9th International HCH and Pesticides Forum
for Central and Eastern European,
Caucasus  and Central Asia Countries


September 20-22, 2007
Chisinau, Republic of Moldova


FIRST ANNOUNCEMENT


THEME

Obsolete Pesticides in Central and Eastern European, Caucasus and Central Asia Region: Start of clean up.


ORGANIZED BY



Dear Colleagues,

The organizers are pleased to invite representatives of scientific communities, central and local governmental administration, NGO’s and business associations from CEECCA Countries and international organizations with experience on obsolete pesticides, as well as other individuals and organizations active in the field of obsolete and POPs pesticides, to participate in the 9th International HCH and Pesticide Forum.

The aim of the Forum is to continue the discussion for creating a program for inventory and elimination of obsolete pesticides, which had been successfully addressed at 8th Forum in Sofia, Bulgaria (2005).

The Forum is undertaken under the framework of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and will activate and support activities of the countries for implementation of the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) and Environmentally Sound Management (ESM) practices to solve the problems with obsolete pesticides, establish contacts between the interested parties, attract attention of investors, industry, public, authorities and mass media.

The Forum objectives are to review the state of the NIP’s for the Stockholm Convention and to discuss the barriers and opportunities in the NIP implementation process; to review the existing monitoring systems in the countries related to the POPs and obsolete pesticides problems; to present and exchange technologies and experiences for waste management and destruction of obsolete pesticides and contaminated soils based on the existent case applied in Moldova; to increase policy – awareness on the obsolete  pesticides issues in the region based on the countries experience since May 2001; to discuss the national and regional strategies, actions plans and financial options for elimination of the obsolete pesticides stockpiles.


PRIMARY TOPICS


PROGRAM

The Forum will comprise plenary sessions and work in specific sections (according to the topics), oral and poster presentations, donor conference, a special exhibition “Danger Obsolete Pesticides that has been held from 30 April to May 4, 2007 at the European Parliament, environmental literature exhibits, field trip and other events.
The Forum Program will be finalized upon the receipt and review of all submitted presentations by the organizers.


LANGUAGES

The working languages of the Forum are English and Russian.
Sequential translation of presentations will be provided.


APPROACH

Participants are invited to submit short abstracts of their oral or poster presentations (1 page) in English and to take part in the discussions both in plenary sessions and/or in the working groups.

The Forum proceeding (the Book of abstracts) will be printed in English before the Forum. The Forum Book, containing full paper of communications, will be printed in English after the Forum. The Forum Book and resulting documents will be also published after the Forum on the IHPA site.

Rules for abstract and paper preparation will be published in the Second Announcement.

You will have an opportunity to distribute promotional material among participants.


CONDITIONS OF PARTICIPATION, CONFERENCE FEE

Submitting the Registration Form is required if you wish to have your oral or poster presentation included in the Forum schedule.

The Forum participation fee is 150 EURO. It covers participation in all presentations, sequential translation of oral presentations, coffee breaks, two lunches, reception, field trip and receiving "Forum bag" for participants including the Book of abstracts.

The Organizers will help you to book a hotel room.

Sponsorship for participation in the Forum is relevant for limited number of candidates from countries with economies in transition.


CONTACTS

If you have any questions concerning the Forum please contact the Forum Secretariat:

9 Cosmonautilor str., Office 614
Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources
Chisinau, MD2005, Republic of Moldova
Phone: +(373 22) 22 68 49
Fax: +(373 22) 22 62 54
Е-mail: forum.secretariat@moldovapops.md
Web: www.ihpa.info; www.moldovapops.md