Endosulfan & Stockholm Convention Interventions

The Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee, following its diligent work in accordance with paragraph 6 of Article 8 of the Convention, has reached several crucial decisions regarding the pesticide Endosulfan. Firstly, it has officially adopted the risk profile for Endosulfan as outlined in addendum 2 to the committee’s fifth meeting report. Recognizing the importance of comprehensive data, the committee has also called upon the ad hoc working group responsible for preparing the risk profile to further explore any additional information pertaining to adverse human health effects and, if necessary, to revise the risk profile for the committee’s consideration at its forthcoming sixth meeting. While acknowledging that the information on adverse human health effects may not be entirely conclusive, the committee has concluded that there is significant evidence pointing to the relevance of certain human health effects. Consequently, in line with paragraph 7(a) of Article 8 of the Convention, and underscoring that a lack of absolute scientific certainty should not hinder progress, the committee has determined that Endosulfan is likely to result in substantial adverse human health and environmental effects due to its long-range environmental transport, warranting global action. To address these concerns comprehensively, an ad hoc working group will be established to prepare a risk management evaluation, including an analysis of potential control measures for Endosulfan as per Annex F to the Convention. The committee also extends an invitation to Parties and observers, in accordance with paragraph 7(a) of Article 8, to submit the specified information regarding Endosulfan before January 8, 2010, thus fostering a collaborative and informed approach to addressing this critical environmental issue.

October 11th to 15th, 2010, the Sixth Meeting of the Persistent Organic Pollutants Review Committee (POPRC) held a critical session that had far-reaching implications for the global regulation of the pesticide Endosulfan. During this meeting, the committee made a momentous decision by agreeing to adopt the risk management evaluation for Endosulfan. This evaluation was a comprehensive assessment of the risks posed by Endosulfan to human health and the environment. Based on their findings, the committee recommended the listing of Endosulfan in Annex A of the Convention, a significant step towards its global elimination. Inclusion in Annex A signifies that a chemical is subject to strict restrictions and ultimately paves the way for its phasing out from the global market. This move was met with both applause and dissent, as it represented a collective effort by the international community to address the environmental and health concerns associated with Endosulfan.

Notably, India emerged as a key player in this debate, opposing the ban on Endosulfan. India’s stance was influenced by several factors, including its significant agricultural sector’s reliance on the pesticide for pest control, the potential economic implications of a ban on domestic agriculture, and a perception that alternative solutions may be insufficient. India’s opposition underscored the complex and multifaceted nature of international chemical regulation, where the need to protect human health and the environment often conflicts with economic considerations. The decision to move forward with the listing of Endosulfan in Annex A highlighted the international community’s commitment to addressing persistent organic pollutants, even in the face of opposition from major agricultural producers like India, and marked a significant step towards a safer and more sustainable global environment.

During April 25-30, 2011, the fifth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP5) of the Stockholm Convention took place in Geneva, Switzerland. Notably, the Indian delegation to COP5 included key officials from the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MOEF), such as Gauri Kumar, Additional Secretary, and Rajiv Gauba, Joint Secretary. This delegation was also complemented by representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture, including Chanda Choudhary and Vandana Jain, as well as T. Basu from Hindustan Insecticides Limited (HIL). Furthermore, two important non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and observers, S. Ganesan of the Indian Chemical Council and Hariharan of the International Stewardship Centre, were part of the Indian contingent.

A significant development at COP5 was India’s agreement to the listing of technical Endosulfan and its related isomers in Annex A of the United Nations’ Stockholm Convention. This decision was remarkable as it marked a shift in India’s position regarding the global regulation of Endosulfan. Annex A listing signifies a commitment to banning the chemical worldwide, reflecting the international community’s growing concerns about the environmental and health risks associated with Endosulfan. However, it’s worth noting that India’s agreement to the listing came with certain exemptions, likely reflecting ongoing concerns about the potential economic impact on its agricultural sector. This decision at COP5 was a pivotal moment in the global efforts to address persistent organic pollutants, and India’s willingness to participate in this global consensus demonstrated the country’s commitment to responsible chemical management while also addressing domestic agricultural needs.

Endosulfan & Rotterdam Convention Interventions.

 From March 15th to 19th, 2010, a significant development occurred at the Chemical Review Committee meeting of the Rotterdam Convention. During this meeting, India made the decision to block the listing of the pesticide Endosulfan in Annex III of the convention. Annex III is a crucial component of the Rotterdam Convention, as it designates chemicals listed within it as subject to Prior Informed Consent (PIC) procedures when being exported. In essence, this means that before exporting a chemical listed in Annex III, the exporting country must obtain the consent of the importing country. India’s decision to block the listing of Endosulfan in Annex III was not the first of its kind, as it had taken a similar stance back in 2008. This move by India raised significant global attention and debate, as it highlighted the ongoing controversy and differing opinions surrounding the use and regulation of Endosulfan, a pesticide associated with environmental and health concerns.

India’s repeated blocking of the listing of Endosulfan in Annex III of the Rotterdam Convention brought to the forefront the complex and contentious issues surrounding the pesticide’s use and regulation. While some argued for stricter controls and a global consensus on its trade, India’s stance reflected concerns over the potential economic impact of such restrictions on its agricultural sector. This situation underscored the challenges faced by international bodies in reaching consensus on chemicals with both agricultural and environmental significance, emphasizing the need for continued dialogue and cooperation to address the global implications of hazardous chemicals like Endosulfan.