Chemicals

The problem of POPs and toxic chemicals associated with their negative impact on human health and the environment, unfortunately, still exists and is an actual problem for our republic. The problem is connected both with the lack of sustainable management of chemicals and insufficient awareness of it. Apart from this, the number of trained professionals in Armenian communities is very limited. POPs and toxic chemicals are an integral part of the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM). Civil society participation in the implementation of projects promoting the sustainable management of POPs and toxic chemicals is very important for SAICM implementation. This is especially actual since in 2011 the Stockholm Convention celebrates its 10 - year anniversary. This is the reason why the year 2011 is proclaimed by the United Nations the International Year of Chemistry. The proposed project aims to promote chemical safety in the Republic of Armenia through raising awareness on reduction of the use of POPs and toxic chemicals in agriculture, as well on their hazardous impact and sustainable alternatives to them. The project will pay special attention to the wider use of biohumus made from organic waste through research, trainings and marketing. Disclosure of priority issues associated with POPs harmful effects and the development of measures aimed at the elimination of POPs are part of commitments taken by the Republic of Armenia under the Stockholm Convention. Improper management of toxic chemicals leads to water reservoirs, surface and ground water pollution, biodiversity loss, land degradation, residue accumulation in food chain and ultimately, to serious health problems. Fertilization is also a big problem, considering the fact that the country is dominated by unilateral mineral fertilization which is fraught with risk of cancer for human health. Besides, this type of fertilization weakens the resistance of plants to different pests and diseases, thus inducing an increase of pesticide use. This project aims to apply a systematic approach in order to reduce the use of agrochemicals and ensure safety. Substitution of mineral fertilizers with biohumus made from organic waste will increase plant resistance to pests and diseases, and IPM application will prevent the spread of diseases and pests. Plant tinctures can also be used as a pest control means. Raising awareness of different public groups about potential hazards caused by toxic chemicals in agriculture is also important. The goal of the project is to strengthen the target communities capacity in the field of POPs and toxic chemicals sound management through raising awareness on reduction of the use of POPs and toxic chemicals in agriculture, their hazardous impact and the sustainable alternatives to them.

Armenia