Within the framework of the XX Forum of Ministers of Environment of Latin America and the Caribbean (Cartagena, Colombia, 28-31 March 2016), as per Decision 8, the Intergovernmental Network on Chemicals and Waste for Latin America and the Caribbean was established, with the purpose facing the urgent necessity to bring together and systematize the regional efforts and mechanisms; address the sound management of chemicals and waste, and prevent risks to protect human health and environment.
The Network’s objectives are:
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To contribute to the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by facilitating the achievement of the chemicals and waste-related goals and targets in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC);
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To support the implementation of the chemicals and waste international agreements in the countries of the region;
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To strengthen regional cooperation and facilitate exchange of information and best practices on the sound management of chemicals and waste;
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To promote technology transfer mechanisms and capacity building for the reduction on the use of chemicals; and
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To provide recommendations at policy and programme level for consideration of the Forum of Ministers of Environment of Latin America and the Caribbean.
The Network is comprised by the governmental focal points nominated by the countries in the region, and by other stakeholders related with the scope and purpose of the Network, in order to promote an integrated and intersectoral vision of the actions to be undertaken.. Non-governmental organizations can submit a membership request to the Secretariat.
After reaching more than 2,500 beneficiaries thanks to the activities and strategies carried out in the 2019-2020 Action Plan for Regional Cooperation on Chemicals and Waste Management, the Network has developed a second Action Plan for 2021-2024, and the Work Programme 2021-2022, both adopted by the XXII Meeting of the Forum of Ministers of Environment (Bridgetown, Barbados, 1-2 February 2021). This new Action Plan assesses the current situation in the region regarding new emerging issues, such as waste generated in the COVID-19 pandemic context, plastics and marine litter, among others.
The Forum made available the Progress Report for the 2019-2020 Regional Action Plan on Chemicals and Waste.
The Forum also adopted a Resource Mobilization Strategy to guarantee the implementation of the plan
For more information, please contact the Secretariat of the Intergovernmental Network on Chemicals and Waste for Latin America and the Caribbean: unep-cwlacnetwork@un.org
