals, Emergency chemicals, pesticides, pesticides, their hazards, Situations RA; their hazards, chemical chemical and and toxicological toxicological properties, Ministry of properties, antidotes and antidotes and treatment; Agriculture, RA; treatment; to get integration in the integrated in the international chemical Ministry of international chemical information network Territorial information network Administration and Development, RA 10 Implementation of GHS Make the rules on the - The establishment 2022-2024 Classification, labelling of GHS as and safety data sheets mandatory has to mandatory for the placing be done in two of substances as such on steps, because the the market. information on Make mandatory how the hazards from certain substances are to substances is be classified and labelled. needs to compile the information Establish a GHS helpdesk on hazards from at the competent the mixtures. authority - issuing a binding list specifying the mandatory classification and labelling of each of the most currently used substances and of the most hazardous substances.

National Training under the Rotterdam Convention, Tsaghkadzor, Armenia, 25 to 28 September 2018 24

National Training and capacity building activities to assist in the development of a framework for the lifecycle management of industrial chemicals (import, use, storage, transport and disposal) under the Rotterdam Convention

Tsaghkadzor, Republic of Armenia

September 25-28, 2018

Mass-Media Coverage of the Training

The article entitled “There were considered issues apropos of usage of industrial chemicals” depicting Training activity was presented at the web-site of the Ministry of Nature Protection of the Republic of Armenia in Armenian, English and Russian: • http://www.mnp.am/am/post/3499 • http://mnp.am/en/post/3499 • http://www.mnp.am/ru/post/3499

Appropriate information coverage of the event by national mass-media also signified to the importance of the Training.

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http://www.mnp.am/am/post/3499

Քննարկվել են արդյունաբերական նշանակության քիմիական նյութերի գործածության խնդիրները 09-10-2018

Ծաղկաձորում տեղի է ունեցել «Կայուն օրգանական աղտոտիչների մասին» Ստոկհոլմի, «Վտանգավոր թափոնների անդրսահմանային փոխադրման և դրանց հեռացման նկատմամբ հսկողություն սահմանելու մասին» Բազելի և «Միջազգային առևտրում առանձին վտանգավոր քիմիական նյութերի և պեստիցիդների վերաբերյալ նախնական հիմնավորված համաձայնության ընթացակարգի մասին» Ռոտերդամի կոնվենցիաների քարտուղարության կազմակերպած՝ արդյունաբերական նշանակության քիմիական նյութերի գործածության (ներկրում, օգտագործում, պահում, փոխադրում և հեռացում) կառավարմանն աջակցելու նպատակով վերապատրաստման և կարողությունների զարգացման աշխատաժողով։ Միջոցառմանը մասնակցել են շահագրգիռ գերատեսչությունների և հասարակական կազմակերպությունների ներկայացուցիչներ: Միջազգային փորձագետները մասնակիցներին ներկայացրել են զեկույցներ քիմիական նյութերի վտանգավոր հատկությունների և ռիսկերի բացահայտման, նրանց շուկայահանման վերաբերյալ իրազեկված որոշումների կայացման, արգելքների և սահմանափակումների գործադրման, անվտանգ օգտագործման պահանջների/չափորոշիչների սահմանման վերաբերյալ։ Աշխատաժողովի ընթացքում մասնակիցները քննարկել են իրավական և ինստիտուցիոնալ մեխանիզմները, որոնք առկա են քիմիական նյութերի և թափոնների կառավարման համար՝ հաշվի առնելով Բազելի, Ռոտերդամի և Ստոկհոլմի կոնվենցիաների իրականացման համապատասխան դրույթները, ինչպես նաև ծառացած հիմնական մարտահրավերները: Մասնակիցները փոխանակվել են նախարարությունների միջև համագործակցության առկա մեխանիզմների վերաբերյալ տեղեկատվությամբ և փորձով, ինչպես նաև նախանշվել են այն ոլորտները, որտեղ հնարավոր է մարտահրավերներ ունենալ, և դրանց հաղթահարման մեխանիզմները:

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https://hetq.am/hy/article/93821

Last երեքշաբթի at 17:10 Քննարկվել են արդյունաբերական նշանակության քիմիական նյութերի գործածության խնդիրները

Ծաղկաձորում տեղի է ունեցել «Կայուն օրգանական աղտոտիչների մասին» Ստոկհոլմի, «Վտանգավոր թափոնների անդրսահմանային փոխադրման և դրանց հեռացման նկատմամբ հսկողություն սահմանելու մասին» Բազելի և «Միջազգային առևտրում առանձին վտանգավոր քիմիական նյութերի և պեստիցիդների վերաբերյալ նախնական հիմնավորված համաձայնության ընթացակարգի մասին» Ռոտերդամի կոնվենցիաների քարտուղարության կազմակերպած՝ արդյունաբերական նշանակության քիմիական նյութերի գործածության (ներկրում, օգտագործում, պահում, փոխադրում և հեռացում) կառավարմանն աջակցելու նպատակով վերապատրաստման և կարողությունների զարգացման աշխատաժողով։ Այս մասին տեղեկացնում է բնապահպանության նախարարության մամուլի ծառայությունը: Միջոցառմանը մասնակցել են շահագրգիռ գերատեսչությունների և հասարակական կազմակերպությունների ներկայացուցիչներ: Միջազգային փորձագետները մասնակիցներին ներկայացրել են զեկույցներ քիմիական նյութերի վտանգավոր հատկությունների և ռիսկերի բացահայտման, նրանց շուկայահանման վերաբերյալ իրազեկված որոշումների կայացման, արգելքների և սահմանափակումների գործադրման, անվտանգ օգտագործման պահանջների/չափորոշիչների սահմանման վերաբերյալ։ Աշխատաժողովի ընթացքում մասնակիցները քննարկել են իրավական և ինստիտուցիոնալ մեխանիզմները, որոնք առկա են քիմիական նյութերի և թափոնների կառավարման համար՝

National Training under the Rotterdam Convention, Tsaghkadzor, Armenia, 25 to 28 September 2018 27

հաշվի առնելով Բազելի, Ռոտերդամի և Ստոկհոլմի կոնվենցիաների իրականացման համապատասխան դրույթները, ինչպես նաև ծառացած հիմնական մարտահրավերները: Մասնակիցները փոխանակվել են նախարարությունների միջև համագործակցության առկա մեխանիզմների վերաբերյալ տեղեկատվությամբ և փորձով, ինչպես նաև նախանշվել են այն ոլորտները, որտեղ հնարավոր է մարտահրավերներ ունենալ, և դրանց հաղթահարման մեխանիզմները:

National Training under the Rotterdam Convention, Tsaghkadzor, Armenia, 25 to 28 September 2018 28

https://www.newsinfo.am/arm/article/view/4JyVp5BqH Քննարկվել են արդյունաբերական նշանակության քիմիական նյութերի գործածության խնդիրները hetq.am10/9/2018, 1:30

Ծաղկաձորում տեղի է ունեցել «Կայուն օրգանական աղտոտիչների մասին» Ստոկհոլմի, «Վտանգավոր թափոնների անդրսահմանային փոխադրման և դրանց հեռացման նկատմամբ հսկողություն սահմանելու մասին» Բազելի և «Միջազգային առևտրում առանձին վտանգավոր քիմիական նյութերի և պեստիցիդների վերաբերյալ նախնական հիմնավորված համաձայնության ընթացակարգի մասին» Ռոտերդամի կոնվենցիաների քարտուղարության կազմակերպած՝ արդյունաբերական նշանակության քիմիական նյութերի գործածության (ներկրում, օգտագործում, պահում, փոխադրում և հեռացում) կառավարմանն աջակցելու նպատակով վերապատրաստման և կարողությունների զարգացման աշխատաժողով։ Այս մասին տեղեկացնում է բնապահպանության նախարարության մամուլի ծառայությունը:

Միջոցառմանը մասնակցել են շահագրգիռ գերատեսչությունների և հասարակական կազմակերպությունների ներկայացուցիչներ: Միջազգային փորձագետները մասնակիցներին ներկայացրել են զեկույցներ քիմիական նյութերի վտանգավոր հատկությունների և ռիսկերի բացահայտման, նրանց շուկայահանման վերաբերյալ իրազեկված որոշումների կայացման, արգելքների և սահմանափակումների ...

