Informing residents of the Republic of Karakalpakstan (RK) living near disposal sites of POPs.
The project assessed public awareness on POPs and specifics of POPs threats in the Amudarinsky, Kegeliisky and Shumanaisky districts of Karakalpakstan Republic of Uzbekistan. These regions are among those areas where significant amounts of pesticides-including POPs pesticides-were used for agricultural needs. Priority was given to pesticides pollution and awareness of the stakeholders living in close locations to pesticide hotspot areas such as pesticide dumping sites. Analyses of available data on obsolete pesticide stockpiles including POPs were made. Roundtables with main stakeholders in the targeted regions were held. Study visits for local citizens and mass media to hotspots were organized. A press conference with participation of regional and national mass media, representatives of public authorities, and NGOs was held. A special edition of the newsletter "Union of Aral protection" which focused on POPs was published and disseminated among interested stakeholders.