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Statement by Director General of the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) for the 3R International Scientific Conference on Material Cycles and Waste Management hosted from March 11, 15 – 19, 2021 online conference about 3R, waste, and circular economy. To learn more about the conference please visit: https://www.3rincs.org

The Waigani Convention was conceived by our members to ensure we are protected from such dangers as the unfortunate case in Beirut. While we may net be importing large amounts of chemicals and hazardous wastes on our lives as well as environment. Two weeks ago, the world observed the first anniversary of the 2020 Beirut chemical explosion, one of the largest industrial accidents involving chemicals and hazardous waste.

Some of the key issues that impacts on our environmental livelihoods, Deep seabed mining - Pacific Environment leaders are being urged to take action on mining our seabeds within the parameters of national jurisdiction and what is in the common heritage of mankind. Negotiations are ongoing on biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ) and areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ) which the Secretariat provides to our Parties and SPREP Members the technical advice and assistance to these negotiations.