RFI News

RFI assists with development of the UNEP-UNDP Partnership Initiative for Implementation of SAICM

November 6, 2007 - The Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM), adopted in February 2006, supports the achievement of the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) goal to ensure that, by the year 2020, chemicals are produced and used in ways that minimize significant adverse impacts on the environment and human health.

RFI's work for the United Nations Development Program - United Nations Environment Program Partnership Initiative is designed to assist developing countries and countries with economies-in-transition to more effectively integrate chemicals management into their national development planning processes.

RFI's assistance includes development of procedures that countries can use to:

1. Identify specific areas of chemicals management likely to result in concrete environment, health and economic benefits;
2. Develop a plan to begin addressing the identified gaps;
3. Assess their national development strategies relative to protecting the environment and human health from adverse effects through sound management of chemicals; and
4. Improve the integration of chemicals management priorities into national development discourse and planning agendas.

RFI's president, Tom Conway, will be presenting at UNDP-UNEP workshops in Africa (Zambia and Uganda) this fall and winter. Planning for spring workshops with countries in other regions in the spring is in progress. Currently in the works are workshops in Southeast Asia (Cambodia), Eastern Europe (Belarus) and South America (Ecuador).