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http://nt.am/am/news/260110/ Քննարկվել են արդյունաբերական նշանակության քիմիական նյութերի գործածության խնդիրները

09-10-2018 17:40:43 | Հայաստան | Տնտեսություն

Ծաղկաձորում տեղի է ունեցել «Կայուն օրգանական աղտոտիչների մասին» Ստոկհոլմի, «Վտանգավոր թափոնների անդրսահմանային փոխադրման և դրանց հեռացման նկատմամբ հսկողություն սահմանելու մասին» Բազելի և «Միջազգային առևտրում առանձին վտանգավոր քիմիական նյութերի և պեստիցիդների վերաբերյալ նախնական հիմնավորված համաձայնության ընթացակարգի մասին» Ռոտերդամի կոնվենցիաների քարտուղարության կազմակերպած՝ արդյունաբերական նշանակության քիմիական նյութերի գործածության (ներկրում, օգտագործում, պահում, փոխադրում և հեռացում) կառավարմանն աջակցելու նպատակով վերապատրաստման և կարողությունների զարգացման աշխատաժողով։

Միջոցառմանը մասնակցել են շահագրգիռ գերատեսչությունների և հասարակական կազմակերպությունների ներկայացուցիչներ: Միջազգային փորձագետները մասնակիցներին ներկայացրել են զեկույցներ քիմիական նյութերի վտանգավոր հատկությունների և ռիսկերի բացահայտման, նրանց շուկայահանման վերաբերյալ իրազեկված որոշումների կայացման, արգելքների և սահմանափակումների գործադրման, անվտանգ օգտագործման պահանջների/չափորոշիչների սահմանման վերաբերյալ։

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Աշխատաժողովի ընթացքում մասնակիցները քննարկել են իրավական և ինստիտուցիոնալ մեխանիզմները, որոնք առկա են քիմիական նյութերի և թափոնների կառավարման համար՝ հաշվի առնելով Բազելի, Ռոտերդամի և Ստոկհոլմի կոնվենցիաների իրականացման համապատասխան դրույթները, ինչպես նաև ծառացած հիմնական մարտահրավերները: Մասնակիցները փոխանակվել են նախարարությունների միջև համագործակցության առկա մեխանիզմների վերաբերյալ տեղեկատվությամբ և փորձով, ինչպես նաև նախանշվել են այն ոլորտները, որտեղ հնարավոր է մարտահրավերներ ունենալ, և դրանց հաղթահարման մեխանիզմները:

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http://haydzayn.am/am/page/qnnarkvel-en-ardyounaberakan-nsanakoutyan-qimiakan-nyouteri- gorcacoutyan-xndirnere Քննարկվել են արդյունաբերական նշանակության քիմիական նյութերի գործածության խնդիրները 09/10/2018 | 18:12

Ծաղկաձորում տեղի է ունեցել «Կայուն օրգանական աղտոտիչների մասին» Ստոկհոլմի, «Վտանգավոր թափոնների անդրսահմանային փոխադրման և դրանց հեռացման նկատմամբ հսկողություն սահմանելու մասին» Բազելի և «Միջազգային առևտրում առանձին վտանգավո րքիմիական նյութերի և պեստիցիդների վերաբերյալ նախնական հիմնավորված համաձայնու թյանընթացակարգի մասին» Ռոտերդամի կոնվենցիաների քարտուղարության կազմակերպա ծ՝արդյունաբերական նշանակության քիմիական նյութերի գործածության (ներկրում, օգտագ ործում,պահում, փոխադրում և հեռացում) կառավարմանն աջակցելու նպատակով վերապա տրաստմանև կարողությունների զարգացման աշխատաժողով։ Այս մասին հայտնում են ՀՀ բնապահպանության նախարարությունից: Միջոցառմանը մասնակցել են շահագրգիռ գերատեսչությունների և հասարակականկազմակե րպությունների ներկայացուցիչներ: Միջազգային փորձագետները մասնակիցներիններկայաց րել են զեկույցներ քիմիական նյութերի վտանգավոր հատկությունների և ռիսկերիբացահայտ ման, նրանց շուկայահանման վերաբերյալ իրազեկված որոշումների կայացման,արգելքների և սահմանափակումների գործադրման, անվտանգ օգտագործման պահանջների/չափորոշիչնե րի սահմանման վերաբերյալ։ Աշխատաժողովի ընթացքում մասնակիցները քննարկել են իրավական և ինստիտուցիոնալմե խանիզմները, որոնք առկա են քիմիական նյութերի և թափոնների կառավարման համար՝ հաշ վիառնելով Բազելի, Ռոտերդամի և Ստոկհոլմի կոնվենցիաների իրականացման համապատա սխանդրույթները, ինչպես նաև ծառացած հիմնական մարտահրավերները: Մասնակիցները փոխանակվել են նախարարությունների միջև համագործակցության առկամ եխանիզմների վերաբերյալ տեղեկատվությամբ և փորձով, ինչպես նաև նախանշվել են այնոլո րտները, որտեղ հնարավոր է մարտահրավերներ ունենալ, և դրանց հաղթահարմանմեխանիզ մները:

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National Training and capacity building activities to assist in the development of a framework for the lifecycle management of industrial chemicals (import, use, storage, transport and disposal) under the Rotterdam Convention

Tsaghkadzor, Republic of Armenia

September 25-28, 2018

MINUTES

Day 1: September 25, 2018

SESSION 1: OPENING The Opening Speech of Mr. Alexander Mangwiro, Programme Officer, Secretariat of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions, Science and Technical Assistance Branch, UNEP, was followed by brief indication of the Training objectives, in particular: • Raise awareness on the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) procedure and the newly listed industrial chemicals (PFOS, octabromodiphenyl ether and pentabromodiphenyl ether); How to make assessments of exposures with respect to these new chemicals. • Facilitate the strengthening of existing national structures and mechanisms for cooperation and coordination for the sustainable management of chemicals in an integrated manner that involves all relevant stakeholders in the implementation of the chemicals and wastes conventions. • Foster cooperation and facilitate dialogue between the DNA and stakeholders on the challenges faced in chemicals management and the implementation of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions and to share experiences and promote cooperation in addressing these challenges. • Provide tools and approaches that can be used to apply precaution in industrial chemicals management. Demonstration and use of the Rotterdam Convention Industrial Chemicals Management Toolkit, WHO Human Health Risk Assessment Toolkit, IOMC Toolbox for Decision-Making in Chemicals Management, LIRA Guidance and specific guidance for upstream chemical control legislation, etc. • Facilitate the development of frameworks and implementation plans for industrial chemicals management.

Appropriate presentations were done “Rotterdam Convention”, “The Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions: an Overview”, .Mr. Mangwiro gave the floor to Ms. Anahit Aleksandryan (Head, Hazardous Substances and Wastes Policy Division, Ministry of Nature Protection, Republic of Armenia, Focal point of Rotterdam, Stockholm, Minamata Conventions and SAICM), who welcomed the Training participants on behalf of Ms. Irina Ghaplanyan (First Deputy Minister of Nature Protection of the Republic of Armenia).

