Nano as a key SAICM emerging issue for sustainable development: experiences and lessons learned from 3 pilot projects ICCM-3

Transcription

1 Nano as a key SAICM emerging issue for sustainable development: experiences and lessons learned from 3 pilot projects ICCM-3 Federal Ministry of Environment, Abuja, Nigeria Kenya, Nairobi 18 September2012

2 Project Overview: 2 Background Nigeria is actively engaged in nanosciences and nanoengineering research, but none of these has culminated into a product at the present moment. Therefore available information is not enough or scanty to establish concrete priorities relative to each nano-product emanating from the country. The Federal Ministry of Environment, Nigeria signed the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with UNITAR to undertake a 12-month project titled Training and Capacity Building for the Development of the Nano-safety Pilot Project in Nigeria with financial support from the Government of Switzerland. Project completion date is December 2012 Objectives - Address human resource development issues regarding nano safety - Raise awareness and strengthen national capacities for nanosafety - Identify any ongoing activities and expertise in this area - Develop programmes of action with the main considerations for accruing benefits to the environment and human health

3 National Coordination: 3 Overall Coordinating Agency: Federal Ministry of Environment Other Stakeholders Government: National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA); Federal Ministry of Health; Federal Ministry of Labour; Federal Ministry of Science and Technology; Federal Ministry of Trade & Investment; National Agency for Science & Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI); Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON); Consumer Protection Council of Nigeria; Institute of Chartered Chemists of Nigeria (ICCON); Basel Convention Coordinating Centre for Africa FMENV-UNILAG Linkage Centre Industry: Manufacturers Association of Nigeria Civil Society: Sustainable Research and Action for Environmental Development (SRADev Nigeria); Nigeria Environmental Society Labour: Nigeria Labour Congress National Committee on Chemicals Management: NARICT (Research), ATBU (Academia); ICCON (Professional); Women Environment Programme (WEP); Federal Ministry of Agriculture&Water Resources

4 Key Outcomes to date: 4 - Establishment of a Project Coordination Committee (PCC) - Adoption of Project Work Plan - Identification and Recruitment of Local Consultant (PC) Advert placement and Interview - Appointment of Prof. A. Y. Fasasi, Centre for Energy Research & Development, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria as local consultant - Convene of the Nano Awareness Raising/Inception and Safety Priorities Workshop 7th August Identification of nano safety priorities including risk factors within key sectors : Energy, Health (Medical, Pharmaceuticals), Agriculture, Environment, Transport, Industry, Consumer Protection and Occupational Health & Safety. - Draft NanoSafety Chapter

5 Lessons Learned: 5 The Nanotechnology revolution is ushering in a new realm of science that can provide solutions to many of the nation s problems ranging from medical diagnostics, to energy storage. The need to strengthen the Ministry of Environment and promote participation in, research and other efforts to increase scientific understanding, to facilitate assessment of data needs for regulated products. Challenges for ensuring responsible life cycle regulation, standards for nanotechnology research and development should be integrated across consumer, worker and environmental standards. Building requisite Capacity on Nanosafety and establishing a coordinated national programme on nanotechnology and safety Creating regular awareness programs that will engage relevant ministries, agencies, state as well as local governments, police, customs service and other stakeholders

6 Next Steps: 6 1. Finalisation of the Draft Nano Chapter, to be included in the Nigerian National Profile, and elements of a nano safety policy: August-September Technical Review meeting for development of the Nano Chapter and Elements of a Nano safety policy: 9th October Convene of a National Meeting to review and adopt the revised National Profile with nano chapter and the elements of a national nano safety policy: 25 October Updating the Nigerian National Profile with a Nano Safety Chapter: 01 November Convene of Final Programme Nano Safety Endorsement Workshop: 29 November 2012

7 Thank you! 7