DISEÑO REALIZADO EN EL RNAS

Deputy RR, UNDP CO, Bhutan, Offg. Secretary, GNHC, workshop participants, my dear colleagues, ladies and gentlemen.

I am indeed honoured and privileged to be here amongst the distinguished participants for this important National Awareness Workshop on Global Environment Facility (GEF)/ Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). I would also like to join the DRR, UNDP CO in acknowledging that this awareness workshop could not have come at a more crucial time. I am delighted that GNHC and UNDP GEF Small Grants Programme, in collaboration with other agencies like the National Environment Commission, National Plant Protection Centre, Department of Agriculture, are jointly organizing this important workshop at this crucial juncture. I am confident that it will go a long way in creating awareness on GEF/POPs among relevant government agencies, NGOs and the general public.

I would also like to thank the workshop organizers for inviting me as the Chief Guest and giving me the opportunity to deliver the keynote address. I am indeed humbled by the trust and confidence that you have in me.

Every day there is more evidence of the impact that human activities have on the environment and of the changes that they generate in the natural balance of the ecosystems. More than twenty years ago, the hole in the ozone layer demonstrated the effects of the chlorofluorocarbons on the atmosphere. More recently, we have confirmed that the emissions of greenhouse gases are generating an impact on the global climate. Today we see how the use of other chemical substances can generate a series of effects harmful to the environment and man. The latest challenge is posed by the persistent organic pollutants, whose effects on the environment and rational management still leave many questions. Thus far we know little; a variety of chemical substances have been identified: pesticides, materials used in industry and degradation products. These stable substances, which persist in the environment, have a series of toxic effects on living organisms and ecosystems. Unlike other environmental problems that have indirect effects on man, the use of persistent organic pollutants has a powerful direct effect on human health and compromises the well-being of future generations.

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Over the years, Bhutan has emerged as a world leader in field of environment conservation. The environment here is largely intact and pristine. This was possible due to the visionary and far-sighted leadership and guidance of their Majesties the King and the fourth Druk Galypo. Respect for Nature, which is largely ingrained and enshrined in Buddhist philosophies and ethos, coupled with sound government policies, strategies and programmes, have further reinforced and translated the Royal Vision into concrete actions on the ground. That is why even today we can still boast of about 72% of the country being under forest cover despite the tremendous pressure for meeting development needs and priorities. The Constitution of Bhutan has made adequate provision to ensure that 60% of country is under forest cover for all times to come.

We cannot afford to rest on past laurels and glories. There are inherent risks that all these past successes and glories might lull us into complacency and let down our guards. It is, therefore, important to be vigilant and constantly scout for new issues and problems afflicting the environment. We have to adequately prepare and be ready to meet any new challenges and eventualities. Bhutan must be well informed and prepared to meet the challenges of POPs and other harmful chemicals. POPs poses huge threat to both the environment and human health and therefore must receive adequate importance and priority from the government, private sector, NGOs and others.

I honestly feel that this particular National Awareness Workshop on GEF/POPs is a wakeup call. It will definitely make us to think harder, look further and dig deeper beneath the surface. The threat of dangerous/hazardous chemicals, pesticides and other pollutants on the natural environment, wild life, animal and human health is real. It is important to understand the existing chemical environment situation of Bhutan and take necessary remedial measures and actions without further delay.

The National Environment Commission is in the process of preparing and finalizing the National Framework for Chemical Management for Bhutan. Members from all relevant stakeholders are represented in the task force. Today’s workshop will provide the necessary platform for all relevant stakeholders, besides the task force members, to discuss, share information and experiences with regard to their respective agencies roles and responsibilities. The workshop outcome will provide useful feedback to the task force members of the National Framework for Chemical Management.

Bhutan is yet to ratify the Stockholm Convention on POPs. I am sure the Royal Government would ratify the convention at an appropriate time for the benefit of the country. And I feel the most appropriate time is now. Once we ratify the Stockholm Convention, it will enable Bhutan to get

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access to GEF financial and technical help to put in place a Sound National Environment Management System. It is high time to make inventory of POPs and other hazardous and dangerous chemicals and come with appropriate remedial measures to eliminate, reduce or restrict use of POPs or related chemicals in the country. All of the above urges us to act as quickly as possible.

The key components of an adequate response to this new threat to our health, that of our children, and the integrity of our ecosystems are the availability of information, creating awareness among policy and decision makers, capacity building of national staff, and expedite ratification of the Stockholm Convention.

I am confident that this workshop will go a long way in creating awareness among the policy and decision makers, general public and more importantly among all relevant government agencies, private sector, NGOs, media and help initiate the process for formal ratification of the Stockholm Convention.

As one can witness from the above sessions, we have a huge challenge before us and we must all contribute towards making Bhutan as clean from inside as it is externally. With these few words, may I declare the National Awareness Workshop on GEF/POPs, 2010 now open.