Mr. Wondwosen Asnake Kibret (Policy and Partnership Coordinator, Europe Office, UN Environment) was the next to greet the participants and indicated that though he is for the 1st time in Armenia, the country is very important as a partner and collaborator of numerous initiatives of UN Environment. In his welcome address Mr. Jorge Luis Ocaña Correa (Manager, Chemicals and Waste Management Programme Division for Planet, United Nations Institute for Training and Research, UNITAR) emphasized that cooperation between UNITAR and Armenia began many years ago: from Chemical Profiles and some other strategic documents

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Ms. Anahit Aleksandryan added that it was really long ago, but in 2016 Armenia implemented “Training and Capacity Building for the Development of a Nano Safety Pilot Project in Armenia” Project funded by Swiss Government and currently the continuation of this cooperation had been proposed. Ms. Giulia Carlini (Staff Attorney, Environmental Health Program, Center for International Environmental law, CIEL) welcomed the Training participants and stressed the fact that different sectors are represented. Ms. Irina Zastenskaya (Technical Officer, Chemical Safety, WHO Office for Europe) mentioned that she had already participated in meetings held in Armenia and praised the activities performed in the Republic of Armenia towards sound management of chemicals. She also marked that in her presentations she would, though in the frames of Rotterdam Convention, underline the activity of healthcare institutions for prevention of chemicals adverse impacts towards human health. Ms. Anahit Aleksandryan additionally indicated that Ms. Zastenskay, a researcher from Belarus, had been affiliated at the WHO. She participated and delivered lectures in a 2-day meeting “Mercury Risks for Human Health and Environment” Awareness Raising Training /Workshop” held in Yerevan in 2016. Joint activity in the Environment and Health process should be also emphasized, for example, in the area of medical wastes, in particular: mercury-containing wastes. Cooperation had been established since 1996 and all Training participants, as the best specialists of appropriate areas, represent the concerned parties within the country. The self-representation of Training participants was supplemented by summaries on the represented organization, their main activity and responsibilities with the focus on roles in Chemicals Management in Armenia.

SESSION TWO Ms. Giulia Carlini (CIEL) made a presentation “Chemicals management tool for a National framework for sound management of Chemicals. Information on chemicals”. The presenter stressed the important role of different types of information sources for tailoring policy measures. In response to the question of Ms. Carlini, “If there is a mechanism to share information on chemicals in Armenia?” Mr. Karapet Karapetyan (Head, Division of Technogenic Accidents, Department of Arranging Population Protection and Elimination of Disasters Consequences, Rescue Service, Ministry of Emergency Situations, Republic of Armenia) explained that in accordance with the Governmental decision chemicals are classified in different groups, for example, strong chemicals, chemicals disseminating to large distances, etc. Ms. Nune Bakunts (Deputy General Director, National Center for Disease Control and Prevention SNCO, Ministry of Health of the Republic of Armenia): The Law refers to antiepidemic measures, but that is not enough. In 2014-2015, Armenia ratified the Sanitary Rules which correspond to European ones and the order of registration appropriately described. The Inter-Agency/ Inter- Ministerial commission was established within the Ministry of Agriculture and involves representatives of different Ministries/ Agencies. Special requirements were set force regarding documentation, information to be submitted. For the first time in our region the system was created for tracing the chemical poisonings (based on patients’ admission to the medical institutions), in particular: drug poisoning, poisonings caused by household gas leaks, pesticides, etc. The cases were analyzed and measures taken for awareness-raising of the general population, lectures arranged in marzes (provinces) of Armenia especially on pesticides-related issues. Departments of Toxicology were established in Medical Centers “Armenia” and “Muratsan”. Every time, upon a Concept elaboration, the appropriate materials are obligatory submitted to the Ministry of Health for consideration. Chemicals and chemical produce should correspond to both sanitary rules and technical specifications. The maximum allowable concentrations (MACs) for chemicals in water, soil are established by the Ministry of Health. Special limits are for recreation areas, drinking water, etc.

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Mr. Karapet Karapetyan: Pesticides or farm chemicals were classified and listed, but were the Lists revised or up-dated during the last years? Ms. Ovsanna Tshakatyan (Head, Control-Toxicological Laboratory, “Republican Veterinary-Sanitary and Phytosanitary Center of Laboratory Services” SNCO of the Food Safety Inspection Body subject to the Government of the Republic of Armenia): The Lists are constantly changed,. During the last 2 years no pesticide was deleted from the list, but there were some additions. Malathion had not been used yet. Mr. Karapet Karapetyan: 7 or 8 pesticides should be included in the List of banned. Mr. Mekhak Ghazaryan (Head, Waste and Atmosphere Emissions Management Agency, Ministry of Nature Protection, Republic of Armenia): There is a List of registered pesticides (1990-s). Were some preparations deleted? Ms. Ovsanna Tshakatyan: Mathion is imported. Mr. Karapet Karapetyan: There are DDT stocks in Etchmiadzin (Armavir marz): at warehouses, on the ground, mixed with the soil. Mr. Mekhak Ghazaryan: Sometimes the population uses substances that were kept for decades. Ms. Ovsanna Tshakatyan: DDT is under strict supervision, but there is no strict surveillance over pesticides used nowadays. Mr. Mekhak Ghazaryan: Any food-stuff contains chemicals, including pesticides. They are used to buy the same substances, which they always applied. Ms. Ovsanna Tshakatyan: The Agrochemical Service performs supervision, while the Control- Toxicological Laboratory performs analyses. Ms. Nune Bakunts: The Agrochemical Service is weak, they do not know when, what and how much to apply. In some cases the seller is adviser as well. Ms. Ovsanna Tshakatyan: To ensure marketable state of agricultural produce some products chemicals are injected a day before placing to the market. Mr. Mekhak Ghazaryan: Any manager or householder must know the basics. Ms. Nune Bakunts: People change their psychology, mentality very slowly. Mr. Mekhak Ghazaryan: Cucumbers, pork smell as fish, because water from fish-farms is poured to the plants. Ms. Ovsanna Tshakatyan: It is planned to re-establish the Agro-Service. Mr. Armenak Melkonyan (Chief Customs Inspector, Classification and Non-Tariff Regulation Division, Customs Control Department, State Revenue Committee under the Government of the Republic of Armenia): How is done registration of chemicals and medical substances. Ms. Nune Bakunts: Medicinal substances (medicine) are subject to a special order of registration. The exclusion is in case of humanitarian aid. 80 % of substances must have minimum 80%period of shell life. In no case the medicine should be expired. Ms. Giulia Carlini: How do you improve information dissemination? You mentioned pesticides, but we should also discuss industrial chemicals, responsibilities of authorities, producers, about Safety data Sheets and their up-dates, rights to know and access to information. Trainings are necessary for SMEs. Mr. Karapet Karapetyan: We have Order No. 861 for Response Plans in case of accidents. Severely dangerous chemicals are classified into groups: volatile, liquid. Safety zones make, 5 km, less than 1 km. Ms. Irina Zastenskaya: Alongside with Belarus, Georgia and Kazakhstan Armenia is obliged to develop legislation, Registers. Major money come for software development of the system. The Special Project will be funded by Germany and WHO. Register itself is not information, we shall properly use it In Armenia you have huge potential in toxicology. Ms. Anahit Aleksandryan: We remember this project, it was at the 2nd stage (Georgia has already participated in the 1st stage). And it was late. Ms. Bakunts mentioned that pesticides are also chemicals. There was an indication that pesticides should be withdrawn from the “Law on Chemicals”. Bur we do not agree, because pesticides are important globally. For example, Malathion should not be used. The country as such must collect all data on harmful impacts, cases of poisoning.

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Another important aspect is UNEP Programme on Responsible Production. First of all, the responsibility belongs to the enterprise. We arranged Training with participation of industry representatives and university lecturers. The process is hindered because of low activity of enterprises. Mr. Karapet Karapetyan: Will the “Law on Chemicals” include a part on chemical weapons? Ms. Anahit Aleksandryan: Yes, the “Law on Chemicals” will have annexes, there might be an annex for chemical weapons as a type of chemicals. Ms. Nune Bakunts: There is a decision on Unified Register established in 1 place. One thing is to create Register, quite another thing is to maintain it. Funds are required. Ms. Irina Zastenskaya: Georgia published a Book on Chemicals Register and translated it into Russian. In the European Regulations chemicals are covered, but not mixtures. Mr. Karapet Karapetyan: Is there any indication of chemical weapons in Laws on Chemicals of other countries? Are there any definitions? Ms. Anahit Aleksandryan: Yes requirements to the Laws on Chemicals differ. It might be a specific law.

