Project Update August 2022
Safe disposal of POPs and pesticidesobsoleteotherandPCBs P R O J E C T O B J E C T I V E S / C O M P O N E N T S P R O J E C T O B J E C T I V E S / C O M P O N E N T S In our sixth edition of Caribbean Pesticide Management News, we will feature some updates and exciting news in the world of pesticides management in the region. Our aim is to keep you informed about project developments and to provide valuable “info bits”! Here is some information about happenings from August 2021 July 2022 The project “Disposal of Obsolete Pesticides including POPs, Promotion of Alternatives and Strengthening Pesticides Management in the Caribbean” is a GEF Funded Project presently being implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the Coordinating Group of Pesticides Control Boards of the Caribbean (CGPC) in 11 countries of the Caribbean: Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago Technology transfer of methodologies for identification and remediation of contaminated sites Development of systems to managecontainerspesticidesempty Strengthening regulatory framework and institutional capacity for sound management of pesticides Promotion alternativesoftochemicalpesticides
Women’s exposure to pesticides tends to be higher than recognized, and cases of poisoning often go unreported, particularly in low-income countries that rely on less sophisticated agricultural technologies (UNEP, 2021)
FAO has produced materials with simple graphic images and easily translatable text advising pesticide users on how to avoid waste problems and on what actions they should take to deal with the problem when it arises. It also includes clear advice on actions that should not be taken by pesticide users when dealing with pesticide waste The materials can be photocopied or duplicated in any way that is convenient for distribution to farmers and other pesticide users. It can also be adapted to suit the needs of local communities
AGRIVALOR Guadeloupe, which is an agricultural waste management company based in Guadeloupe and Martinique (its parent company ADIVALOR operates in France), conducted studies on the management and disposal of empty pesticide containers. From this study, the present status of the management of empty pesticide containers was determined and recommendations for the future management and disposal were put forward. Similar studies are currently taking place in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Jamaica in collaboration with the national regulatory authorities and stakeholders.
In the Caribbean, the haphazard disposal of pesticide containers has caused contamination of soil, waterways, stored food products and human exposure to toxic chemicals. During the period April December 2021, in collaboration with FAO, national pesticide regulatory authorities and stakeholders in Barbados, Dominica and Guyana,
DIDYOU KNOW?
Empty Container Management
Highlights
Minister of Labour and Social Partnerships, the Hon. Colin Jordan viewing the collection bin at the launch of the scheme in St. Lucy Registrar of Pesticides, Gennia Oxley chatting with Minister of Agriculture, the Hon. Indar Weir and Minister of State in the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Dr. Sonia Browne at the launch of the scheme in St. Philip. Collection bin at farming community in St. Philip. in the news Pesticide ManagementContainerSchemeLaunched
Regional Project Coordinator for the Caribbean Pesticide Management Project, Guy Mathurin offering remarks at the launch of the scheme in St. Philip.
In August 2021, the Pesticides Control Board and Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in Barbados together with industry partners and farming communities in St Lucy and St Phillip, launched an empty pesticide container collection initiative This is to be scaled up island wide, where mobile container collection “bins” will be located in strategic areas in farming communities for the collection of triple rinsed empty pesticides containers. These will then be taken to the sanitary landfill and stored in a specially demarcated area. Consideration will be given to recycling the l ti l ll t f li
A farmer field training session was conducted in Trinidad and Tobago on 6 July 2022 to demonstrate the technique. 58 persons including 11 women participated. Preliminary results showed greater numbers of beneficial insects in treated plots Additional research will have to be done in combination with the use of bio protectants, to get more information for the potential wider application of this technique in the Caribbean.
As part of the FAO Caribbean Regional Pesticide Management Project, the Faculty of Food and Agriculture and Department of Life Sciences of The University of The West Indies (UWI), conducted field trials in Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica, using the "food spray technique" to attract natural enemies for the management of pests in vegetable crops as an alternative to the use of Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs) The "Food Spray" technique involves using cheap locally available materials (e.g. yeast and sugar) which attracts and enhances populations of beneficial insects to keep pests under control. Previous studies in other parts of the world have shown that beneficial insects and arthropods are attracted to the crops, reducing the need for Highly Hazardous Pesticide (HHPs) insecticides in pest management.
