Strengthening national chemicals management in Senegal

December 2011, Dakar, Senegal – In the framework of the project “Strengthening National Capacities in Senegal for SAICM Implementation”, a National SAICM Project Final Review Meeting was held from 14 to 16 December 2011 with the participation of UNITAR. The objectives of the workshop were to raise awareness about the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM), to review and endorse project deliverables with the participation of all stakeholders, and to address next steps and potential partnership projects to be undertaken in order to continue promoting the sound management of chemicals and SAICM implementation at the national level.  The project aimed to strengthen the national capacity to implement SAICM through the updating of the National Profile to Assess the National Infrastructure for Chemicals Management and development of a National SAICM Capacity Assessment, National SAICM Implementation Plan, national chemicals management database, and a national feasibility study to develop a used lead acid batteries (ULAB) storage scheme.

Some 20 participants from public and private sectors, civil society, and academia were given presentations on SAICM and the international context for sound chemicals management, followed by presentations on key project activities, and participated in discussions on key deliverables and potential follow-up activities. The National SAICM Project Final Review Meeting was hosted by the Ministry of Environment and Nature Protection of Senegal, Directorate of Environment and Classified Establishments, with technical support provided by UNITAR, and financial support provided by SAICM’s Quick Start Programme Trust Fund.