* Information, Data and Communication in Agenda 21 *
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Information, Data and Communication in Agenda 21

Chapter 20:
Environmentally Sound Management Of Hazardous Wastes, Including Prevention Of Illegal International Traffic In Hazardous Wastes
9. Human health and environmental quality are undergoing continuous degradation by the increasing amount of hazardous wastes being produced. There are increasing direct and indirect costs to society and to individual citizens in connection with the generation, handling and disposal of such wastes. It is therefore crucial to enhance knowledge and information on the economics of prevention and management of hazardous wastes, including the impact in relation to the employment and environmental benefits, in order to ensure that the necessary capital investment is made available in development programmes through economic incentives. One of the first priorities in hazardous waste management is minimization, as part of a broader approach to changing industrial processes and consumer patterns through pollution prevention and cleaner production strategies. [Chapter 20, Para 9]

11. (c) To enhance knowledge and information on the economics of prevention and management of hazardous wastes. [Chapter 20, Para 11 (c)]

13. (h) Governments should promote cleaner production through the establishment of centres providing training and information on environmentally sound technologies; [Chapter 20, Para 13 (h)]

(b) Data and information [Chapter 20, Section A. (b)]

14. (a) Governments, assisted by international organizations, should establish mechanisms for assessing the value of existing information systems; [Chapter 20, Para 14 (a)]

14. (b) Governments should establish nationwide and regional information collection and dissemination clearing-houses and networks that are easy for Government institutions and industry and other non-governmental organizations to access and use; [Chapter 20, Para 14 (b)]

14. (c) International organizations, through the UNEP Cleaner Production programme and ICPIC, should extend and strengthen existing systems for collection of cleaner production information; [Chapter 20, Para 14 (c)]

14. (d) All United Nations organs and organizations should promote the use and dissemination of information collected through the Cleaner Production network; [Chapter 20, Para 14 (d)]

14. (e) OECD should, in cooperation with other organizations, undertake a comprehensive survey of, and disseminate information on, experiences of member countries in adopting economic regulatory schemes and incentive mechanisms for hazardous waste management and for the use of clean technologies that prevent such waste from being generated; [Chapter 20, Para 14 (e)]

14. (f) Governments should encourage industries to be transparent in their operations and provide relevant information to the communities that might be affected by the generation, management and disposal of hazardous wastes. [Chapter 20, Para 14 (f)]

21. (b) To establish public awareness and information programmes on hazardous waste issues and to ensure that basic education and training programmes are provided for industry and government workers in all countries; [Chapter 20, Para 21 (b)]

21. (i) To make information available to Governments and to the general public on the effects of hazardous wastes, including infectious wastes, on human health and the environment. [Chapter 20, Para 21 (i)]

22. (a) Governments should establish and maintain inventories, including computerized inventories, of hazardous wastes and their treatment/disposal sites, as well as of contaminated sites that require rehabilitation, and assess exposure and risk to human health and the environment; they should also identify the measures required to clean up the disposal sites. Industry should make the necessary information available; [Chapter 20, Para 22 (a)]

(b) Data and information [Chapter 20, Section B. (b)]

23. (a) Governments, international and regional organizations and industry should facilitate and expand the dissemination of technical and scientific information dealing with the various health aspects of hazardous wastes, and promote its application; [Chapter 20, Para 23 (a)]

23. (b) Governments should establish notification systems and registries of exposed populations and of adverse health effects and databases on risk assessments of hazardous wastes; [Chapter 20, Para 23 (b)]

23. (c) Governments should endeavour to collect information on those who generate or dispose/recycle hazardous wastes and provide such information to the individuals and institutions concerned. [Chapter 20, Para 23 (c)]

27. (a) Increase public awareness and information on hazardous waste issues and promote the development and dissemination of hazardous wastes information that the general public can understand; [Chapter 20, Para 27 (a)]

31. (d) Develop and expand international networking among professionals working in the area of hazardous wastes and maintain an information flow among countries; [Chapter 20, Para 31 (d)]

41. (b) To assist all countries, particularly developing countries, in obtaining all appropriate information concerning illegal traffic in hazardous wastes; [Chapter 20, Para 41 (b)]

(b) Data and information [Chapter 20, Section D. (b)]

43. Governments should develop as appropriate, an information network and alert system to assist in detecting illegal traffic in hazardous wastes. Local communities and others could be involved in the operation of such a network and system. [Chapter 20, Para 43]

44. Governments should cooperate in the exchange of information on illegal transboundary movements of hazardous wastes and should make such information available to appropriate United Nations bodies such as UNEP and the regional commissions. [Chapter 20, Para 44]




Information, Data and Communication in Agenda 21
Agenda 21 | Alternative Treaties | Information Ecology | Information Habitat