The Inception workshop was held according to Article No 5 of the Contract steps of the National Implementation Plan for Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) (step 1), for representing the Country's obligations regarding the Stockholm Convention, also it can serve as a tool to sensitize a large part of the Population to the POPs issue, the workshop can further assist the National Project Coordinator in identifying experts and other relevant organization within the Country. These experts and organizations could assist in the implementation of inventories and assessments.

Large representation of Stakeholders participated in this workshop. So many sites were invited for this Inception workshop(Ministries, Authorities, Research and Scientific Centers and Institutes, universities, Syndicates, govern orates, NGO's, National Women Council Egyptian Industries Union, Representatives for new Industrial Cities, representatives for different factories and industrial Companies).

List of Participants

. Steering Committee

. National Project Coordination Unit

. Ministry of State for Environmental Affairs - EEAA

. Competent Ministries

. Companies and Factories

. Governorates

. Arab league

. Universities

. Searches Centers

. International Organizations

RECOMMENDATIONS

There be strict control on compounds use, supply and the production of the compounds - principal responsibilities lie with both the supplier and the end user.

Border control should be strengthened.

Regional cooperation should be enhanced.

Strengthening the control and capacity building (training) within Egypt, especially capacity building in customs officers and Environmental officers.

Monitoring and building up surveillance capacity required and testing facilities should fully utilize.

Regional and international collaboration must be maximized.

Awareness should be raised on all levels, including:

A documented tracking system for the POPs should be established throughout their life cycle. This will include legal as well as illegal sources.

Training in overall packaging system will be vital. It could be done using Basel Convention.

Pesticides should be appropriately packaged. For example, less poisonous chemicals are contained into smaller containers, whereas more toxic chemicals should be contained into larger containers.

Proper container management.

It would be great that the NIP coordinators in the region or sub regions meet to exchange experience and information.

The international cooperation is strongly needed prevent illegal traffic.

Proper procedure and guidelines on economic viability assessment of alternatives.

Technical and financial supports needed.

Database and networks containing required information of POPs in the region have to be built-up.

The concept of a regional facility for disposal used to be assessed.

Guidelines and methodologies for storing packaging and disposal of obsolete stockpiles in the region need to be produced.