The first Conference of the Parties (COP.1) to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) was held from 2-6 May 2005, in Punta del Este, Uruguay.
Despite a full agenda, POPs COP.1 succeeded in adopting a broad range of decisions required to set the Convention’s implementation in motion. These decisions relate to: providing for the evaluation of the continued need for DDT use for disease vector control; establishing a review process for entries in the register of specific exemptions; adopting guidance for the financial mechanism; establishing a schedule for reporting; establishing arrangements for monitoring data on POPs; adopting rules of procedure and financial rules; adopting the budget for the Secretariat; and establishing the POPs Review Committee. Other matters scheduled for discussion included: the format for the DDT Register and the Register of specific exemptions; the process for developing guidelines to assist Parties in preventing the formation and release of unintentionally produced POPs; and guidelines on best available techniques and best environmental practices.
COP.1’s work was characterized by efficiency, and by a collegial spirit that some referred to as the “spirit of Punta del Este.” Yet, the meeting was not without controversy, as discussions relating to the setting up of expert bodies and to financial and technical assistance lasted late into the night. Nevertheless, the smooth resolution of the large majority of these disagreements served to maintain the good spirit of the meeting as an auspicious beginning upon which the Convention will base its future work. *)
*) Text extracted from the ENB Vol. 15 No. 117 of Monday, 9 May 2005, published by IISD