Mr. Jorge Luis Ocaña Correa made a presentation: “An Overview of the GHS”. He indicated the main steps in system establishing and the purpose of GHS, emphasizing labelling, Safety data Sheets, as well as benefits of GHS, including global ones. It was stressed that GHS does not cover pharmaceuticals, food additives, cosmetics, pesticides residues in food. Classification requirements, groups of hazards, transport pictograms, etc.were mentioned. The role of UNITAR and ILO in respect to chemicals was described with the focus on UNITAT/ ILO GHS activities, programme areas were identified, emphasizing how to get started with GHS. Information was provided about UNITAR Guidance document on GHS and the appropriate link. Mr. Karapet Karapetyan: Isn’t labelling exercised in our country? Ms. Anahit Aleksandryan: Transportation of dangerous goods is done not under Convention but by Agreement and moreover, it is the responsibility of the Ministry of Transport.

Mr. Artak Khachatryan (Head, Division of waste inventory, classification and technology investigation, Environmental Monitoring and Information Center State Non-Commercial Organization, Focal point of Basel Convention): GHS is a huge system. It covers different issues: labelling, evaluation, testing. Labeling is just the 1st part. In the international trade , at import/ export / transportation there should be compliance of goods and they should be all labelled. In Armenia we have no complete labelling, packaging, only some elements.

Mr. Karapet Karapetyan: Will the new” Law on Waste” cover this issue? Ms. Anahit Aleksandryan: With the financial support, if we translate the GHS – it might be implemented. In the “Law on Waste:” one Chapter will be devoted to this issue. Mr. Jorge Luis Ocaña: GHS can be implemented by sectors, gradually. Firstly it can be partially implemented. Mr. Alexander Mangwiro: Have you started the process in Armenia? Ms. Anahit Aleksandryan: The Concept of the “Law on Chemicals” was developed, sent to stakeholders and should be submitted to the Government for approval. In 2012-2013 we developed Draft “Law on Chemicals”, but the Ministry of Economy gave a negative response, meanwhile a 100% positive responses were required. Mr. Alexander Mangwiro: Of course, all stakeholders should be involved. Mr. Armenak Melkonyan: We should develop and prepare the Law “with the presence of mind and soul”. Mr. Alexander Mangwiro: There should be criteria. The Ambassador of France expressed very great interest to the “Law on Chemicals” in Armenia. Mr. Wondwosen Asnake Kibret: In July documentation of the Republic of Armenia on implementation of Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions the need for “Law on Chemicals” is indicated. The Government of Armenia expressed this recommendation very Ms. Anahit

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Aleksandryan: You are right, it is indicated through the Ministry of nature Protection, Ministry of Health and this really means Government. The problem here is that we should indicate the responsibilities of each Ministry, each stakeholder. We can develop the Law and by-laws, but implementation of GHS requires funds. Mr. Wondwosen Asnake Kibret: What kind of partnership is required? Anahit Aleksandryan: we submitted a proposal to Specific International programme (SIP) on Mercury, in GEF there is window “Chemicals and Trade”. Ms. Giulia Carlini: There are 2 points on difficulty with Ministry of Economy/ Finance. It is the same in all countries. L studied Environmental law. Just calculate how much you spend for workers’ health, safety, if you do not prevent hazards. You should not rely only on donors. Mr. Jorge Luis Ocaña Correa: Countries develop consolidated approach, establish task force groups. Donors prefer infra-structure proposals. Mr. Wondwosen Asnake Kibret: Armenia gives the best example of partnership between UN system and the Government. We should say “Yes” to multi-stakeholder cooperation, it would be fantastic harmony.

Anahit Aleksandryan: It might be useful to get together and prepare a strategy document about harmonized management of chemical in order to prevent the problems. We should not threaten the nature, the environment and the human health. If there is development, we need to use chemical, including hazardous ones. This can bring forth generation of wastes, but we should use them reasonably. We should prevent generation of dioxins/ furans. Everything that is subject for use, should be used, all the rest should be destructed. The “Extended Producers Responsibility strategy” is approved and first steps are taken. Where can be found appropriate funds? As Mr. Ocaña indicated, we need a well-written document, in an eligible format. Mr. Alexander Mangwiro made a presentation “Scope, Purpose and Structure. National Workshop on the Sound Management of Industrial Chemicals under the Rotterdam convention”. Ms. Ovsanna Tshakatyan: Labelling is done in Armenia, but how is it used and taken into consideration by agrarians, farmers? In some marzes Workshops are regularly arranged and held, but we cannot say it is completely implemented. Mr. Alexander Mangwiro: You will be provided with Guidance and information to support decision- making on relevant issues. Mr. Alexander Mangwiro suggested to read some important Articles of the Rotterdam Convention and should power point presentation on “Basic Facts”, “Scope”, “Expected Impacts”, etc. Summarizing the presentation Mr. Mangwiro asked if there are examples of misuse. Mr. Artak Khachatryan: The national Diseases Control Center has all information on registered cases. Pesticides were synthesized to kill, they are poisons, but we shall differentiate if they are used properly or erroneously. Mr. Alexander Mangwiro: Agriculture is taking care of pesticides. Ms. Elena Manvelyan (President, Armenian Women for Health and Healthy Environment -AWHHE NGO): Our organization implemented the EU a project with the support from FAO. The report is on the site of AWHHE, it deals with poisoning by pesticides in Armenia. We had a Regional Workshop with 6 other countries. Ms. Irina Zastenskaya: We should be very clear. If we speak about pesticides, industrial chemicals or else. We should be concerned about any chemicals. Ms. Anahit Aleksandryan: I can tell about 1 case. Georgia proposed Ci O3, but when they went to the site of pesticides poisoning, it was found out that people had no special protective masks; they misused pesticides.

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Ms. Ovsanna Tshakatyan: Without pesticides the agriculture cannot develop. Organic agriculture requires funds. In each region, village it is necessary to oversee when and how much pesticides were used. There should not be an anecdotal situation: “use pesticides today and supply the produce tomorrow to the consumers’ table”. Mr. Alexander Mangwiro: There is the example of farmers in Latin America: it is definitely possible to avoid pesticides use. Then Mr. Alexander Mangwiro continues the presentation stressing the following key provisions of PIC procedure, its steps and benefits to Parties: • Early warning system • Informed decision-making • Shared responsibilities • Export notification • Information accompanying export • Networks among Designated National Authorities • Technical assistance

Mr. Artak Khachatryan made an additional remark that being a Party to Rotterdam Convention is being informed. Mr. Alexander Mangwiro: It is not only information sharing, it is also decision-making.

Day 2: September 26, 2018

SESSION THREE The activity of Session three was launched by the presentation done by Mr. Wondwosen Asnake Kibret (Policy and Partnership Coordinator, Europe Office, UN Environment). The following issues were emphasized: - Opportunities for engagement - How to learn more - Achieving sustainable development goals, etc.

The Georgian Form for GHS was presented and the necessity to enhance actions, because the cost of inaction is expensive. Mr. Wondwosen Asnake Kibret specially praised the good representation of the participants from different ministries, Agencies, NGO and the coherency of their activity.

