The time to act: addressing obsolete pesticides.
This activity established a permanent intersectoral group on pesticide storage and utilization to develop a survey plan for three districts of Chelybinsk Oblast. The group surveyed 11 rural settlements using extensive communication with local residents. The results were compared with official data at joint discussions with stakeholders, including local authorities, NGOs, residents (including high school students) and experts. Information on pesticides-related problems and public participation in primary inventories of banned and obsolete pesticides was published in four newspapers of Cheliabinsk Oblast. The oblast TV channel aired a topical program on pesticide storage in Petrovskoye. The group developed recommendations for incorporation into the Target-oriented Action Program for Environmental Improvement in Chelyabinsk Oblast for 2006-2010 for the sections "Environmental Protection from Hazardous and Solid Municipal Waste" and "Public Information on Environmental Quality and Protection." The inter-sectoral group has developed the Follow-up Action Plan to ensure storage and utilization of banned and obsolete pesticides.
Outputs:
Establishment of intersectoral group on pesticide storage
Survey of 11 rural settlements for obsolete pesticides
Public outreach through print and TV media