- The Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) is a policy framework, under the auspices of the United Nations Economic Programme (UNEP), for international action on chemical hazards.
- SAICM was developed by a multi-stakeholder and multi-sector preparatory committee and aims to support goals originating from the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development.
- Part of the International Conference on Chemicals Management, SAICM consists of three main texts and four resolutions, the latter of which were adopted by the ICCM at its latest meeting in Dubai earlier in 2006.
- CropLife International fully supports SAICM, and the opportunities it affords to improve the safe management of chemicals and pesticides and to communicate further on the benefits of crop protection products.
Adopted by the International Conference on Chemicals Management (ICCM) on 6 February 2006 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) is a policy framework for international action on chemical hazards. SAICM works towards a goal agreed at the 2002 Johannesburg World Summit on Sustainable Development of ensuring that, by the year 2020, chemicals are produced and used in ways that minimise significant adverse impacts on the environment and human health
SAICM comprises three core texts, The Dubai Declaration, The Overarching Policy Strategy, and a Global Plan of action.
CropLife International fully supports SAICM and views its contribution to the implementation of the strategy as an opportunity to improve the safe management of chemicals and pesticides and to communicate further on the benefits of crop protection products, their effective management and important role in the development of sustainable agriculture.
SAICM consists of three key documents.
First, The Dubai Declaration, which expresses the commitment to SAICM by Ministers, heads of delegation and representatives of civil society and the private sector.
The second key text is The Overarching Policy Strategy, which sets out the scope of SAICM, the needs it addresses and objectives for risk reduction, knowledge and information, governance, capacity-building and technical cooperation and illegal international traffic of chemicals. The strategy document also outlines underlying principles and financial and institutional arrangements. Together, the Overarching Policy Strategy and the Dubai Declaration, as adopted by the ICCM, constitute a firm commitment to SAICM and its implementation.
The final key document, A Global Plan of Action, sets out proposed “work areas and activities” for implementation of SAICM. The ICCM recommended the use and further development of the Global Plan of Action as a working tool and guidance document. The four Resolutions adopted by the ICCM are:
- Implementation arrangements
- The Quick Start Programme
- A tribute to the Government of the United Arab Emirates and
- Intergovernmental Forum on Chemical Safety
With particular reference to the Global Plan of Action, CropLife recognises that pesticides are an important group of chemicals for SAICM consideration, but stresses that current national and international laws and regulations covering the development, registration and use of pesticides should be carefully considered and fully understood before implementing any additional measures. Notwithstanding, CropLife is prepared to contribute actively to an efficient and effective implementation of SAICM, and looks for the opportunity to participate fully not only in the further development of SAICM and its implementation approach, but also in the implementation process itself.