The Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm (BRS) Conventions are uniting global efforts to combat the hidden dangers that hazardous chemicals and wastes pose to human health, nature and the environment- setting the stage for critical decisions at the 2025 Conferences of the Parties (COPs). At a time when environmental concerns are paramount, the BRS Conventions play a key role in managing hazardous chemicals and wastes. They help to protect human health, safeguard the environment, and promote cleaner and more effective use of natural resources.
As the 2025 COPs approach (28 April to 9 May in Geneva), it is crucial to reflect on their past achievements, present challenges, and future goals.
Evolution of the BRS conventions
The journey began with the Basel Convention, adopted in 1989 and entered into force in 1992, in response to illegal traffic in hazardous wastes towards developing countries. As such, the legally-binding, trade-related convention focuses on controlling the transboundary movement and disposal of hazardous wastes and other wastes requiring special consideration. Parties are responsible for managing their own wastes within their own borders, allowing transboundary movement only under conditions which do not endanger human health and the environment. Parties are therefore encouraged to minimize waste, ensure efficient and environmentally sound management of such wastes, and prevent illegal trafficking.
Established in 1998 and entered into force in 2004, the Rotterdam Convention aims at promoting shared responsibility and cooperation among parties in the international trade of certain hazardous chemicals. Through a prior informed consent (PIC) procedure, parties facilitate information exchange and cooperate on the import and export of those regulated chemicals.
The Stockholm Convention, which is also part of the triple Conferences of the Parties, was adopted in 2001 and entered into force in 2004. It is focused on the restriction and elimination of a group of chemicals called persistent organic pollutants (POPs). These chemicals are known for their longevity and persistence in the environment, ability to travel long distances, and to bioaccumulate in living organisms, including humans. These pollutants are likely to pose adverse effects, including cancer, fertility issues and disruptions to the hormone endocrine system.
Parties to the three Conventions agreed in 2011 to bring them all under one Secretariat. Together they form a comprehensive global framework for the governance of hazardous chemicals and wastes. This integration strengthens support for developing countries in the improvement ofchemicals and wastes management, as well as in addressing illegal traffic.
The 2025 BRS COPs: addressing the triple planetary crisis
The upcoming 2025 BRS COPs are poised to be a landmark event, bringing together governments (including environment, health, agriculture, industry, and energy ministries), the chemical and waste industry, NGOs and civil society, as well as indigenous peoples and youth. Operating under the theme ‘Make visible the invisible: sound management of chemicals and wastes,’ the 2025 BRS COPs aim to increase global awareness on the impact of both hazardous chemicals and wastes, galvanize the highest political commitment for policy action, encourage innovation in industry and engage all sectors of society. Preparations for the COPs have been comprehensive, involving a series of events and webinars organized by the BRS Conventions Secretariat and its network of regional centers, the Geneva Environment Network, the United Nations Environment Programme and collaboration with other national, regional and global partners.
The 2025 COPs will address several pressing topics that are central to global environmental health:
E-Waste: The proliferation of electronic devices has led to an exponential increase in e-waste, posing significant environmental and health challenges. Discussions will focus on strategies for the environmentally sound management of this waste, including recycling initiatives, the prevention of illegal waste shipments, and the development of sustainable production practices to reduce future waste generation.
PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances): Dubbed ‘forever chemicals’ due to their persistence in the environment, PFAS are a type of persistent organic pollutant (POP) associated with various health problems, including immune system suppression and increased cancer risk. Delegates will discuss the potential listing of certain PFAS under the Stockholm Convention, aiming to control and eventually phase out their production and use, while exploring remediation techniques for contaminated sites.
Further consideration of plastic waste: Plastic pollution has reached critical levels, impacting marine life and ecosystems globally. Building on previous discussions, the COPs plans to strengthen efforts to address plastic waste. This includes considering new developments based on scientific and environmental information and ongoing global discussions by the intergovernmental negotiating committee. It also examines responses to health impacts related to plastic waste as a source of land pollution, marine plastic litter and microplastics.
The effectiveness of the BRS Conventions can be seen through various implementation success stories globally:
Trinidad and Tobago’s hazardous waste management: In an effort to combat the illegal use of lead acid batteries, Trinidad and Tobago implemented waste management regulations into national law that incorporated the Basel Convention. This initiative led to the registration and permitting of entities involved in hazardous waste management, ensuring environmentally sound practices. The project also focused on the safe transportation, storage, and disposal of hazardous wastes, setting a precedent for other nations in the region.
Global monitoring of persistent organic pollutants (POPs): The establishment of a Global Monitoring Plan under the Stockholm Convention has significantly enhanced the ability to track POP levels and movements worldwide. This has provided critical data for planning and implementing measures to eliminate or restrict POPs and for evaluating the effectiveness of the Convention. Other monitoring efforts have identified hot spots, revealing trends such as unexpectedly high concentrations of certain POPs in specific regions, prompting targeted interventions.
Strengthening information sharing for safe management of hazardous pesticides in South America: Through
the Rotterdam Convention, a program was initiated to document pesticide exposure and poisoning incidents in certain countries, such as Colombia, Panama, Guatemala, Honduras, and the Dominican Republic. This initiative empowered governments with the data needed to undertake risk reduction measures and provided farmers with training on integrated pest management. As a result, there was a notable reduction in the use of hazardous pesticides, leading to improved health outcomes and environmental benefits.
Environmentally sound management of PCBs in Southern Africa: Collaborative efforts under the Stockholm Convention have led to partnerships with electricity companies in Southern Africa to manage polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in closed applications. These partnerships have facilitated the safe disposal of PCB-containing equipment, mitigating risks to both the environment and local communities.
A sustainable path forward
As the world progresses towards a sustainable future, the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions will continue to play a crucial role in protecting human health and the environment, while supporting food security, the energy transition and the circular economy.
The 2025 COPs provide a critical opportunity to take stock of the achievements made and the challenges ahead in the management of hazardous chemicals and wastes. By focusing on issues such as e-waste, PFAS, plastics, and lead chromates, these conventions are poised to drive global efforts to protect the environment and human health from the growing threats posed by hazardous substances.
The success stories of countries like Trinidad and Tobago, South Africa, and those in South America illustrate that progress is not only possible, but is actively happening. With continued international cooperation, rigorous implementation, and innovative solutions, the BRS Conventions will remain an essential part of the global environmental governance landscape, ensuring a healthier, more sustainable world for generations to come.