Basel Convention Regional Centre - Caribbean

𝘽𝙀𝙋𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝘽𝘼𝙏𝙨- 𝙁𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙐𝙋𝙊𝙋𝙨 𝙊𝙣𝙚 𝘽𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙡𝙚 𝙖𝙩 𝙖 𝙏𝙞𝙢𝙚

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𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑼𝑷𝑶𝑷𝒔 𝑭𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒚 𝑴𝒆𝒆𝒕𝒔 𝑰𝒕𝒔 𝑴𝒂𝒕𝒄𝒉: 𝑩𝑬𝑷𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝑩𝑨𝑻𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝑨𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏​

Unintentional Persistent Organic Pollutants (UPOPs) — represented by 'Hex', 'Bute', 'Pent', 'Polly', 'Diox', 'Tox', and 'Nappy' — have long persisted in our environment, silently impacting ecosystems and human health. But their influence can be reduced when confronted with Best Environmental Practices (BEPs) and Best Available Techniques (BATs).​

𝐔𝐏𝐎𝐏𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭​

Through sustainable farming, 'Hex' loses his grip on soil and water.​

With cleaner industrial technologies, 'Bute' and 'Nappy' are pushed aside.​

'Polly’s' threat to marine life diminishes with ocean protection initiatives.​

'Diox' and 'Tox' are contained through clean energy solutions and modern waste management.​

Step by step, each member of the UPOPs family is challenged by BEPs and BATs.​
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𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐄𝐏𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐀𝐓𝐬​

BEPs and BATs are more than technical terms — they are proven solutions.​

BEPs guide us to reduce waste, improve disposal, and make sustainable choices.​

BATs introduce the most advanced industrial technologies to prevent and control emissions.​

Together, they embody innovation, responsibility, and a commitment to environmental health.​
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𝐀 𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐓𝐨𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐫 𝐄𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬

By adopting BEPs and BATs, we can reduce the prevalence of UPOPs in agriculture, industry, and urban spaces. These strategies are essential for safeguarding biodiversity, protecting communities, and building a cleaner future.​

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𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐑𝐨𝐥𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬

From supporting eco-friendly products to advocating for strong environmental policies, each action contributes to this collective effort. Together, we can ensure that UPOPs no longer define our shared environment. ​

🔗 Discover the full story behind the UPOPs Family and why reducing these pollutants matters. Learn more at https://www.stopthepops.com/ and join the mission to Stop the POPs.
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🌱 𝙎𝙩𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙣𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙗𝙗𝙚𝙖𝙣 𝘾𝙖𝙥𝙖𝙘𝙞𝙩𝙮 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙎𝙖𝙛𝙚𝙧 𝙋𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙘𝙞𝙙𝙚 𝙈𝙖𝙣𝙖𝙜𝙚𝙢𝙚𝙣𝙩.

That’s a wrap on the 𝐄𝐟𝐟𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐂𝐚𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧-𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐓𝐨𝐨𝐥 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐩𝐬! Across the Caribbean, participants strengthened their knowledge and practical capacity to utilize the ECA-G Tool. These trainings aim to support stakeholders in the identification, assessment and management of Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs).

From identifying HHPs to assessing economic, environmental and human health risks, the workshops provided hands-on opportunities to explore how the ECA-G Tool can support safer, evidence-based pesticide management.

The training journey brought together participants from across the Caribbean through workshops held in:

* Guyana and Suriname (28–29 April)
* Belize (19–20 May)
* Antigua and Barbuda (26–27 May)
* Saint Kitts and Nevis and Saint Lucia (9–10 June) and
* Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados (30 June–1 July).


The BCRC-Caribbean extends a sincere thank you to FAO, our facilitators and all participants for your invaluable contributions and continued commitment to strengthening chemicals and pesticide management across the Caribbean region. Your collaboration, expertise and active participation continue to support safer, more informed approaches to pesticide management.

🌎 One vision. Shared action. A safer Caribbean.

🔬 Meet the device behind safer borders: the XRF analyzer.

XRF (X-ray fluorescence) is a technique that uses X-rays to identify the elements present in a material — quickly and without damage. A handheld XRF analyzer uses this technique to help officers quickly identify elements in products and materials during inspections. Here's how:

1️⃣ Point it at any item — paint, toys, electronics, scrap metal

2️⃣ A focused X-ray beam makes the material give off its own elemental "fingerprint"

3️⃣ The screen names the metals inside

That means hazardous metals like lead (Pb), mercury (Hg) and cadmium (Cd) can be flagged right at the border — preventing toxic metals from entering our homes and environment.

It's the technology Caribbean customs officers trained on during our recent GEF ISLANDS pilot workshops in The Bahamas and Guyana.