Ms. Nelli Baghdasaryan (Member, State Council on Statistics, Republic of Armenia): In Armenia the responsible body to reflect the Development Goals is the State Statistical Service. We obtain data from all ministries/ agencies using the American experience and created an integrated site/ page. Though we have no global indicators, we developed national indicators and created a special site for teenagers. Ms. Anahit Aleksandryan made a remark that the activity of Statistical service and especially the Council was presented very modestly. Mr. Alexander Mangwiro made a next presentation: “Steps necessary for an effective National Coordination System”. In particular, he indicated establishment of coordinating mechanism and the process organization, proper implementing the coordination, etc. Ms. Anahit Aleksandryan explained how the coordination mechanism functions in Armenia. Whenever the Convention is ratified, the obligations are taken by the country as a whole, but 1 ministry collects information, submits the reports, etc. For example, for Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions the Ministry of Nature protection is coordinating body. For the Stockholm Convention there is a Steering Committee the membership of which was renewed in 2014, taking into consideration all concerned ministries /agencies, Academy, NGOs. In many cases 99 % of same

National Training under the Rotterdam Convention, Tsaghkadzor, Armenia, 25 to 28 September 2018 38 representatives participate in solving issues related to conventions. We have a National programme, National Reporting is submitted, Programmes, new chemicals are also discussed. There is a Coordination Committee for Project aimed at elimination of Nubarashen obsolete pesticides burial site. For Minamata Convention there is a separate committee established since 2014. At that time the main question was; “If we need to ratify the Minamata Convention on mercury?” and the decision was “Definitely, yes”. Mr. Alexander Mangwiro thanked Ms. Aleksandryan and asked to describe how Armenia works for involvement of stakeholders from industry. Mr. Samvel Paranyan (Chief Specialist, Department of Sectoral Economic Policy, Ministry of Economic Development and Investments of the Republic of Armenia) explained that the Ministry has a developed strategy and as in Armenia almost all enterprises are private there is a close cooperation. All projects under development are discussed and as to environmental issues they are discussed with the Ministry of nature Protection. Next presentation on IOMC Toolbox for Decision-Making in Chemicals Management was done by Ms. Irina Zastenskaya. She briefly defined objectives of Inter-Organization Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals (IOMC) and the Toolbox with the focus on chemicals in the Sustainable Development Agenda. The prioritization of actions in Public Health sector for implementation of Minamata Convention was depicted and the coordination of actions between Rotterdam Convention and Minamata Convention emphasized, because, for example, mercury is a risk factor for health as it is 1 chemical element that might be in 3 forms. As to coordination of actions between different conventions, the role of Public Health sector is important and WHO has a Guidance document. Another important point is analysis of gaps. Prior to priorities setting there should be reasonable approaches for that, as well as grounds for mainstreaming priorities in strategy documents. Mr. Alexander Mangwiro made the presentation “Achieving Cooperation and Collaboration at the National Level” to clearly define the difference between coordination and cooperation, the challenges and needs, as well as suggestions on how to improve coordination. The difference was demonstrated between negative coordination; positive coordination; policy integration, and strategic integration. Mr. Artak Khachatryan: If a Ministry coordinates activity of another one, it is in preferential conditions, whereas at cooperation both ministries are equal. Ms. Anahit Aleksandryan: As to cooperation, different ministries / agencies can cooperate on voluntary basis. Coordination is stated on legislative levels. So the system of cooperation and coordination are complimentary. Mr. Alexander Mangwiro: As no one can perform everything, we need cooperation and/ or coordination. Therefore, it is necessary to know how coordination starts and to differentiate different levels of coordination. For this purpose another presentation “Stakeholder Analysis and Participation in Chemicals and Wastes Management” was done. Mr. Mangwiro described the steps, principles of stakeholders’ involvement, as well as necessity of information exchange, especially under Rotterdam, Basel and Stockholm Conventions. Internet-based tools were detailed and benefits emphasized. Mr. Jorge Ocaña made a presentation “Introduction to the IOMC Toolbox for Decision-Making in Chemicals Management”. He specially stressed the scope of activity by Inter-Organization Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals (IOMC), importance of gaps analysis and problem identification, as well as limited or low resources. Ms. Giulia Carlini made a presentation “LIRA Guidance” and tackled the following issues ‘What is Chemicals control?’, ‘Benefits of chemicals control’, ‘Aims of Circular Economy’, ‘Globe free from hazardous Substances’, etc. Mr. Artak Khachatryan put a question to Ms. Carlini and Mr. Mangwiro ‘Is there a Toolbox or Toolkit for determination of harm inflicted by chemicals as a result of their application? It would be useful to determine harms and losses in some units, then it might allow to put forward arguments for appropriate costs estimation’. Mr. Alexander Mangwiro gave the floor to WHO representative.

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Ms. Irina Zastenskaya: The simplest pathway was suggested in EU. They consider the minimal per cent of endocrine and oncology diseases at 5 % and calculate how much the cost of treatment in 5 % cases is. It is possible to calculate considering the expenditures done by Emergency Service. There is a WHO document for calculation of ‘lost years’. In this case epidemiological data is required. It is considered that some 5 to 30 % endocrine diseases, 29% of oncological states are 8 % of professional cases of cancer caused by chemicals. There are carcinogens that have no established threshold values, but have impacts at gene levels, for example, benzpyrene. Ms. Anahit Aleksandryan: If 5 to 30 % chemicals cause any disease, this range is very big. If a country takes into consideration such figures, it is a ‘bad shot’, nothing. There is another way – to consider bed-places at hospitals. But how to make such calculations for the environment? It is very complicated. Ms. Ovsanna Tshakatyan: referring to foodstuffs there are established allowable concentration of different chemicals, some of them are at the levels of ppm or ppb. Ms. Nelli Baghdasaryan: For 5-7 years the special statistical form “Occupational diseases” is not filled out. But the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs has some data. Ms. Armenuhi Arustamyan (Chief Specialist, Department of Hygienic and Anti-epidemic Supervision, Healthcare and Labor Inspection Body of the Republic of Armenia): In former USSR there were medical yearly checks and cases of occupational diseases were revealed. Then some organizations ceased their activity, people did not apply to doctors, the statistical figures decreased. However, till now we have cases of occupational diseases, for example, contact dermatitis because of applying raw material from Turkey. Ms. Giulia Carlini: There are data of other countries and there is no necessity to calculate everything again, anew. You have no specific Armenian chemicals. In EU – REACH system there are special regulations. Ms. Nelli Baghdasaryan: As to oncological diseases, Ministry of health submits data according to marzes (provinces of Armenia), according to gender and human organs. Ms. Elena Manvelyan: There are some problematic regions of Armenia: Alaverdi, Akhtala. Probably regions of mining. Mr. Karapet Karapetyan: Study was performed at the American University of Armenia. Lead and mercury were revealed in samples of blood drawn from children. The levels of those chemicals exceeded the allowable levels. It is especially dangerous in Armenia as a country with high level of background (natural) radiation. Simulation Exercises The appropriate texts were distributed in advance and the participants were suggested to consider the cases in specially formed groups. The Training participants suggested Mr. Artak Khachatryan as a Rapporteur to present the outcome of discussions.

Day 3: September 27, 2018 SESSION FOUR The activity of Day 3 was launched by report of Mr. Artak Khachatryan as a Rapporteur. Representing the situation in an imaginary country of Gonzo, Mr. Khachatryan constantly made additions, comparing the situation with the state-of-the-arts in Armenia. Some examples were also given by Ms. Elena Manvelyan, Anahit Aleksandryan and Nune Bakunts. Mr. Alexander Mangwiro summarized that as considering by the discussion, all Training participants benefited from the exercises and it will help them in their precise cases. Ms. Irina Zastenskaya made presentation on “Health Surveillance”. In particular, she emphasized that chemicals are among the factors causing such health problems endocrine disorders, infertility, etc. In some cases when chemicals are banned or their production is stopped the ‘accompanying’ diseases also cease to be registered. Another presentation was “Chemicals risk assessment: introduction to the WHO approach”. Ms. Zastenskaya emphasized that almost all Articles and clauses of Rotterdam Convention are based on assessment of chemicals risk towards human health. She also presented “WHO Human Health Risk Assessment Toolkit: Chemical Hazards”. Then Ms. Zastenskaya briefly described the difference between Maximum Allowable Concentrations (MACs) and risk assessment.

