Tuvalu National Action Plan to reduce releases of Unintentional Persistent Organic Pollutants 2018 - 2022.

The Action Plan to reduce releases of Unintentional Persistent Organic Pollutants is a national policy with a cross-sectoral approach. The timeframe of the Action Plan is 5 years between 2018 and 2022. The goal of this Action Plan is to reduce, and where possible prevent the formation, release and adverse impacts of unintentional persistent organic pollutants emissions in Tuvalu.
This Action Plan addresses the seven persistent organic pollutants in accordance with the Annex C of the Stockholm Convention, such as hexachlorobenzene, hexachlorobutadiene, pentachlorobenzene, polychlorinated biphenyls, polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, polychlorinated di-benzofurans, and polychlorinated naphthalenes. Based on the results of the unintentional persistent organic pollutants inventory, measures will be taken to reduce or eliminate releases from unintentional production as required under Article 5 of the Convention. Current and projected releases of unintentional persistent organic pollutants from several sources will be assessed. Therefore, the national legislative and policy framework for managing releases from these sources will be strengthened. The adoption of best practices will be increased in the waste management sector. Public awareness will be raised on unintentional releases of persistent organic pollutants, and waste management. Practical guidelines on safe management of hazardous wastes and chemicals will be developed, including information on the intended use, toxicity, management and disposal of chemicals imported into Tuvalu. The development and the use of substitute or modified materials, products and processes will be promoted to prevent the generation of unintentional persistent organic pollutants. The use of best available techniques and best environmental practices for unintentional persistent organic pollutants sources will be promoted. Public health will be provided by reducing human exposure to unintentional persistent organic pollutants. This Action Plan underlines that food, particularly animal products, is the major source of exposure for humans. Given that uPOPs accumulate in the fatty tissues of animals, a well-balanced and low-fat diet with adequate amounts of fruits and vegetables will be promoted as a way of avoiding exposure to uPOPs in food.
The National Environment Council will be established to serve as the advisory committee for projects and programs, or to establish temporary committees for this purpose. In order to ensure timely implementation, monitoring and reporting under the Action Plan, Action Plan activities will be integrated into the work plans and budgets of relevant departments. Furthermore, a data collection and analysis plan will be developed and implemented to ensure collection of all the data required to meet reporting obligations under the Stockholm Convention. A central database will be established for all waste, chemicals and environmental management data. An annual report of progress under the uPOPs Action Plan will be prepared and published.