Alternatives to Pesticides
In collaboration with PAN UK, the FAO Regional Project has developed a series of guides on Integrated Pest, Disease and Weed Management, using alternatives to Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs) for select crops in the Caribbean. They are currently being finalized for dissemination. These guides will be made available in soft copy
Under the FAO Caribbean Region Pesticides Management Project, The University of the West Indies (UWI) in collaboration with the Pesticide Action Network UK (PAN UK) and national regulatory authorities conducted a survey using a Phone App developed by PAN UK to determine: 24 hours of the use/application of pesticides The study was conducted in Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. The results of the survey were alarming! They indicated that many farmers were not trained in the proper use of pesticides and PPE. Many farmers do not use the required PPE and may also experience pesticide poisoning symptoms within 24 hours after the application of pesticides. These poor practices are common in the Caribbean The insights gained from this study, will be applied to policy interventions for the Caribbean region. Presentation of survey results were shared with the regulatory authorities in Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica on 3 March 2022 and 10 May 2022, respectively Both authorities are now contemplating the way forward in collaboration with industry partners and the farming communities.
patterns of use and application of pesticides by vegetable farmers use of protective personal protective equipment (PPE) incidence of pesticide poisoning symptoms within
National and regional priorities for the development of HHP Risk Reduction Plans were identified earlier in project implementation. A workshop to develop the plans, considering those priorities, will be convened in September 2022 in collaboration with the Centre for the Prevention of Suicide by Pesticides
Strengthening Regulatory Framework and Institutional Capacity
The pilot trial on the bioremediation of pesticide contaminated soil in Suriname continues in collaboration with the UWI Faculty of Food and Agriculture, St Augustine Campus, Trinidad and Tobago; the Suriname Department of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries; the Anton de Kom University of Suriname and Stichting Viskeuringsinstituut (VKI). The results of analyses of soil samples collected from the trial indicate a reduction in organochlorine contaminant levels as a result of the bioremediation treatment applied over time. The laboratories at the mentioned institutions were visited in July 2022 to assess their capability to conduct pesticides analyses
The University lab can conduct routine soil analyses and has potential for building capacity; the VKI lab is modern and well equipped to conduct analyses across all soil dimensions (physical, chemical and biological). More samples will be taken in August 2022 and the plot handed over to national authorities for continued studies.
Helping to remove HHPs from use
Building national capacity in 3 4 countries for better recording and reporting of
Improving links between health and pesticide regulatory authorities
Help with the identification of alternatives to HHPs
Helping to introduce alternatives to HHPs
pesticides poisoning
Assist the Coordinating Group of Pesticides Control Boards of the Caribbean (CGPC) to finalize national and regional HHPs risk reduction plans and strategies
In February 2022, the FAO Subregional Office for the Caribbean and the CPSP agreed to collaborate in the implementation of several activities under pesticide management projects being currently implemented in the Caribbean Areas for joint implementation include:
The workshop provided several tools and innovative ideas. It emphasized the importance of consistent monitoring of pesticide residues on harvested crops. There is also a greater awareness and interest in the effects of pesticide on pollinators.
Between 18 January and 3 February 2022, virtual FAO Pesticide Registration Toolkit training was conducted as a follow up to the initial training held in Trinidad and Tobago in February 2017 and 2019 under the FAO Caribbean Pesticide Management Project. The training which primarily targeted Registrars and regulatory authority technicians, consisted of 6 half day sessions including presentations, discussions and exercises on assessments relevant to pesticide registration: biological pesticides (also called bioprotectants), dietary risk assessment and pollinator risk assessment.
An average of 86 participants from 16 countries took part in the 6 sessions, with an average of 48 being women The participants included the members of the pilot Technical Working Group in the Caribbean to evaluate pesticide products for registration using the FAO Pesticide Registration Toolkit and observers from UWI, CAHFSA and IICA The training also had participants from as far as Azerbaijan!
Participant from Grenada
Chairperson Ms Trecia David Garnath of Guyana reported on the CGPC presentation to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Council for Economic Trade and Development (COTED) Agriculture in October 2021, which included the new FAO Model Pesticides Legislation and the Report on Cost Recovery by select Pesticides Regulatory Authorities in the Caribbean
The 19th Virtual Meeting of the CGPC took place on 11 November 2021 During this meeting the
An update on the aforementioned training on the FAO Pesticides Registration Toolkit was presented, along with a report on the activities undertaken in CGPC countries during Pesticide Awareness Week. Mr Mathurin provided an update on the FAO regional Pesticides Management project, highlighting project successes and challenges for the period.
The 7th Project Steering Committee (PSC) Meeting took place on 2 March 2022 This meeting was particularly important as the project nears completion. Matters discussed included an update by Mr. Mathurin on the status of project implementation and a review of the main recommendations from the project final evaluation. The PSC discussed the way forward and endorsed the proposed work plan for the period January September 2022.
The CGPC members provided feedback on a new logo and name as well as the CGPC Website which is being developed and supported by the FAO Pesticide Management project.
Atthemost recentCGPC Meeting,members providedfeedback onanewlogo!
The 21st Virtual Meeting of the CGPC took place on 14 July 2022. Several items were discussed, including an update on the process for designing the 5 year strategic plan and ideas for Pesticide Awareness Week 2022
The 20th Virtual Meeting of the CGPC took place on 27 April 2022. Key items discussed included the development o a 5 Year Strategic Plan for the CGPC, the design of a new CGPC logo, feedback on the FAO Pesticide Registration Toolkit Training and Pesticide Awareness Week 2022 Upcoming regional and international meetings were also discussed along in addition to proposed collaboration with the Centre for Pesticide Suicide Prevention Mr Mathurin provided an update on the FAO Regional Pesticides Management project implementation.
