Concluding Six-Year Project on Environmentally Sound Management of POPs in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Strategic Insights -

The six-year project 'Environmentally Sound Management of Persistent Organic Pollutants in Industrial and Hazardous Waste Sectors in BiH (POPs)' has come to a close, marking the conclusion of a collaborative effort between the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in BiH, the government of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Swedish government. The project aimed to align national systems with international standards, improve chemical safety, and reduce risks from hazardous chemicals to human health and the environment.

Key Takeaways:

  • The project has made significant progress in reducing risks to human health and the environment, with achievements including the updating and handing over of the national POPs inventory in GIS format and the safe collection and disposal of over 35 tons of pesticide plastic packaging.
  • The project has supported 13 industries in adopting green chemistry practices, procured over USD 250,000 in laboratory equipment to enhance POPs monitoring, and developed remediation plans for two contaminated industrial sites.
  • Strong partnerships and institutional coordination were key to the project's success, with the government of Bosnia and Herzegovina, the Swedish government, and the UNDP working together to achieve shared goals.
  • Long-term partnerships and the value of collaboration across sectors were emphasized by participants, with the project serving as a model of development partnership.
  • The project has contributed to reducing risks from hazardous chemicals to human health and the environment by strengthening national systems for the sound management of chemicals and waste.

Statistics:

  • The project has contributed to reducing risks from hazardous chemicals to human health and the environment by strengthening national systems for the sound management of chemicals and waste.
  • Over 35 tons of pesticide plastic packaging were safely collected and disposed of during the project.
  • Over USD 250,000 was procured for laboratory equipment to enhance POPs monitoring.
  • 13 industries benefitted from the project by adopting green chemistry practices.

Sources:

  • Azra Rogovic Grubic, Senior Adviser for International Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations of BiH and National Focal Point for the Stockholm Convention on POPs
  • Eva Smedberg, Head of Development Cooperation at the Embassy of Sweden in BiH
  • Victor Munteanu, UNDP Deputy Resident Representative in BiH
  • United Nations Development Program (UNDP) in BiH