Managing empty pesticide containers, protecting natural resources and farmers in Central Asia

Time: 10:30-13:00  CEST

The GEF/FAO project “Lifecycle Management of Pesticides and Disposal of POPs Pesticides in Central Asian countries and Turkey” (GCP/SEC/011/GFF resp. GEF ID 5000) is to 1) reduce POPs releases from obsolete pesticide stockpiles and contaminated sites, and 2) strengthen the capacity for the sound management of pesticides.

One key activity is the introduction of national pesticide container management systems (CMS). Empty pesticide containers, unless managed correctly, pose an important hazard to both people and the environment. CMS can minimize related risks and is part of the “life-cycle concept” as addressed in the FAO/WHO International Code of Conduct on Pesticide Management.

Successful container management systems are based on the engagement and support of all stakeholders over the pesticide life-cycle. These stakeholder groups include government bodies, manufacturers, users/farmers, distributors and suppliers, recyclers and disposers, NGOs, and business and trade unions. Also, sound management of empty pesticide containers at the end of their life creates an additional cost, hence, successful CMS should have a mechanism to bear these costs.

Objective of the webinar

The main objective of the Webinar is to exchange information on the challenges to address when managing pesticides containers and on opportunities provided by the establishment of pesticide container management systems for the countries in Central Asia, Turkey, Caucasus and Eastern Europe.