China

Strengthening institutional capacity for the implementation of the Basel, Rotterdam, Stockholm and Minamata Conventions and SAICM

                                                      China’s Leap in Chemical and Waste Management

The Challenge

While China had expertise in the management of waste and hazardous chemicals, it fell short on the number of experts needed to effectively implement international environmental agreements. 

The country also lacked a national chemical/waste database or registry. 

The Project

In May 2018, the government of China partnered with the UNEP to enhance the country's capacity in mitigating the adverse effects of hazardous chemicals. The project not only supported relevant institutions with targeted training programs, but also aimed to establish a streamlined coordination system across institutions. Additionally, it set out to build a comprehensive national chemical/waste database to further bolster the effectiveness of its chemical management practices.

The Impact

China is now equipped with a comprehensive toxic and hazardous chemicals database that covers substances under the Basel, Rotterdam, Stockholm, and Minamata Conventions. Through regular training and awareness raising sessions, over 2,500 people are in a much better position to implement and enforce the requirements of the international conventions.

The partnership also significantly improved coordination for the Stockholm and Minamata Conventions. Multiple coordination meetings enhanced overall planning, and research led to a proposed mechanism for managing transboundary movements of chemicals. China also established a robust reporting system for plastic waste and related issues.

Another win: China addressed regulatory gaps in chemicals and waste management, proposing policy recommendations for improved coordination and an Environmental Management Database. These recommendations were adopted into China's revised environmental pollution law in April 2020. The project also updated existing legislation and contributed to the State Council's "Opinions on Further Strengthening the Control of Plastic Pollution," supporting the Basel Convention Plastic Waste Amendment.

Independent Assessment of the Closed Project under the Special Programme Report (December 2022): China

Project Story

2018 - Balancing growth and chemical management in China