Vital GEO Graphics

Existing multilateral and regional agreements offer an opportunity to arrest and eventually reverse the increasing releases of hazardous chemicals. For successful implementation, various actions need to be taken including: • full integration of a precautionary approach in marketing chemicals; • development of adequate chemicals-manage - ment infrastructure in all countries, including laws and regulations and monitoring capacities; • substitution with less-hazardous materials, adop - tion of best available technologies and environ- mental practices; • encouragement of innovation in manufacturing non-chemical alternatives in agriculture and waste avoidance and minimization.

Effective waste management strategies are lacking or are inadequate in many countries. Credit: Ngoma Photos

Removal of contaminated sludge from electroplating tanks in Al-Qadissiya. Credit: UNEP/Post Conflict Branch 2006

55 HARMFUL SUBSTANCES AND HAZARDOUS WASTE