Meetings of the conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm (BRS) Conventions (1-12 May, Geneva)

The 2023 BRS Conference of Parties (COPs) addressed the pressing issues of chemicals and wastes in the context of the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. The BRS COPs held in Geneva, Switzerland from 1-12 May brought together over 1,500 participants from a diverse range of stakeholders to address urgent global challenges related to chemicals and wastes.

During the 2023 (TripleCOP) meetings, the Basel Convention discussed technical guidelines on managing plastic waste, which aligns with efforts for a new treaty on plastic pollution. The Rotterdam Convention faced challenges in listing chemicals, prompting discussions on its effectiveness. An intersessional process was established to gather information on obstacles faced in listing decisions, but a proposal to create a new Annex listing chemicals without consensus failed to gain the necessary majority. Under the Stockholm Convention, parties agreed to eliminate the production and use of Methoxychlor, with no exemptions, while Dechlorane Plus and UV-328 were granted exemptions for specific uses. The Convention also achieved a significant milestone with the adoption of a compliance mechanism.

Toxics Link, actively participated in the BRS COPs and associated side events, and contributed to discussions advocating for sustainable management of chemicals and wastes. Mr Satish Sinha, Associate Director of Toxics Link, and Mr Piyush Mohapatra, Senior Programme Coordinator, Toxics Link represented the organisation at the BRS COPs, sharing valuable insights and expertise. Additionally, Mr Satish Sinha chaired a significant side event focused on the phase-out of DDT, highlighting India’s crucial role in this endeavour.