Stockholmkonventio

Stockholmkonventio, or the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, is an international environmental treaty designed to protect human health and the environment from highly persistent and hazardous chemicals. It was adopted in 2001 in Stockholm, Sweden, and entered into force on May 17, 2004 after sufficient ratifications. The convention seeks to eliminate or severely restrict the production, use, import, and deliberate release of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and to minimize unintentional releases from industrial processes and waste.

The treaty operates through a system of annexes that guide national action. Annex A lists substances to be eliminated or substituted; Annex B covers substances to be restricted in production and use; Annex C addresses measures to reduce and prevent unintentional production. Parties are required to implement phase-outs or restrictions, establish exemptions where appropriate, promote safer alternatives, and manage stockpiles and waste, as well as monitor environmental levels. The convention also provides a framework for adding new chemicals to the annexes through amendment.

Administration and governance are provided by a Secretariat under the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The Conference of the Parties (COP), which meets every two years, sets policy directions, adopts amendments, and reviews progress. As of 2023, more than 180 states have ratified the treaty, reflecting broad international commitment to reducing POPs.

Impact and challenges: the Stockholm Convention has driven significant reductions in the use and release of many POPs and improved international cooperation on chemical safety. Ongoing work focuses on capacity building, compliance, monitoring, and updating the list of controlled substances.