Publications

The legal and technical publications and information materials produced and disseminated are convention-specific as well as those related to cross-cutting and joint activities included in the programmes of work of the three conventions.

 

Synergies Publications

Rules of Procedure
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Rules of Procedure

Rules of Procedure
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Arabic: Download Rules of Procedure in Arabic - PDF French: Download Rules of Procedure in French - PDF
Chinese: Download Rules of Procedure in Chinese - PDF Russian: Download Rules of Procedure in Russian - PDF
English: Download Rules of Procedure in English - PDF Spanish: Download Rules of Procedure in Spanish - PDF
Negotiator's toolkit

A comprehensive knowledge base is available on the United Nations Information Portal on Multilateral Environmental Agreements (InforMEA) to help both new and experienced negotiators to understand and navigate multilateral environmental negotiations and related processes. It includes an interactive version of the newly updated Multilateral Environmental Negotiator's Handbook, training materials, video examples of negotiations, case studies, a collection of rules of procedure and financial rules of various multilateral environmental agreements and the UNEP Glossary of Terms for Negotiators of Multilateral Environmental Agreements.

Click here to view the negotiator's toolkit.

Negotiator's toolkit

Negotiator's toolkit

A comprehensive knowledge base is available on the United Nations Information Portal on Multilateral Environmental Agreements (InforMEA) to help both new and experienced negotiators to understand and navigate multilateral environmental negotiations and related processes. It includes an interactive version of the newly updated Multilateral Environmental Negotiator's Handbook, training materials, video examples of negotiations, case studies, a collection of rules of procedure and financial rules of various multilateral environmental agreements and the UNEP Glossary of Terms for Negotiators of Multilateral Environmental Agreements.

Click here to view the negotiator's toolkit.

Compilation of information, best practices and lessons learned on measures taken by key stakeholders to prevent and reduce single use plastic waste and packaging waste
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Compilation of information, best practices and lessons learned on measures taken by key stakeholders to prevent and reduce single use plastic waste and packaging waste

Compilation of information, best practices and lessons learned on measures taken by key stakeholders to prevent and reduce single use plastic waste and packaging waste

This compilation has been approved by the working group of the Plastic Waste Partnership of the Basel Convention. It is intended to assist Parties to the Basel Convention, authorities, stakeholders, and the public in the environmentally sound management of plastic wastes. It does not necessarily represent the viewpoints of the working group members on all the details of its content. This compilation should not be understood as derogating from the text of the Basel Convention or any decision(s) adopted by the Conference of the Parties and is without prejudice to the views of individual Parties. The information presented therein is current at the time of writing. The working group reserves the right to revise this content at any given time.

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Compilation of national and international specifications related to “almost free from contamination and other types of wastes” and “almost exclusively” for shipments of plastic waste destined for recycling
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Compilation of national and international specifications related to “almost free from contamination and other types of wastes” and “almost exclusively” for shipments of plastic waste destined for recycling

Compilation of national and international specifications related to “almost free from contamination and other types of wastes” and “almost exclusively” for shipments of plastic waste destined for recycling

This compilation has been approved by the working group of the Plastic Waste Partnership of the Basel Convention. It is intended to assist Parties to the Basel Convention, authorities, stakeholders, and the public in the environmentally sound management of plastic wastes. It does not necessarily represent the viewpoints of the working group members on all the details of its content. This compilation should not be understood as derogating from the text of the Basel Convention or any decision(s) adopted by the Conference of the Parties and is without prejudice to the views of individual Parties. The information presented therein is current at the time of writing. The working group reserves the right to revise this content at any given time.

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Study on the interlinkages between the chemicals and waste multilateral environmental agreements and biodiversity
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Study on the interlinkages between the chemicals and waste multilateral environmental agreements and biodiversity

Study on the interlinkages between the chemicals and waste multilateral environmental agreements and biodiversity

At the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) governments agreed to “achieve, by 2020, that chemicals are used and produced in ways that lead to the minimization of significant adverse effects on human health and the environment […].”.

The Basel, Rotterdam, Stockholm and Minamata conventions contribute to this goal through their specific and individual legal mandates. In addition, the non-binding Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM), has also aimed at the 2020 goal by focusing on important chemicals and waste issues not covered by the above multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs), and is currently in the process of considering its beyond-2020 objectives, structure and targets. The United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA), which is the governing body of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), also provides leadership on chemicals issues and the interlinkages with other areas of UNEA and UNEP endeavours, such as biological diversity.

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Multilateral Environmental Agreement Negotiator’s Handbook

The “Multilateral Environmental Agreement Negotiator’s Handbook” is a joint publication of Environment Canada and the University of Joensuu – United Nations Environment Programme Course on International Environmental Law-making and Diplomacy.

It is intended to be a solid introduction to and reference tool for negotiating and working on multilateral environmental agreements.

