Obsolete pesticides (OPs) and Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) pose a significant environmental and health concern in Eastern Europe, the Caucasus and Central Asia, stemming largely from the overuse and mismanagement of pesticides during the Soviet era.

Obsolete pesticides

Many of the chemicals of concern are now either banned internationally or unusable because of long-term storage. It is estimated that over 200,000 metric tonnes of these chemicals are scattered over this region, constituting around half of the world’s quantities of obsolete pesticides.

Life-cycle management of pesticides

In response to this challenge, the EU has initiated a project based on improving the life-cycle management of pesticides in 12 former Soviet Republics. In doing so, this work represents the practical implementation of the Code of Conduct for Pesticide Management (the Code), produced jointly by FAO and WHO, and which covers the entire pesticide life-cycle.

The project also looks to support countries to improve pesticide legislation and management practices in line with international best practice and with EU standards.

Multilateral environment agreements

Many of the project countries are signatories to the major multilateral environmental agreements related to pesticides and/or hazardous chemicals. The project aims to support these countries in meeting the requirements set out in these Conventions, through on-the-ground activities, which will address the immediate risks, and also to promote the development of capacity at regional and national level, so helping countries deal with similar issues in the future.

The project is complementary to several on-going EU and FAO regional projects, and FAO will continue to work with partners to ensure that all efforts are coordinated and to ensure maximum impact and global environmental benefit. The structures, systems and capacity developed across the region under this programme will be available to support similar initiatives in other chemicals and waste sectors in the future.

The project is scheduled to last a minimum of 4 years, with five intended outcomes:

• Outcome 1: Management of Obsolete Pesticides
• Outcome 2: Improved Management of the Pesticide Life Cycle
• Outcome 3: Cross-Cutting Activities
• Outcome 4: Project Management
• Outcome 5: Monitoring and Evaluation