The Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM)
The Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) is a policy framework for international action on chemical hazards. Barbados, through the Environmental Protection Department, has implemented or has been involved in projects under the Strategic Approach. Some of the initiatives undertaken were as follows:
- The Environmental Protection Department, under the auspices of the Ministry of Environment and Drainage, hosted the SAICM Caribbean Workshop in Barbados in March of 2009. One of the outputs from the workshop was the Latin America and the Caribbean Regional Action Plan for the implementation of SAICM.
- Updating of the national profile on chemicals management, developing a capacity assessment, and setting priorities for strengthening the mechanisms for chemicals management in Barbados.
- Undertaking a project entitled, “Strengthening Capacities for SAICM Implementation and Supporting GHS Capacity Building in Barbados”, which was funded by the SAICM QuickStart Programme.
- This project sought to, inter alia, develop a coordinated national GHS implementation strategy.
During 2015, efforts continued to utilize the unspent funds pertaining to the project entitled, “Strengthening Capacities for Strategic for Strategic Approach to Chemicals Management (SAICM) Implementation and Supporting the GHS Capacity Building in Barbados”. The Department contracted consultants to develop a public awareness campaign for the GHS and to develop a guidance document to inform the development of GHS legislation in Barbados. Furthermore, the EPD, through consultation with the Faculty of Science and Technology (FST) at the UWI, succeeded in having the GHS incorporated into the FST's safety seminars.
More information on SAICM can be found here here.