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English: Download Rules of Procedure in Arabic - PDF French: Download Rules of Procedure in French - PDF

Multilateral Environmental Agreement Negotiator’s Handbook

Multilateral Environmental Agreement Negotiator’s Handbook

The “Multilateral Environmental Agreement Negotiator’s Handbook” is a joint publication of Environment Canada and the University of Joensuu – United Nations Environment Programme Course on International Environmental Law-making and Diplomacy.

It is intended to be a solid introduction to and reference tool for negotiating and working on multilateral environmental agreements.

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English: Download Rules of Procedure in Arabic - PDF French: Download Rules of Procedure in French - PDF
Training Manual for Chairs of Meetings of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions

The “Training Manual for Chairs of Meetings of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions” was developed by the United Nations University Institute of Advanced Studies on Sustainability (UNU-IAS) in cooperation with the Secretariats of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions, within the framework of the training programme for potential Chairs and Presidents of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions’ meetings.

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Training Manual for Chairs of Meetings of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions

Training Manual for Chairs of Meetings of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions

The “Training Manual for Chairs of Meetings of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions” was developed by the United Nations University Institute of Advanced Studies on Sustainability (UNU-IAS) in cooperation with the Secretariats of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions, within the framework of the training programme for potential Chairs and Presidents of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions’ meetings.

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Global governance of plastics and associated chemicals

The main objective of the study is to map the global governance of plastics and associated chemicals, identify governance gaps, and identify complementarities with existing multilateral instruments in particular the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm (BRS) conventions, in the context of ongoing intergovernmental efforts to end plastic pollution. In addition, the study discusses the role of international sustainability criteria for plastics and associated chemicals.

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Global governance of plastics and associated chemicals

Global governance of plastics and associated chemicals

The main objective of the study is to map the global governance of plastics and associated chemicals, identify governance gaps, and identify complementarities with existing multilateral instruments in particular the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm (BRS) conventions, in the context of ongoing intergovernmental efforts to end plastic pollution. In addition, the study discusses the role of international sustainability criteria for plastics and associated chemicals.

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Environmental and Health Emergencies - The role of the BRS

This report examines the relevance of the conventions in response to the environmental and health emergencies, including the COVID-19 pandemic, and the lessons learnt. The report describes how the conventions are relevant to support Parties in their work on preventing, preparing for, responding to, and recovering from emergencies.

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Environmental and Health Emergencies - The role of the BRS

Environmental and Health Emergencies - The role of the BRS

This report examines the relevance of the conventions in response to the environmental and health emergencies, including the COVID-19 pandemic, and the lessons learnt. The report describes how the conventions are relevant to support Parties in their work on preventing, preparing for, responding to, and recovering from emergencies.

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From Science to Action

This document outlines the role of BRS conventions in global governance of chemicals and waste, identifies possible synergies between existing mechanisms of the BRS conventions and a future science-policy panel, and – drawing on the experience of these conventions – offers some suggestions for stakeholders to consider as they plan a new science policy panel to contribute further to the sound management of chemicals and waste and prevent pollution.

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From Science to Action

From Science to Action

This document outlines the role of BRS conventions in global governance of chemicals and waste, identifies possible synergies between existing mechanisms of the BRS conventions and a future science-policy panel, and – drawing on the experience of these conventions – offers some suggestions for stakeholders to consider as they plan a new science policy panel to contribute further to the sound management of chemicals and waste and prevent pollution.

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2022 face-to-face segment of the meetings of the conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions

The 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention and the 10th meetings of the Conferences of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention and to the Stockholm Convention (BRS COPs) are resuming for their face-to-face segment from 6 to 17 June 2022 in Geneva, Switzerland. The meetings include a high-level segment which will be held on 1 June 2022 in Stockholm, Sweden in connection with the Stockholm+50 international meeting. Ministers will gather to exchange experiences and to provide political leadership towards the implementation of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions.

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2022 face-to-face segment of the meetings of the conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions

2022 face-to-face segment of the meetings of the conferences of the Parties to the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions

The 15th meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Basel Convention and the 10th meetings of the Conferences of the Parties to the Rotterdam Convention and to the Stockholm Convention (BRS COPs) are resuming for their face-to-face segment from 6 to 17 June 2022 in Geneva, Switzerland. The meetings include a high-level segment which will be held on 1 June 2022 in Stockholm, Sweden in connection with the Stockholm+50 international meeting. Ministers will gather to exchange experiences and to provide political leadership towards the implementation of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions.

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Inspirational success stories from the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions

A selection of case studies where projects implemented by the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions have led to successful outcomes for human health and the environment.

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Success story #1
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Success story #4
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Success story #7 Download in Chinese - PDF Success story #8 Download in Russian - PDF Success story #9 Download in Chinese - PDF
Success story #10  Download in Chinese - PDF Success story #11  Download in Chinese - PDF    

Inspirational success stories from the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions

Inspirational success stories from the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions

A selection of case studies where projects implemented by the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions have led to successful outcomes for human health and the environment.

