On 4 May 2017, in the context of the Conference of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions (COP), Geneva, Switzerland, whose theme this year is "A future detoxified: sound management of chemical and waste", Ms. Maria Helena Semedo, FAO Deputy Director-General - Climate and Natural Resources, was invited to speak at the high-level segment/ministerial session, together with Mr. Marc Chardonnens, State Secretary for the Environment, Switzerland, Mr. Erik Solheim, UN Under-Secretary General and Executive Director of UN Environment, Ms. Naoko Ishii, Chief Executive Officer and Chairperson of Global Environment Facility, and Ms. Kate Gilmore, UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Right. The high-level speakers emphasized the importance of detoxifying air, water and soil, promoting the use of safe chemicals and chemical alternatives, minimizing the use of toxic substances in production and consumption, preventing or reducing the generation of hazardous and other wastes, and safely managing them.　

In particular, Ms. Semedo stressed that the world's poor and hungry are most vulnerable to the adverse effect of hazardous pesticides, chemicals, and wastes that are the focus of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions. She noted that FAO works with countries in the context of Agenda 2030 to reduce the foot print of agriculture and to address the underlying causes of pollution that could compromise agriculture. Ms. Semedo added that FAO hosts over 70 instruments and mechanisms on the sustainability of sectoral and cross-sectoral issues, including the Rotterdam Convention, in collaboration with UNEP. In order to deal with harmful chemical in pesticides, FAO-WHO International Code of Conduct on Pesticide Management, provides standards of conduct on sound pesticide management for all stakeholders involved in the pesticide life cycle from formulation to disposal. There are many adverse effects of pesticides on biodiversity, Ms. Semedo said, such as the decline in the populations of birds and insects, which are vital for food production. An another example, she added, is the quantity of plastic and micro plastic debris in the ocean which has become a growing concern. To help detoxify oceans and seas, FAO has teamed up with UN Environment to identify measures and best available techniques and environmental practices to prevent their accumulation in the marine environment. To conclude, Ms. Semedo noted that FAO promotes an ecosystem approach for the integrated management of land, water and living resources for conservation and sustainable use in an equitable way. Attached are some photos of her intervention: 　

After delivering her statement, Ms. Semedo was then invited to a ministerial round-table discussion. 　

The objective of the high-level segment of the COP is to provide an interactive, dynamic and inclusive platform for ministers and other high-level delegates to exchange experiences and to provide political leadership for renewed commitment towards the implementation of the conventions. In doing so, the high-level segment aims to raise political awareness of and support for the conventions, as well as promote a dialogue among ministers, and between ministers and other high-level delegates. 　

As decided by the presidents of the three Conferences of the Parties in consultation with the bureaux, this year's theme of the 2017 COP, "A future detoxified: Sound management of chemicals and waste”, was sub-divided into the following sub-themes, for the purpose of ministerial round-table discussion, which took place after the high-level segment: 　

1.        Opportunities for a detoxified future in Agenda 2030 and its Sustainable Development Goals;　

2.        Opportunities for strengthened implementation through partnerships; and;　

3.        Opportunities for reducing waste and pollution while enabling economic and social prosperity. 　

Contact: Silvano Sofia, FAO Geneva