Implementation and Ratification of Protocol on Heavy Metals, Protocol on Persistent Organic Pollutants and Gothenburg Protocol

Background

The three most recent Protocols (Heavy Metals, Persistent Organic Pollutants and Gothenburg) of the Convention on the Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution (Air Convention) were so far mostly ratified by countries with developed economies. Countries with 'economies in transition' are lagging behind for various reasons.

Sometimes the existing legislative framework is not yet suited for incorporating the measures prescribed by the Protocols. Another challenge may be insufficient capacity both technical and also within the civil service and government authorities.

From the Western Balkans region, none of the five countries: Albania, Bosnia Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia was able to ratify any of the Protocols.

To change this situation and to provide incentives for the five countries in implementing the provisions of and ratify the Protocols, the Netherlands together with UNECE launched the Air Convention's Balkans project, through which each country can receive a maximum of 135,000 US$ for the needed implementation and ratification actions.

Donor

The Netherlands provided funding to support the implementation of the Convention in Moldova, with a focus on the Gothenburg Protocol. The project is to be undertaken under the auspices of UNECE as a contribution to the implementation of the Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution.

Project Description

The project has been initiated with the first (elaboration phase) which consists of the following actions:

Elaboration Phase - Development of a National Action Plan

1. Establishment of the working group;
2. Drafting the NAPs;
3. Translation of the Protocols;
4. First stakeholder meeeting / presentation of the draft NAPs;
5. Finalization of the NAPs;
6. Translation of the NAPs;
7. Printing of the NAPs after approval from UNECE and national authorities;
8. Second stakeholder meeting / presentation of the final NAPs and
9. Financial reporting

This phase will be followed by the "Implementation Phase", whereby the NAP will be utilized as a guideline to implement and ratify each of the protocols of CLRTAP.

Prices and total estimated costs for implementation of activities are found in the budget below. The partner institution will pay all invoices for the services and copies of these invoices are to be handed over to the UNECE with the financial reports.

Expected Accomplishment

Implementation of the provisions of the POPs, Heavy Metals and Gothenburg Protocols by the participating countries, the building a high quality national emission inventory in accordance with the requirements of the EMEP/CORINAIR Guidebook and the EMEP Emission Reporting Guidelines, improved capacity for integrated assessment modelling and the development of a National Action Plan which serves as a guideline for respective governmental authorities and other stakeholders within each respective member state.

Target Group

Government agencies and NGOs involved in implementing the Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution and its Protocols.

Time Frame

September 2009 - December 2010

Support to the Implementation of the Convention on Long-Range Transboundary Air Pollution in Moldova

Background

Efforts need to be made to assist new Parties to implement the Convention and to make it possible for more countries to ratify and implement the Convention and its protocols. Moldova became a Party to the Convention in 1995. In 2002 it ratified the Protocol on Heavy Metals and the Protocol on POPs.

The Gothenburg Protocol is the latest, and most complex, Protocol developed under the Convention and deals with several pollutants simultaneously. It also contains numerous technical annexes. It has become evident that its implementation poses challenges for all Parties to the Convention and in particular for those with economies in transition. While many of them could potentially meet the overall emission reduction on targets, application of the specific emission limit values for different sectors seems to be an obstacle.

These countries' efforts to implement the provisions of the protocols are further hindered by the fact that they do not fully participate in the meetings of the task forces and expert groups under the Convention due to lack of financial resources. A more active and consistent participation in the work of the Convention would help them strengthen their capacity and develop the expertise necessary to both benefit from and contribute to the international efforts for air pollution abatement.

Donor

The Czech Republic provided funding to support the implementation of the Convention in Moldova, with a focus on the Gothenburg Protocol. The project is to be undertaken under the auspices of UNECE as a contribution to the implementation of the Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution. In the implementation of the project, close collaboration will be established with experts designated by the Czech Ministry of Environment.

Project Description

The partner institution receiving the grant will be responsible for carrying out the following activities to help Moldova's implementation of the provisions of the Gothenburg Protocol:

Organize the development of the following studies to provide background to, and recommendations for, the development of a national implementation plan for accession to the Gothenburg Protocol:

1. An overview of Moldova's air quality legislation, an assessment of how it implements the requirements of the Gothenburg Protocol and recommendations for adoption of new, or amendment of existing legislation;
2. Assessment and cost estimate of the technical and economic measures needed to be taken by the country to meet the obligations under the Protocol, with reference to the RAINS model;
3. Elaboration of a draft national plan for implementation and accession to the Gothenburg Protocol adopted by the Government of Moldova.

Support the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources in the collection, provision and verification of data:

1. Provide a complete national emissions inventory which meets the requirements of the revised EMEP Emission Reporting Guidelines;
2. Provide/verify with the Convention's Centre for Integrated Assessment Modelling (CIAM) the input data for Moldova used in the GAINS integrated assessment model. Update data in the sectoral and fuel aggregation of the GAINS model on: (i) emissions, (ii) control technology and (iii) related costs; review and update the input data currently used in integrated assessment of Moldovan ecosystems at risk of air pollution, with instructions from CIAM;
3. Provide data to the Coordination Centre for Effects in response to its calls for data on critical loads for acidification and eutrophication as instructed;
4. Cover the travel costs for the participation of Moldovan experts in relevant meetings to discuss issues related to the collection and verification of data.

The partner institution will work in cooperation with consultants, institutions and international organizations engaged in the organization of the project.

Expected Accomplishment

Implementation of the provisions of the Gothenburg Protocol by Moldova, build a high quality national emission inventory in accordance with the requirements of the EMEP/CORINAIR Guidebook and the EMEP Emission Reporting Guidelines and improved capacity for integrated assessment modelling.

Target Group

Government agencies and NGOs involved in implementing the Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution and its Protocols.

Time Frame

20 July 2009 - 30 June 2010