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Success story #1
Download in Arabic - PDF Success story #2
Download in French - PDF Success story #3
Download in Chinese - PDF
Success story #4
Download in English - PDF Success story #5
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Success story #7 Download in Chinese - PDF Success story #8 Download in Russian - PDF Success story #9 Download in Chinese - PDF
Success story #10  Download in Chinese - PDF Success story #11  Download in Chinese - PDF    
Interlinkages between the chemicals and waste multilateral environmental agreements and biodiversity: Key insights
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Interlinkages between the chemicals and waste multilateral environmental agreements and biodiversity: Key insights

Interlinkages between the chemicals and waste multilateral environmental agreements and biodiversity: Key insights

The 1989 Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal, the 1998 Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade, the 2001 Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, and the 2013 Minamata Convention on Mercury all aim at protecting human health and the environment from hazardous chemicals and waste.

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Chemicals, wastes and climate change - Interlinkages and potential for coordinated action
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Chemicals, wastes and climate change - Interlinkages and potential for coordinated action

Chemicals, wastes and climate change - Interlinkages and potential for coordinated action

Climate change and management of hazardous chemicals and wastes are two of the many challenges facing policy and decision makers committed to meeting the Sustainable Development Goals, as set out in the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. A number of global agreements have been established to address these issues. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change seeks to both stabilize greenhouse gas (GHG) concentrations in the atmosphere and adapt to the eventual inevitable impacts of climate change. Falling within the scope of this study, hazardous chemicals related agreements include the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade, the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and the Minamata Convention on Mercury. Finally, the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal focuses specifically on waste-related issues.

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Factsheets on the newly listed chemicals of the 2017 Conferences of the Parties

Factsheets on the newly listed chemicals of the 2017 Conferences of the Parties

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Factsheets on the newly listed chemicals of the 2017 Conferences of the Parties

Factsheets on the newly listed chemicals of the 2017 Conferences of the Parties

Factsheets on the newly listed chemicals of the 2017 Conferences of the Parties

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10 Years of Synergies Decisions 2005 - 2015

Compilation of decisions related to enhancing cooperation and coordination among the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions

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10 Years of Synergies Decisions 2005 - 2015

10 Years of Synergies Decisions 2005 - 2015

Compilation of decisions related to enhancing cooperation and coordination among the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions

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Manual for customs officers

The interactive Manual for Customs on hazardous chemicals and wastes under the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions will enhance your knowledge of the three global treaties that contribute to safely managing the production, movement, use and disposal of hazardous chemicals and wastes.

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Manual for customs officers

Manual for customs officers

The interactive Manual for Customs on hazardous chemicals and wastes under the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions will enhance your knowledge of the three global treaties that contribute to safely managing the production, movement, use and disposal of hazardous chemicals and wastes.

Customs play a key role in facilitating the legal trade of hazardous chemicals and wastes, and in detecting possible cases of illegal traffic – especially in ports and along the borders. This manual will inform you about the objectives, procedures, rights and obligations contained in these three multilateral environmental agreements as they relate to the work of Customs. It describes in general what Customs should know to facilitate the legal trade in hazardous chemicals and wastes. It will also support you in how to identify and deal with possible cases of illegal trade/traffic.

The Manual is divided into 6 modules, each of them containing an introduction, lessons, questions and a resources section. The lessons are supported by practical examples and images.

The Manual is complemented by four annexes:

  1. a glossary explaining key terms and concepts under the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions which will be frequently referred to in this Manual (annex I);
  2. an identification tool for wastes covered by the Basel Convention (annex II);
  3. an identification tool for the persistent organic pollutants that may be subject to international trade under the Stockholm Convention (annex III); and
  4. an identification table for the chemicals covered by the Rotterdam Convention (annex IV).

The Manual was developed with the support of a financial contribution from the European Union.

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International trade control measures under the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions

This leaflet provides an overview of the respective international trade control regimes under the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions.

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Chinese Download in Chinese - PDF Russian Download in Russian - PDF

International trade control measures under the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions

International trade control measures under the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions

This leaflet provides an overview of the respective international trade control regimes under the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions.

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Arabic Download in Arabic - PDF French: Download in French - PDF
English: Download in English - PDF Spanish: Download in Spanish - PDF
Chinese Download in Chinese - PDF Russian Download in Russian - PDF

Compilation of decisions related to enhancing cooperation and coordination among the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions
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English: Download Synergies Decisions 2005 - 2011 in English - PDF

Compilation of decisions related to enhancing cooperation and coordination among the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions

Compilation of decisions related to enhancing cooperation and coordination among the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm conventions
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English: Download Synergies Decisions 2005 - 2011 in English - PDF
Training Manual for Chairs of Meetings of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions
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English: Download Synergies Decisions 2005 - 2011 in English - PDF

Training Manual for Chairs of Meetings of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions

Training Manual for Chairs of Meetings of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions
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English: Download Synergies Decisions 2005 - 2011 in English - PDF
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Conventions Specific Publications