Development of a hemispheric network including public and private actors    

The DSD established a Regional Network for the Sound Management of Chemicals (SMOC), identifying through investigation and consultation with member countries, the principal actors at the national level in the field of SMOC. The network was formed by the National Coordinators for the CIDA/OAS project, selected officially by the ministries involved in this topic, and the Focal Points for the Stockholm Convention. The National Coordinators acted as liaisons for the project and facilitated the collection and exchange of information and exchange within the OAS and amongst member countries.

Up to By July, 2007, 26 countries had selected a National Coordinator.

The Network was supplemented by the list of Focal Points for the Stockholm Convention, by the National Focal Points responsible for the National Implementation Plan (NIP) for the Stockholm Convention, and by officials, authorities of governmental institutions    and technical experts of institutions and the academia from each country in the region. In addition, a list of NGOs that work in the field of chemical security, with an emphasis on gender implications, plus a list of regional experts in mercury contamination based on the Global Mercury Assessment was created to supplement the project.

Based on a thorough investigation of the initiatives related to the management of chemicals at the regional and international levels, an analysis of the needs in the region was carried out in order to identify the priority areas and initiatives that could be supported by the DSD/OAS. The lack of information and practical orientation in terms of the economic impact of the management of chemical products in poor communities was identified as a priority area.                          

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