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The issue was followed by additional explanation by Ms. Anahit Aleksandryan, who described the process of MACs establishing in details. Ms. Irina Zastenskaya also explained the NOEAL values and provided information that there is electronic tool for determination of danger posed by substances in closed space (e.g., in schools). Hazards are evaluated with focus on target organs of human body. Next presentation was devoted to Toxicology/ Poisons Centers. Ms. Giulia Carlini made a presentation on LIRA Guidance with the focus on main phases and activities in managing placement of chemicals on the market. Main structural components were also considered. Group Exercise The next exercise “Framework for the Lifecycle Management of Industrial Chemicals under the Rotterdam Convention, in Armenia” required preparation of Action Plan to Strengthen the Management of Industrial Chemicals under the Rotterdam Convention in Armenia”.

The exercise was discussed in Groups and the draft Plan prepared in Armenian language.

Day 43: September 28, 2018

The activity of Training Day 4 began with presentation done by Mr. Artak Khachatryan, who delivered the results of group discussion and described the Action Plan that was prepared on the basis of discussions held by Training participants on September 27, 2018. The revealed challenges were emphasized. The Table was filled in, however, some questions were addressed to Mr. Alexander Mangwiro and appropriate response, explanations obtained. Mr. Alexander Mangwiro asked the Training participants ‘What shall you do after leaving the Conference Hall?’

Mr. Karapet Karapetyan: 1. We shall work on preparation of the “Law on Chemicals”. 2. Then in the frames of this Law prepare secondary documentation, by-laws. 3. Proceeding from the new “Law on Chemicals” some changes/ amendments should be done concerning “Law on Waste”. Mr. Samvel Paranyan: I partially agree with the colleague. We need a Road map in order to define the chemicals market and this latter would have impacts on chemicals handling and circulation. Ms. Elena Manvelyan: We should also work on GHS promotion and implementation in Armenia. Mr. Alexander Mangwiro: GHS would be implemented in sectors, which you choose. You must choose them, start activity, and refine initial plans. In any case, in the current world you cannot do without chemicals. Mr. Karapet Karapetyan: We should remember about our obligations under the Stockholm Convention as well. Therefore, we have an extended programme on Nubarashen. Previousely we had chemicals production and manufacturing enterprises in Armenia. Only at the territory of “Nairit Plant” we have 15 000 tons of chemicals, besides there was a chemical Plant in Kirovakan (currently: Vanadzor). There is still another problem: mercury. In the frames of Project under Minamata Convention we would like to have equipment for disposal/ recycling of mercury-containing lams. Ms. Irina Zastenskaya made a presentation “Main Elements in the frames of 3-lateral Project on Road Map preparation The Evaluation Questionnaires were distributed and the training participants filled them out responding the given questions concerning the Objectives, Structure, and Outputs of the event.

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Annex

Competencies of Different Ministries and Agencies of the Republic of Armenia in the Sphere of Chemicals and Waste Management

❖ Competences of the Republic of Armenia (RA) Government in chemicals and wastes management Competences of the Government of the Republic of Armenia in the sphere of waste are set forth mainly in RA Law “On Waste”. According to Article 7 of RA Law “On Waste”, competences of the Government of the Republic of Armenia in waste management are as follows: ▪ development and implementation of state policy in waste management; ▪ coordination of state governance bodies in waste management; ▪ introduction of low-waste technologies, promotion of economic mechanisms for waste management; ▪ defining the procedure for waste accounting, generation, disposal (liquidation, decontamination and placement) and utilization; ▪ defining the licensing procedure for hazardous-waste recycling, treatment, storage, transportation and placement; ▪ defining the inventories of hazardous and banned waste; ▪ defining the procedure for transboundary waste movement and disposal; ▪ establishment of facilities for placement of decontaminated and unusable waste; ▪ international cooperation in waste management; ▪ other competences stipulated by law.

❖ Competences of RA Ministry of Nature Protection in chemicals and wastes management According to Article 8, paragraph 1 of RA Law “On Waste”, the competences of the state governance authorized body in charge of nature protection are as follows: ▪ participation in the formulation of state waste management policy; ▪ drafting targeted programs in waste management; ▪ state accounting of waste; ▪ approval of waste placement limits for legal entities and private entrepreneurs; ▪ defining the inventories of hazardous and banned waste; ▪ establishment of waste inventories based on hazard classification; ▪ proposals on issuance of permits for transboundary shipment of hazardous waste; ▪ approval of the sites for waste management facilities;

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▪ approval of waste certificates as compiled by waste generators; ▪ creation of a data bank for the amounts of generated waste; ▪ as prescribed by law, performing state environmental assessment of design documentation and integrated programs for construction, renovation and operation of landfills or facilities and other special allocated sites during waste generation, recycling, utilization, placement and disposal; ▪ maintaining the state waste cadastre; ▪ sharing information with other agencies about low-waste and wasteless technologies; ▪ compilation, maintaining and monitoring of registers for waste generation, recycling and utilization facilities and landfills; ▪ drafting legal acts regulating waste management and adoption of secondary legislation within it competence; ▪ signing international cooperation agreements on waste management and international inter- agency agreements on transboundary waste shipment; ▪ sharing information on waste utilization with international organizations and competent states; ▪ other competences stipulated by law. According to RA Government Resolution of May 19, 2005 No. 599-N “On the designation of the authorized body in the sphere of waste utilization”, RA Ministry of nature protection was designated as the authorized waste management body. According to Annex 1 to Resolution of the Government of the Republic of Armenia of August 8, 2002, No. 1237-N, “On the establishment of the state governance agency “RA Nature Protection Ministry Staff” and on the approval of the charter and staff of the RA Nature Protection Ministry”, in the sphere of waste management, RA Nature Protection Ministry has the following competences: • environmentally safe management of hazardous chemicals and wastes produced and used in the territory of the Republic of Armenia; • drafing procedures for state monitoring of the environment, including waste disposal sites; • hazard-based classification of chemicals and generated industrial and consumption waste produced and used in the territory of the Republic of Armenia; • state accounting of waste, creation of a state cadastre and a register for waste generation, recycling and utilization facilities and disposal sites, and defining the maintaining procedure thereof. According to the same Resolution, the section in charge of hazardous material and waste functions within the RA Nature Protection Ministry Staff as a structural unit of the RA Nature Protection Ministry Staff, the former drafts and implements the waste management policy. Within the RA Nature Protection Ministry Staff, as separate divisions function the agency for the management of waste and atmospheric discharges which provides services in the field of waste utilization and the state environmental protection inspection which carries out environmental supervision.

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The State Non-Commercial Organization “Waste Research Center” was established by Resolution of the Government of the Republic of Armenia of May 19, 2005, No. 670-N “On the establishment of the state non-profit entity “Waste research center”, which functions under RA Nature Protection Ministry. The subject matter of its activity is research to calculate the waste classifier of waste generation, recycling and utilization facilities and disposal sites, as well as collecting and analyzing information on waste utilization and decontamination, low-waste and wasteless technologies, and the purpose of its activities is to support the sphere of waste management. According to paragraph 1 of Resolution of the Government of the Republic of Armenia of October 29, 2004, No. 1483-N, “On the implementation of RA commitments under the UN Stockholm Convention signed on May 23, 2001”, the competences of the national coordination center as set forth in Article 9 of Stockholm Convention are delegated to RA Ministry of nature protection. According to Resolution of the Government of the Republic of Armenia of October 29, 2004, No.1508-N “On the implementation of RA commitments under the UN Rotterdam Convention signed on September 10, 1998”, the administrative functions of the national body as set forth in Article 4 of Rotterdam Convention are delegated to RA Ministry of nature protection. According to paragraph 4 of Resolution of the Government of the Republic of Armenia of December 8, 1995, No. 97 “On regulation of import, export and transit of waste through the territory of the Republic of Armenia”, import, export and transit of waste through the territory of this country is implemented by the competent body of the Republic of Armenia namely by RA Ministry of nature protection. According to Resolution of the Government of the Republic of Armenia of February 17, 2011, No.195-N “On the approval of the rules for the utilization of obsolete pesticides”, the copy of the unified registration log for re-packaged deficient pesticides approved by the head of the organization responsible for the re-packaging of deficient pesticides is forwarded to the authorized governance body. According to Resolution of the Government of the Republic of Armenia of January 30, 2003, No.121-N “On the approval of the procedure for licensing of recycling, treatment, storage, transportation and placement of hazardous waste in the Republic of Armenia”, the licence for recycling, treatment, storage, transportation and placement of hazardous waste in the Republic of Armenia is issued by the Government of the Republic of Armenia (referred to hereinafter as “licensing body”) based on the conclusion of the inter-agency commission. The inter-agency commission consists of the representatives of the competent state governance bodies in this sphere and experts in this field, and is headed by the RA Minister of Nature Protection. Supervision over the compliance with the requirements and conditions of the license for recycling, treatment, storage, transportation and placement of hazardous waste in the Republic of Armenia is done by RA Ministry of Nature Protection and RA Ministry of Health, as prescribed by law. According to Resolution of the Government of the Republic of Armenia of December 12, 2005, No.2291-N “On the adoption of the procedure for the approval of draft norms for hazardous waste generation and limiting amounts for placement thereof”, the legal entities and private entrepreneurs who possess hazardous wastes of class 1, 2, 3 and 4 (according to the resolution of the RA Minister of Nature Protection “On classification of hazardous waste generated in the territory of the Republic of Armenia based on the degree of danger”) develop the drafts and submit the latter to the Ministry of Nature Protection of the Republic of Armenia for approval (referred to hereinafter as authorized body).

