Stockholmkonventiona

The Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) is an international environmental treaty opened for signature in 2001 in Stockholm and entering into force in 2004 under the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). It aims to protect human health and the environment from POPs by eliminating or restricting their production, use, and releases.

The convention covers pesticides, industrial chemicals, and chemicals released unintentionally. It seeks to reduce or eliminate the accumulation of POPs in ecosystems and exposure in humans, particularly in vulnerable populations. Parties are urged to adopt safer alternatives and to minimize releases through national measures and technology transfer.

The treaty addresses three categories of substances. The groups include pesticides such as DDT and lindane, industrial chemicals such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and unintentionally produced POPs such as dioxins and furans. The structure is designed to phase out or tightly control listed chemicals and to manage import and export to prevent unwanted cross-border contamination.

Implementation is organized through three annexes. Annex A lists chemicals to be eliminated or severely restricted; Annex B lists those for which uses should be restricted; Annex C addresses chemicals produced unintentionally and methods to reduce their releases. The Conference of the Parties can amend these annexes to add new POPs as scientific understanding evolves.

Compliance and support are facilitated by mechanisms including financial and technical assistance, notably through the Global Environment Facility. The Stockholm Convention has achieved broad international participation and ongoing efforts to reduce global exposure to persistent organic pollutants.