In order to carry out the review of the 1998 Protocol
on Heavy Metals, the Executive Body for the Convention
established the Task Force on Heavy Metals in 2004.
Led by Germany, the Task Force addresses the
technical needs of the reviews and assessments required
by the 1998 Aarhus Protocol on Heavy Metals, including
scheduled evaluations of limit values, the review
of sufficiency and effectiveness and the review
of additional heavy metals, product control measures
or products/product groups. The work takes into
account activities of relevant bodies under the
Convention and synergies with the abatement of particulate
matter.
Promoting implementation and ratification of the Protocol on Heavy Metals
In 2007, the Executive Body adopted an Action Plan for Eastern Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia (EECCA) to encourage ratification of the protocols to the Convention and to support EECCA countries' involvement in the activities of the Convention. All Parties and Convention bodies were urged to address the issues as a matter of priority. Activities relevant to the Protocol on Heavy Metals include the following:
Workshops:
- Workshop to promote the Ratification of the Protocols on Heavy Metals, POPs and the Gothenburg Protocol across the entire UNECE Region, 26 - 28 October 2009, St. Petersburg (Russia)
- Workshop to Promote the Ratification of the Heavy Metals Protocol across the entire UNECE region", 14- 16 May 2008, Yerevan (Armenia)
Guidance material:
- Checklist for national implementation plans for the Protocol on Heavy Metals
Expert
Group on Heavy Metals that reported to the Working
Group on Strategies and Review 2003-2004