When people speak about the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the discussion is often focused on the hurdles the country faces to speed its development. The aftermath of colonialism, followed by decades of internal conflict, have led the majority of its 92 million people to live in extreme poverty.[1] Deadly outbreaks of Ebola and cholera, combined with an inadequate public health system to address preventable conditions such as malaria, have contributed to the country’s already high mortality rates. The country’s lack of basic sanitation services has only worsened these problems.[2]
But while the DRC has many challenges to overcome, it also has immense potential. Gold, cobalt, and other natural resources abound in the DRC, Africa’s second largest country. And within its borders, the world’s second largest rainforest, a diverse array of animal and plant life, large amounts of arable land, and hydropower capabilities can be found.
The DRC government is working on many fronts to give the country a brighter future, including by better protecting the environment and public health. As part of this mission, and with the support from the United Nations Environment Programme’s Chemicals and Waste Management Programme, the DRC is launching a 3-year project to help meet its obligations under the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions.
The project will be led by a National Coordination Committee (NCC) consisting of staff representing key government ministries, NGOs, and private sector businesses. Together, they will build a cohesive plan to resolve the DRC’s most urgent chemicals and waste management issues.
The committee will first tackle the DRC’s institutional and coordination capacities, which sees a lot of duplication and overlaps in chemicals and waste management activities, as well an inaction in some instances. After convening government ministries, including those focused on the environment, health, and trade, the NCC will assess their roles and capacities. Afterward, the government will have a clearer understanding of how each entity can better contribute to the DRC’s waste and chemicals management plans in a coordinated manner. The same evaluation will be completed for key private sector businesses, industry associations, and academic entities.
To facilitate effective information sharing among the many people joining the effort, the project will also support developing a website and national database. All stakeholders will benefit from a national chemicals and waste management website that will share information regarding the country’s current and planned chemicals and waste management activities. The database will house information on Government staff and chemicals and waste producers and dealers. Together, the website and database will increase access to information and collaboration to support the project’s goals.
Both the website and database will likely highlight the DRC’s plans to develop a circular economy, which first involves pilot testing recycling programs. Information garnered from pilot projects will be utilized to find the most feasible ways to curb the country’s waste. Wastes of concern include those caused by the widespread use of plastics, mobile phones, and lead acid batteries.
Because all stakeholders stand to benefit from learning more about sound chemicals and waste management practices, education and awareness-raising activities are a main aspect of the project. Under the guidance of a technical committee and consultants, at least 1,000 people working in chemicals and waste management will have access to various trainings. For example, customs and police staff will be educated on the prevention of illegal traffic in toxic chemicals, and journalists on environmental reporting.
Finally, the project will involve the country’s most important stakeholders: the public. Target audiences include waste pickers and women and children, along with people living in communities most affected by poor chemicals and waste management. In addition to learning how to stay safe from dangerous chemicals and waste, they will learn how to modify their practices to ensure a safer and cleaner environment.
The DRC government is excited to start this ambitious project. In the years ahead, it may be recognized as the catalyst for the country’s independent and sustainable management of chemicals and waste.
