Environmental and Health Impacts of Pesticides and Fertilizers and Ways of Minimizing Them

The United Nations Environment Assembly in 2017 through Resolution 3/4 requested the Executive Director to present a report on the environmental and health impacts of pesticides and fertilizers and ways of minimizing them, given the lack of data in that regard, in collaboration with the World Health Organization, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and other relevant organizations by the fifth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly.

The synthesis report, which was developed by the United Nations Environmental Programme in close collaboration and consultation with the Food and Agriculture Organization and World Health Organization, presents an assessment of both technical and policy related information at broader global context. Its overall goal is to provide the information base to enable other advocacy actions to be taken by stakeholders to minimize the adverse impacts of pesticides and fertilizers.

Compilations of the technical information

Detailed reviews on various topics and subject matters were undertaken in developing this report. Compilations of the technical information that informed the development of different sections of the synthesis report are available as individual supplementary chapters as listed below.

1. Global drivers, actors and policies affecting pesticides and fertilizer use
2. Status and trends of pesticide use
3. The regulatory and policy environment for pesticide management
4. Environmental and health effects of pesticide use
5. The environmental, human health and economic impacts of pesticides
6. Current pesticide risk reduction and risk management
7. Status and trends of fertilizer use
8. The regulatory and policy environment of fertilizer management and use
9. Environmental and health effects of fertilizer use
10. The impact of fertilizer use
11. Current fertilizer risk reduction and risk management
12. Transformative actions to minimize the adverse impacts of pesticide and fertilizers

Details on the rationale and approach taken in developing the synthesis report and the chapters that make up the comprehensive compilations are provided in the document About the Synthesis Report and Comprehensive Compilation of Scientific Information on Pesticides and Fertilizers.

Summary for Policy makers

A summary for policy makers was also prepared to present the main findings of the report in a more concise form, together with options for action to facilitate global policy considerations in the UNEA process. It has been translated into Arabic, French, Russian and Spanish. A version in Chinese will be made available online soon.

The report recognizes the importance of highlighting the heterogeneity of the status related to environmental and health impacts of pesticides and fertilizers across different parts of globe, when considering the key outcomes of the report and practical limitations in accessing all information sources and confirming scientific soundness.

It includes current management practices, legislation and policies and identifies opportunities for transformative actions and enabling policies to minimize the environmental and health impacts of pesticides and fertilizers, including both proven and innovative approaches.

For information other reports developed by UNEP for UNEA 5 on chemicals and waste management, click here>>

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