Press Release, South Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP)

Thirty top government officials will gather in Nadi, to explain their countries position on several international conventions, aimed at controlling the manufacture storage and disposal of toxic chemicals, both regionally and around the world.

Two international environmental organisations, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the South Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP), are supporting the workshop. Both are keen to pass on the message, that commitment to the three conventions spells good news for the region.

SPREP waste expert Dr Bruce Graham says that positive decisions need to be made soon to protect the Pacific island countries environmental future.

"We want to clearly explain the reasons why countries should consider ratifying the treaties, as well as provide delegates with a good understanding of the resource implications, then ask what kind of support the Pacific island countries and territories need before implementing the conventions."

The Basel Convention will enable the world to monitor and control the trade of dangerous chemical waste, by giving importing countries the option to choose which chemicals they want to receive and turn away those that cannot be handled safely.

The agenda will also discuss a Prior Informed Consent Procedure in which importing countries can decide whether they wish to receive future shipments of particular chemicals.

Recently the United States announced its intention to store 12 toxic chemical containers of Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) on Wake island in the Pacific Ocean, although PCBs have been banned in both the U.S and Canada.

For more information contact Chris Peteru or Fatu Tauafiafi, SPREP

Phone: (685) 21929, Fax (685) 20231