A new global fund on chemicals and waste management, was launched in Nairobi by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) a few days ago.
The selected projects are expected to work on green and sustainable solutions and to channel actions to prevent and minimize harm from chemicals and waste in some of the world’s most disadvantaged countries.
Sheila Aggarwal-Khan, Director of the UNEP Industry and Economy Division, said “pollution and waste constitute a daily crisis for people’s health, undermine economic activity, and leave nature permanently scarred.”
She said the historic Framework for the fund, is turning from text into practice and providing concrete benefits for those at the frontlines of this crisis.
At the Fifth International Conference on Chemicals Management, held in September 2023 in Bonn, delegates from around the world representing governments, private sector, civil society, academia and youth adopted the Framework.
During the conference this dedicated trust fund was set up to support low-and middle-income countries, including small island developing states, in addressing chemicals, including products and waste in line with international standards.
Selected projects will receive USD 300,000 to 800,000 for up to three years to support transformative change to prevent and minimize harm from chemicals and waste and to protect the environment and human health, including vulnerable groups and workers.
The fund, which complements existing financial mechanisms, including those designed to tackle two other planetary threats of climate change and biodiversity loss, has received initial support of around USD 27 million, primarily from Germany, as well as the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the International Council of Chemical Associations.
Applicants will be able to learn more in a series of webinars on the Fund, its priorities, and on how to apply.
More information can be obtained from : https://www.unep.org/global-framework-chemicals.
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