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According to Resolution of the Government of the Republic of Armenia of January 19, 2006, No.47- N “On the establishment of waste certification procedure”, the waste certificate is approved by the head of the legal entity that generates the given wastes or by the private entrepreneur, and according to the Law of the Republic of Armenia on Waste, Article 8, part 1, paragraph i), is agreed upon with the Ministry of Nature Protection of the Republic of Armenia. According to Resolution of the Government of the Republic of Armenia of April 20, 2006, No.500- N “On establishing the procedure for maintaining the register of waste generation, recycling and utilization facilities”, the register of waste generation, recycling and utilization facilities is maintained by the Ministry of Nature Protection of the Republic of Armenia. According to Resolution of the Government of the Republic of Armenia of July 13, 2006, No.1180- N “On establishing the procedure for maintaining the register of waste disposal sites”, the register of waste disposal sites is maintained by the Ministry of Nature Protection of the Republic of Armenia. According to Resolution of the Government of the Republic of Armenia of December 12, 2006, No.1739-N “On establishing the state procedure for registration of waste”, state registration of waste is performed by the Ministry of Nature Protection of the Republic of Armenia. The RA Ministry of Nature Protection also maintains the State Waste Cadastre. According to Resolution of the Government of the Republic of Armenia of March 31, 2001 “On the appointment of competent bodies and establishment of a focal point” as provided in the “Convention on transboundary impact of industrial disasters”, the Ministry of Nature Protection of the Republic of Armenia shares information with the Convention Secretariat, advising the Emergency situations directorate under the Government of the Republic of Armenia and other competent ministries and agencies of the of the Republic of Armenia.

❖ Competences of RA Ministry of Health in chemicals and wastes management According to Article 9 of RA Law “On Waste”, the competences of the authorized healhcare governance body in waste management are as follows: ▪ the development of safety requirements for human health in the secondary legislation related to waste management, and the development of sanitation and anti-epidemic regulations and norms to rule out dangerous impacts on the human body during waste generation, collection, shipment, storage, recycling, utilization, disposal, decontamination and burial, and supervision over the implementation of these requirements; ▪ b) development of priority measures in protecting human health from hazardous waste impact and submitting the latter to the Government of the Republic of Armenia; ▪ approval of the sites for waste management facilities; ▪ sanitation and hygiene requirements to products manufactured from waste and issuance of hygiene conclusions; ▪ participation in the compilation of the hazard-based classified inventory of waste; ▪ other competences provided by law. According to Annex 1, paragraph 7 of Resolution of the Government of the Republic of Armenia of August 15, 2002, No.1300-N “On the establishment of the state governance agency “RA Health Ministry Staff and approval of the charter and staff structure of the Health Ministry of the Republic of Armenia”, the goals of RA Health Ministry are the protection of human and public health,

National Training under the Rotterdam Convention, Tsaghkadzor, Armenia, 25 to 28 September 2018 45 improvement of the population’s health, sanitation and hygiene safety of public health and population, etc. which as we can see directly or indirectly are related to chemicals and wastes management. Moreover, Resolution of the Government of the Republic of Armenia “On the adoption of Obsolete pesticides utilization rules” of February 17, 2011, No.195-N, Annex, paragraph 3 provides that during Obsolete pesticide utilization it is required to observe the rules and norms of the Resolution of the RA Minister of Health of October 29, 2009, No.20-N, “Utilization of hazardous chemical waste and requirements to storage and shipment of hazardous chemical waste” N 2.1.7.001-09. According to article 18, paragraph 2 of RA Law “On sanitation and epidemic safety of RA population” of December 12, 1992, HO-43, enterprises, institutions, organizations, citizens during collection, recycling, utilization, decontamination and burial of industrial and household waste shall observe sanitation rules. State hygiene and anti-epidemic supervision is delegated to RA Health Ministry. Sanitation rules and norms of the RA Health Minister entitled “Hygiene requirements to the utilization of hazardous chemical waste and shipment and storage of hazardous chemical materials” of October 29, 2009, N 2.1.7.001-09 were adopted based on Article 9, paragraph a) of RA Law “On Waste” and based on Article 4 of RA Law “On sanitation and epidemic safety of RA population”.

❖ Competences of RA Ministry of Emergency Situations in chemicals and wastes management Article 4 of the Law of the Republic of Armenia “On the protection of population in emergency situations” of December 2, 1998, HO 265 provides that the preventive measures for the protection of the population are as follows: ▪ moniotring and supervision of the radiological, chemical and bacteriological contamination of the environment, territory and facilities. ▪ Article 7 of the same law provides that in emergency situations the basic measures of population protection are as follows: ▪ population protection from radiological, chemical and bacteriological substances. According to Article 13 of the Law, RA Ministry of Emergency Situations: - develops population protection programs for the prevention of consequences of emergency situations, reduction and elimination of the potential consequences, and ensures implementation thereof; - for the purpose of aiding the exposed population in emergency situations, creates and accumulates financial, food, medical and other material assets, funds and reserves, and ensures their purposeful usage; - organizes state expert assessment of facilities, items, processes, designs and solutions believed to be the potential cause of emergency situations; - organizes certification of rescuers and population’s training on population safety issues in emergency situations, as prescribed by the Government of the Republic of Armenia; - coordinates and supervises the activity of national executive, governance, territorial and local self-government bodies, enterprises, institutions, and organizations in terms of population’s protection;

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- organizes population’s notification and information in case of emergency situations; - implements other competences in terms of population protection as provided in the legislation of the Republic of Armenia. According to Article 21, in emergency situations the rescue forces are established for rescue activities and professional aid to the population in daily conditions; these rescue forces are in constant readiness, they include state, NGO and institutional rescue units and in emergency situations they operate under centralized command and control within reasonable risk. In emergency situations, when performing resue and urgent reconstruction work, the rescuers can: a) unrestrictedly enter the premises of enterprises, organizations and institutions, and in exceptional cases, the citizens’ apartments; b) open locked doors and windows, demolish fences and buildings, provided the latter hinder rescue work or may cause grave consequences. Rescue forces may be engaged in emergency situations outside the Republic of Armenia as decreed by the Government of the Republic of Armenia. In Article 5, paragraph d) of the Law of the Republic of Armenia “On the protection of population in emergency situations”, it is also proposed to add the protection of population from hazardous waste.