During the side event “Finding Alternatives to Highly Hazardous Pesticides Experiences from African, Caribbean and Pacific Countries” at the BRS COP 21 which took place in July 2021, the Chairperson of the CGPC, Ms Trecia David Garnath delivered a presentation on “The Quest to Phase Out HHPs: The Caribbean Experience” With inputs from the FAO Caribbean Pesticide Management Project and University of the West Indies, the presentation outlined the journey of the Caribbean to reduce the impacts of HHPs in the region. Highlighting the work of the Caribbean to this global audience was met with positive feedback and opportunities to share best practices
Introduction to the regional FAO GEF pesticide management project Guy Mathurin Field testing of Alternatives to Highly Hazardous Pesticides and toxic pesticides Dr Duraisamy Saravanakumar (UWI)
The quest to reduce Highly Hazardous Pesticides in the Caribbean Ms Trecia David Chairperson of the CGPC Results / Lessons from Phone Health App Surveys on pesticides handling and use in vegetable farmers in Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica Dr Dwight Robinson (UWI) Bioremediation and management of pesticide contaminated soils Dr Gaius Eudoxie (UWI)
On 7 October 2021, the Pesticide Management project under the direction of the FAO Sub Regional Office for the Caribbean hosted and conducted an FAO Technical Session as part of the CARICOM Caribbean Week of Agriculture 2021. After brief welcome remarks by Ms Trecia David Garnath Chair of the CGPC, presentations were made on the following topics:
Visibility
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Empty pesticide container management and disposal ongoing work Ms Marie Beatrice Galan AGRIVALOR Guadeloupe
World Soil Day 2021 Press Release
hOT OFF THE PRESS
Highlighting the impact of the project in the promotion of plant health
7 info videos in the form of animations are being created under the project on varying topics including: use and disposal of PPE, empty pesticide container management and disposal, integrated pest, disease and weed management and integrated soil fertility management. The videos will be made available in 4 languages: English, Spanish, Dutch and French Creole. Big results
The first draft of the CGPC Website was presented during the 21st Virtual Meeting of the CGPC in July 2022 The website is presently moving towards finalisation and will be a hub for information sharing on the work of the CGPC, member countries and progress on areas relevant to pesticide management in the region
Highlighting work of the project in soil remediation of pesticide soils
International Day of Plant Health 2022 Press Release
CGPC Website being Ifinalised nfo-Videos being developed
contaminated
Project successes were featured in the Global FAO Big Results Campaign for 2021. This raised visibility of the work of the Caribbean in Pesticide Management. Catch the twitter highlights below!
the
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This video resource created by FAO, informs about the practice of Area wide Integrated Pest Management (AW IPM). Area wide pest management provides a more cost effective and sustainable approach by proactively targeting entire pest populations. NOW
Produced by stakeholders from the University of Cape Town, the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management, FAO and Umweltbundesamt.
The factsheet "The potential key role of SAICM Focal Points in reducing harm from Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs)" was developed to ensure information about HHPs reaches all SAICM National Focal Points and other relevant stakeholders for them to make effective and informed decisions and play an active role in facilitating the reduction of health and environmental risks.
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Addressing Gender Issues in Pesticide
To commemorate
Featuring Women Leaders in Pesticide Management in the Caribbean
The Rotterdam Convention Secretariat and the Gender team in FAO developed this publication with the objective of highlighting the gender related implications of pesticide use and management, focusing on the role of women in handling hazardous pesticides in agriculture, the reasons why they are at higher risk and the health related implications they face. The brochure provides an overview of how FAO addresses the topic and it concludes by highlighting key gender related actions in pesticide management for development partners and Members to pursue View Management International Women’s Day 2022, the project produced two human interest stories celebrating women’s leadership in pesticide management in the Caribbean Stories of strong leadership, resilience, commitment and passion in the protection of human health and the environment are found through the words and experiences of the women featured in these pieces. view the stories here:
You can
A Mission to advance Pesticide Management- Carmen Van Dijk, Suriname A Resilient Spirit driving Action on Empty Pesticide Container ManagementAnna Mary Seraphine, Dominica
Caribbean Pesticide Management Project FAO Sub-Regional Office for the Caribbean 2nd Floor, United Nations House BarbadosChristHastingsChurch1(246)426-7110fao-slc@fao.orgfirhaana.bulbulia@fao.org CONTACT US: This newsletter was produced under the FAO GEF Caribbean Pesticide Management Project FAO ID: GCP/SLC/204/GFF GEF ID: 5407
