National Implementation Plan of Tonga for the Stockholm Convention on persistent organic pollutants.

The National Implementation Plan (NIP) for the Stockholm Convention on persistent organic pollutants (POPs) provides for the protection of human health and the environment from persistent organic pollutants and other hazardous chemicals in compliance with the requirements of the Convention. This NIP addresses the POPs issues in Tonga through action plans on: (I) strengthening institutional and regulatory frameworks, (II) effective control of import/export of POPs and hazardous waste, (III) identification, removal, storage and disposal of PCBs and equipment containing PCBs, (IV) reducing releases from unintentional production and applying best available technique/ best environmental practices, (V) identification of stockpiles, articles in use and wastes, (VI) identification of contaminated sites, (VII) promoting public awareness, information and education, (VIII) effective evaluation and reporting, and (IX) strengthening research, development and monitoring.
This NIP sets out priority actions that reflect the Stockholm Convention on POPs. The legal framework on hazardous wastes and chemicals will be strengthened, and all conventions relating to chemicals will be ratified. Public awareness will be raised on POPs legislation and Tonga’s obligations under the Stockholm Convention. Measures will be taken to ensure control of the import and use of all POPs pesticides. Port of Entry practices for POPs/pesticide handling, storage and disposal will be improved. The production, import and export, use, identification, labeling, removal, storage and disposal of PCBs and equipment containing PCBs will be strengthened. Possible sources of PCBs other than transformers and unintentional production will be identified. Border control pertaining to import of DDT and hazardous chemicals will be strengthened. The releases of unintentional POPs, mainly from uncontrolled combustion will be reduced. Recycling and composting of wastes will be promoted at household levels. Proper agricultural practices will be promoted and appropriate machinery will be procured, to minimize agricultural burning. Marine pollution will be prevented by taking preventive measures against oil/chemical spill. The level of POPs in milk will be reduced and preventive measures will be taken to prevent further releases of POPs to the environment. The POPs inventory will be updated to reduce releases from stockpiles and wastes. Contaminated sites will be identified and the volume of DDT contaminated soil will be excavated and then labelled. POPs website will be updated and new developments will be shared with key stakeholders. Training on POPs and hazardous chemicals will be provided at all levels. The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change as the focal point, is responsible for reporting on the implementation of this NIP. Research and development on POPs and hazardous chemicals will be supported. The capacity of Hazardous Wastes and Chemicals Unit at Ministry of Environment and Climate Change will be improved to coordinate all activities on POPs and all hazardous wastes and chemicals.