This alarming situation, she said, underscores the timeliness and critical importance of the project, which will greatly help reduce emissions and releases of uPOPs from the uncontrolled open burning of solid waste, as one of the most pressing environmental health challenges facing the country today.
Ms. Mandisa Mashologu made this disclosure on Wednesday at the FFEM Project Launch on Strengthening National and Municipal Capacities for the Sound Management of PCBs and uPOPs in The Gambia held at Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre.
In essence, the project aims to enhance the country's capacity to manage PCBs and uPOPs in compliance with the Stockholm Convention.
Besides, the project, she explains, marks a significant milestone in ‘our collective efforts to protect human health and the environment from the harmful effects of Persistent Organic Pollutants and Polychlorinated Biphenyl.’
"The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) supports countries manage chemical and waste to protect human health and the environment in line with SDG 3 on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages, SDG 12 on responsible consumption and production and SDG 13 on taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts. In so doing, UNDP contributes also to furthering the African Union Agenda 2063 by fostering environmental sustainability and resilience."
Also, she acknowledged that The Gambia, as a committed party to the Stockholm Convention, has pledged to eliminate the production and use of intentionally produced POPs, reduce releases from unintentionally produced POPs, and ensure the environmentally sound management of stockpiles and wastes containing POPs.
Since ratifying the convention in 2003, she noted that The Gambia has made significant strides in addressing these challenges. However, the effective management of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and unintentional persistent organic pollutants (uPOPs) remains a critical issue.
The UNDP resident rep expressed optimism that the project being launched will contribute to addressing these concerns, adding that this project aims to enhance the country's capacity to manage PCBs and uPOPs in compliance with the Stockholm Convention.
"By enhancing the national and municipal capacities, The Gambia will be better equipped to manage and mitigate the risks associated with unintended persistent organic pollutants and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), which pose serious threats to both human health and the environment."