❖ Competences of RA Ministry of Agriculture in chemicals and wastes management RA Ministry of Agriculture has no competences in chemicals and wastes management either in RA Law “On Waste”, or in the ministerial charter. This Ministry was given competences in this field under RA Prime Minister’s Resolution of September 22, 2003, No.452-A “On the establishment of a working group for the coordination of the disposal of obsolete unusiable plant protection chemicals and on developing an action plan for the disposal of these substances”, according to which RA Ministry of Agriculture was tasked to implement the accounting of obsolete unusiable chemicals in the territory of the Republic of Armenia within three months after this resolution comes into force. The assignment given to RA Ministry of Agriculture is problematic since obsolete pesticides are considered hazardous waste, while state accounting of waste according to RA Law on Waste, article 8, paragraph c) is carried out by RA Ministry of nature protection. In addition, Resolution of the Government of the Republic of Armenia of February 17, 2011, No.195-N “On the approval of the rules for the utilization of deficient pesticides” regulated the accounting and inventory of unusable pesticides, and RA Ministry of Agriculture was not given any competences in this activity. According to the Resolution, initial accounting and inventory of unusable pesticides are done by the owners of unusable pesticides. Repackaged unusable pesticides are subject to unified accounting and inventory which is done by the organization or private entrepreneur responsible for the repackaging of unusable pesticides. The head ofthe organization that repackaged the unusable pesticides forwards the copy of the approved log for unified accounting of unusable pesticideto the authorized environmental state governance body.

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❖ Competences of RA Ministry of Transport and Communications in chemicals and wastes management According to the Law of the Republic of Armenia “On the shipment of hazardous cargo and undecontaminated containers by automobile transport” of February 27, 2012, HՕ 30-N, Article 8, part 1, paragraph 4, RA Ministry of Transport and Communication shall issue a permit for the shipment of hazardous cargo. According to Article 3, part 1, paragraph 1 of the same law, a hazardous cargo is considered to be hazardous substance, raw material, hazardous waste which during shipment due to their properties may damage human life and health, cause environmental pollution and damage vehicles or buildings. The analysis of the above provisions of the law shows that they contradict paragraph e), Article 7 of RA Law “On Waste” and Article 43, part 2 table section 14, paragraph 1 of the Law “On Licensing” according to which recycling, treatment, storage, shipment and placement of hazardous waste are subject to licensing, while the licence is issued by the Government of the Republic of Armenia. According to Article 24, part 3 of RA Law “On Legal Acts”, the new legal act adopted by the same entity shall not contradict the legal acts previously adopted and effective and possessing equal legal force. In case of contradiction between legal acts previously adopted by the same entity, effective and possessing equal legal force, the provisions of the acts adopted earlier take precedence. The RA Law “On Waste” and the RA Law “On Licensing” came into force earlier than RA Law “On the shipment of hazardous cargo and undecontaminated containers by automobile transport”. Therefore, Article 8, part 1, paragraph 4 of the latter is not valid as concerns hazardous waste shipment.

❖ Competences of RA Ministry of territorial administration in chemicals and wastes management Although RA Law “On Waste” does not provide competences for RA Ministry of territorial administration, Article 9 of RA Law “On local self-governance in Yerevan” stipulates that “territorial administration in Yerevan is implemented by RA Ministry of territorial administration. The competences reserved to governors by other laws and legal acts of the Republic of Armenia are performed by RA Ministry of territorial administration as much as it does not contradict this law.”

From the above definitions, it follows that in Yerevan the competence (and some other competences) to issue permits agreed upon with authorized body for waste, in this case, disposal sites is reserved to RA Ministry of territorial administration. Protocol Decision of the Republic of Armenia Government (No. 49, dated December 5, 2011 approved “The Cleaner Production Concept”, the main aim of which is the most efficient use of raw materials and energy in industrial processes, exclusion of toxic and hazardous substances, prevention of industrial wastes generation and pollution at the source. The Concept also involves principles of environmentally sound and complex low-waste technologies, requirements set forth to waste-free industrial processes and technologies, raw materials, substances and energy resources, to ready-made products; actions aimed at ensuring Cleaner Production, main benefits expected as a result of implementing Cleaner Production principles are also indicated.

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On April 26, 2012 Protocol Decision of the Republic of Armenia Government (No. 16) “On approval of the “Guidance on Safe Conditions of Industrial and Household Wastes Placement and Treatment” was adopted. The Annex 1 to this Decision approved the “Guidance on Safe Conditions for Placement and Treatment of Industrial and Household Wastes Placement and Treatment”. This document provides the general characterization of wastes placement and treatment, establishes methods for wastes placement, actions for wastes joint placement, including placement of liquids in closed trenches (ditches), placement of dry wastes or sludge, wastes in containers. The Guidance also contains Statements on waste-dumps management, as supposed for joint placement of wastes. Annex 2 of the Decision approved the “List of waste groups and methods for their treatment and final disposal (burying)”. In accordance with point “zha” of the 1st paragraph of Article 8 of the Republic of Armenia Law “On Waste” the Ministry of Nature Protection of the Republic of Armenia in the order established by the law performed the State Environmental Expertise of design documents and complex programmes for construction, re-construction and operation polygons, complexes, premises and other specially allotted places or entities in case of wastes generation, treatment, utilization, placement and disposal.

❖ Competences of local self-government bodies in chemicals and wastes management According to Article 11 of RA Law “On Waste”, the community leader within the limits of the administrative boundary of community: • supervises garbage collection; • compiles the schemes of sanitatary cleaning of territories; • liquidates uncontrollable and unauthorized garbage dumps. • organizes the participation of the population in the collection of not hazardous waste that is a valuable resource.

The RA Law “On Local Self-Government”, Article 45 provides that in the sphere of nature and environment protection, the community leader ensures land protection from erosion, flooding, water- logging, and pollution with chemical and radiological substances and industrial waste. In terms of the Nubarashen landfill of obsolete pesticides, the community, in this case, is Yerevan municipality which is the owner of the landfill territory, therefore, it has certain obligations in this sphere. First, Yerevan municipality is obliged to protect community land from possible pollution from the Nubarashen landfill according to RA Law “On Local Self-Government”, Article 45 and RA Law “On Local Self-Government in Yerevan”, Article 64, part 1, pagaraph 1. Secondly, Yerevan municipality shall also certify the landfill as a source for which, as we have already mentioned, there is no established procedure. Thereafter, governed by Resolution of the Government of the Republic of Armenia of July 13, 2006, No.1180-N “On adoption of the procedure to maintain the register of waste disposal sites”, the

National Training under the Rotterdam Convention, Tsaghkadzor, Armenia, 25 to 28 September 2018 49 landfill, as prescribed, shall be submitted for registration to the authorized body as a waste disposal site. The competences of Yerevan municipality also include the liquidation of uncontrollable and unauthorized dump sites. It is noteworthy that the latter is a competence and not a duty.

❖ Competences of local government bodies in chemicals and wastes management According to Article 10 of RA Law “On Waste”, the competences of local government bodies in the management of chemicals and waste are as follows: 1. participation in state policy formulation in waste management; 2. participation in the drafting of state programs in waste management; 3. within their administrative territory, drafting local programs in waste management and coordination of implementation thereof; 4. within their administrative territory, issuance of permits in coordination with the authorized state body for waste disposal; 5. within their administrative territory, drafting sanitary cleaning schemes and supervision over garbage collection; 6. compilation and maintaining of logs for waste generation, recycling, disposal and utilization facilities; 7. accounting of waste generation, decontamination, utilization and disposal and certification thereof; 8. liquidation of uncontrollable and unauthorized garbage dumps within their administrative territory; 9. within their administrative territory, engaging the population in the collection of not hazardous waste that is a valuable resource; 10. other competences stipulated by law.

Among above-mentioned competences, particularly important ones are points 4), 6) 7). It follows from them that in RA provinces, for the Obsolete pesticide warehouses to get a legal status under RA legislation (marzes), in addition to the permit from RA Nature Protection Ministry, it will be also necessary to get a permission from the relevant province governor.

Provincial governments shall also compile and maintain logs for obsolete pesticide dispoasl sites, as

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