National Implementation Plan (NIP) for the management of persistent organic pollutants (POPS) in the Kingdom of Swaziland.

The overall objective of the National Implementation Plan (NIP) for the management of persistent organic pollutants (POPS) in the Kingdom of Swaziland (2011) is to protect human health and the environment from impacts that are associated with the releases through progressive mainstreaming of chemical safety issues in national poverty reduction and sustainable development strategies. This will ensure that actions and modalities to implement the NIP are designed to comply with the Convention and be consistent with other national environmental strategies and action programmes. The NIP seeks to reduce or eliminate sources and releases of POPs from 2011 to 2028, elaborate and enforce an adequate and holistic national legislation. Further, it must enhance knowledge on POPs, provide for the evaluation of its effectiveness and strengthen the capacities of national stakeholders through co-operation at the national, regional and international level. The implementation process will be monitored and evaluated internally (SEA and its stakeholders) and externally (international experts, donors, etc.
1) Action Plan: Institutional, Policy and Regulatory Framework. The Swaziland National Chemical Profile (SNCP) and the Inventory on Institutional, Policy and Regulatory Framework elaborated in 2009 pointed out various gaps in the existing legislative, institutional, and regulatory framework for hazardous chemicals management, including POPs. The country will need support from local and external sources to cover costs for consultancies, meetings, surveys, legal services, and development of publicity materials. 2). Action Plan: Production, Import and Export, Use, Stockpiles and Wastes of Pesticides POPs (Annex A, Part 1 Chemicals). The action plan aims to eliminate the production, import, export, and use of specific pesticides listed in Annex A. It also focuses on managing stockpiles and wastes of these pesticides in a way that protects human health and the environment. The plan includes finding alternatives to DDT, disposing of obsolete stockpiles, preventing future accumulation, and implementing a tracking system for imports and exports. 3) Action Plan: Production, Import and Export, Use, Identification, Labelling, Removal, Storage and Disposal of PCBs and Equipment Containing PCBs (Annex A, Part II Chemicals). The action plan focuses on eliminating the use of PCBs in equipment by 2025 and implementing measures for the import, export, use, identification, labeling, removal, storage, and disposal of PCBs and PCB-containing equipment. Swaziland aims to screen equipment for PCBs, phase out PCB-containing electrical equipment, establish an import and export mechanism, and dispose of all PCB-contaminated materials. 4) Action Plan: Production, Import and Export, Use, Stockpiles and Wastes of DDT (Annex B Chemicals). The action plan aims to restrict the use of DDT for disease control in Swaziland and explore alternatives to minimize risks to the environment and human health. It includes addressing stockpiles and waste management, developing guidelines, and conducting research. 5) Action Plan: Releases from Unintentional Production of PCDDs/PCDFs, HCB and PCBs. The Plan addresses challenges such as waste burning emissions and the lack of proper waste disposal facilities. The plan includes monitoring emissions, promoting waste reduction, and constructing suitable facilities.
The action plan focuses on enhancing public awareness, information, and training regarding persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Activities include conducting information and education programs, establishing a POPs database, implementing training programs, and collaborating with media outlets. Additionally, the action plan aims to strengthen participation in international activities and programs related to POPs. The plan seeks to enhance the capacity of the relevant stakeholders to effectively contribute to SC activities and the National Implementation Plan (NIP). Furthermore, the action plan addresses reporting, monitoring, and evaluation requirements. Swaziland has identified PCBs, DDT, dioxins, and furans as the main POPs of concern. The plan includes providing statistical data on DDT importation, monitoring capacity improvement, and reporting mechanisms to the COP.