Chemicals

I. PROJECT BACKGROUND In the South of Lebanon, burning waste is a common practice. Any person standing on the heights of Jarjou a and Jibai villages during sunset will notice the smoke rising from waste burning especially rubber wheels which generates toxic products (dioxin and fornite). The last 20 years have witnessed an alarming increase in the prevalence of cancer and hypertension cases in the region. II. AIM OF THE PROJECT The Project aims at raising awareness, networking, reviewing policies and disseminating information in the area of POPs. It also aims at stopping the burning of waste especially rubber tires and stopping the use of improper incinerators at hospitals. III. OBJECTIVES The Project objectives are to: Undertake a survey of major POPs in the region and their specific locations Contribute in stopping the use of improper incinerators in hospitals and promote the use other alternatives. Contribute in stopping the burning of materials that will produce dioxin and furans Networking, discussion of policies and dissemination of information concerning POPs Contribute in raising cooperation among different bodies working in the filed of POPs IV. ACTIVITIES 1. Undertake a survey of major POPs and their locations/sources. This step includes the establishment of a base line data. It will include as well video tapes and photographs. 2. Prepare and conduct 14 workshops on POPs 3. The workshops will be one day workshops. They will target NGOs, associations, municipalities and experts. They will focus on: Informing participants on POPs, their dangers, international conventions and local policies related to this issue Capacity building of participants/volunteers. Capacity building of municipalities Establishing a group of volunteers as environmental guides concerning POPs issues Establishing a preliminary action plan in relation to POPs issues The group environmental guides will later follow-up on the issue of POPs in the field. V. BENEFICIARIES The direct beneficiaries will be the inhabitants of Nabatiyeh and neighboring villages.

Lebanon