Implementation of the United Nations Environmental Programme's (UNEP) Special Programme (SP) on chemicals and waste

Description What is done in the programme or project and why, what results are pursued, who benefits from the activities and who are involved in the implementation.

The United Nations Environmental Programme's (UNEP) Special Programme on chemicals and waste supports the implementation of five international chemicals and waste conventions in developing countries; the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions (BRS Conventions), the Minamata Convention and the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM). The Special Programme aims at supporting national level institutions in developing countries, strengthening sustainable management of chemicals and waste as well as supporting sustainable development in developing countries. The Special Programme support is channeled to developing countries, especially the least developed countries and small island states, and countries in transition. The attention is given to countries with less capacity to implement the conventions without assistance. Finland has been active in supporting the creation of the Special Programme, and the programme has a clear link with Finland's efforts to develop the co-operation on chemicals and waste as part of the reform of the international environmental management. The Special Programme is complimentary to the GEF (Global Environment Facility) which is the main funding channel of Finland.