Training on POPs set

Concern over the effects of persistent organic pollutants or POPs on the health of human beings and wildlife is increasing as people become more conscious about the relationship of environmental pollution with various health problems. POPs are chemical substances that persist in the environment, bioaccumulate through food web and can adversely affect human health and the environment.

In line with this, the DENR-Environment Management Bureau will hold a training course on inventory of POPs, especially pesticides, on May 26-29 at the Manila Galleria Suites in Ortigas Center.

The training aims to provide government agencies a systematic and effective method of conducting POPs inventory where baseline data for the development of a national implementation plan will be established.

This activity is in line with the United Nations Development Programme’s global environment facility Philippine enabling activity project for the implementation of Stockholm Convention, an international treaty among countries aimed at reducing and ultimately eliminating 12 identified toxic pollutants (pesticides, industrial chemicals and unintended by-products) in order to protect human health and environment.

This training is supported by the United States Agency for International Development and the United States-Asia Environmental partnership.

Invited to speak are Janice Jensen and Mark Davis from the United States Environment Protection Agency. They are both experts in the field of pesticides. The Food and Agriclture Organization will act as resource speakers.

After this, Philippine representatives will attend a seminar on POPs in Korea on July 24-Aug.12. — Benny Enriquez