Replacing Chemicals with Biology. Phasing out highly hazardous pesticides with agroecology

Adverse effects of highly hazardous pesticides (HHPs) on people and the environment have been a global concern for many years. In 2006, this was clearly expressed by the FAO Council when it recommended a progressive ban on HHPs. The concern crystallized at UNEP’s Fourth International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM4) in Nairobi in 2012, with the submission of a conference room paper supported by at least 65 countries and organizations. The proposed resolution included supporting a progressive ban on HHPs and their substitution with safer alternatives€. While the resolution was not immediately adopted, countries participating in subsequent regional meetings of the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) have reiterated concern about HHPs and called for more information on ecosystem-based alternatives. At SAICM’s Open-Ended Working Group in December 2014, following a call by the entire African region for a global alliance to phase-out these chemicals, it was agreed a proposal would be developed for ICCM4.

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Title Replacing Chemicals with Biology. Phasing out highly hazardous pesticides with agroecology
Description Adverse effects of highly hazardous pesticides (HHPs) on people and the environment have been a global concern for many years. In 2006, this was clearly expressed by the FAO Council when it recommended a progressive ban on HHPs. The concern crystallized at UNEP’s Fourth International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM4) in Nairobi in 2012, with the submission of a conference room paper supported by at least 65 countries and organizations. The proposed resolution included supporting a progressive ban on HHPs and their substitution with safer alternatives€. While the resolution was not immediately adopted, countries participating in subsequent regional meetings of the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) have reiterated concern about HHPs and called for more information on ecosystem-based alternatives. At SAICM’s Open-Ended Working Group in December 2014, following a call by the entire African region for a global alliance to phase-out these chemicals, it was agreed a proposal would be developed for ICCM4.
Agroecology Category
  • Integrated systems
  • Input reduction and recycling
  • Soil health
  • Economy and income
  • Nutrition and diets
  • Sustainable food system
  • Biodiversity
  • Climate
  • Equity
  • Knowledge and values
Agroecology Keyword
  • Agroforestry
  • Organic agriculture
  • Permaculture
  • System of rice intensification
  • Biological control
  • Compost
  • Integrated pest management
  • Soil health
  • Family farming
  • Income
  • Human health
  • Nutrient
  • Recipe
  • Ecological intensification
  • Food security
  • Biodiversity
  • Intercropping
  • Habitat
  • Climate change
  • Climate smart agriculture
  • Vulnerability
  • Equity
  • Traditional knowledge
Contributing organisations PAN International
Author Meriel Watts; Stephanie Williamson
Year 2015
Type of document Factsheet
Language English
Spatial Information
Country Global
Administrative Level 1
Administrative Level 2
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