Safer trade starts with seeing the unseen. 🌊

𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝘽𝘼𝙏 & 𝘽𝙀𝙏 𝙘𝙖𝙣 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙗𝙖𝙩 𝙐𝙋𝙊𝙋𝙨

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𝐓𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐔𝐏𝐎𝐏𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐨𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬: 𝐁𝐄𝐏𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐀𝐓𝐬​

In the fight against Unintentional Persistent Organic Pollutants (UPOPs), two strategies set the benchmark for prevention: Best Environmental Practices (BEPs) and Best Available Techniques (BATs).​

𝐁𝐄𝐏𝐬 – 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧

BEPs focus on reducing or preventing the release of UPOPs through sustainable choices and responsible practices. This includes reducing waste, using safer alternatives, adopting sustainable agriculture, and promoting eco-friendly consumer habits. BEPs are about everyday decisions that protect communities and ecosystems.​

𝐁𝐀𝐓𝐬 – 𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬

BATs refer to the most advanced industrial methods for preventing or controlling UPOP emissions. From cleaner production technologies to process redesign and state-of-the-art waste management, BATs set the bar for industries like manufacturing, energy, and chemicals. They ensure that production continues with the least environmental impact.​

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𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫

BEPs and BATs complement each other. Together, they represent a comprehensive approach that blends individual responsibility with technological innovation. Adopting both reduces the global burden of UPOPs and sets a pathway towards safer, more sustainable systems.​

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲​

From households to industries, everyone has a role to play. Supporting BEPs and BATs means endorsing practices and technologies that directly reduce the prevalence of UPOPs. Collective commitment is the key to safeguarding both health and environment.​
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𝘼𝙘𝙩 𝙉𝙤𝙬
By embracing these approaches, we are not only limiting hidden pollutants but also building a legacy of cleaner, healthier living.​

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𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲?
Visit https://www.stopthepops.com/ to explore the UPOPs Family, understand the risks these pollutants pose, and discover how you can help build a cleaner, healthier future.

Mosquito season calls for extra protection 🦟 — so let’s do it safely.

Swipe to decode the symbols on your insecticide spray and learn simple habits to help protect your family, pets and the environment.

🔗 Go deeper at BCRC-Caribbean's Digital Learning Hub → https://tinyurl.com/3edbrkpn

𝙔𝙤𝙪𝙧 𝙍𝙤𝙡𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙗𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙐𝙋𝙊𝙋𝙨

​ 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐝𝐚𝐲 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐀𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐇𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬​

Unintentional Persistent Organic Pollutants (UPOPs) are toxic by-products that linger in soil, water, and air, posing lasting risks to health and the environment. But individual choices matter. Each action, no matter how small, can contribute to reducing their impact.​

Our interactive carousel highlights practical steps you can take: minimize waste, support clean energy, choose eco-friendly products, join community clean-ups, and embrace sustainable transportation. We also emphasize the importance of educating others and supporting strong environmental policies.​

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𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐬

Together, these individual efforts form a collective force for change. By adopting cleaner habits and advocating for safer practices, we can reduce the presence of UPOPs and safeguard our environment for future generations.​

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𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐔𝐏𝐎𝐏𝐬!
Explore the steps, take action, and be part of the movement for a healthier planet.​

🔗 Discover the full story behind the UPOPs Family and why reducing these pollutants matters. Learn more at https://www.stopthepops.com/ and join the mission to Stop the POPs.

Quick reminder for mosquito season 🦟

Insecticide sprays can be flammable and harmful to more than just mosquitoes. Ventilate before spraying, then leave the area while the air clears. Keep away from open flames and food.

🔗 Learn more at BCRC-Caribbean’s Digital Learning Hub.→ https://tinyurl.com/3edbrkpn

𝙉𝙖𝙥 𝙉𝙤 𝙈𝙤𝙧𝙚

Today we focus on Nap, a character representing 𝙋𝙤𝙡𝙮𝙘𝙝𝙡𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙚𝙙 𝙉𝙖𝙥𝙝𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙚𝙨 (𝙋𝘾𝙉𝙨). Once widely used for their chemical stability and heat resistance, PCNs now symbolize the lingering challenges of industrial pollutants that persist long after their production has ended.​

𝐖𝐡𝐨 𝐢𝐬 𝐍𝐚𝐩?​​

𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐢𝐥𝐞: Nap embodies PCNs, historically used in applications such as electrical insulation, wood preservation, and industrial coatings.​

𝐈𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐜𝐲: Although intentional production has stopped, Nap persists in the environment, particularly near former industrial sites.​

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𝙒𝙝𝙮 𝙉𝙖𝙥 𝙈𝙖𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙨

𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐑𝐢𝐬𝐤𝐬: PCN exposure has been linked to serious health conditions, including skin disorders and liver disease, particularly among workers.​

𝐄𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞: Nap highlights how PCNs remain in soil, water, and ecosystems for decades, contaminating wildlife and entering the food chain.​

𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐱 𝐂𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐧-𝐔𝐩: Their stability makes remediation of contaminated areas technically challenging and resource-intensive.​

𝘼𝙙𝙙𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙚𝙣𝙜𝙚​

𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: ​

✅ Advocate for clean-up and restoration of contaminated industrial sites.​

✅ Promote Safer Industry: Encourage modern practices that prevent the creation of persistent pollutants.​

✅ Raise Awareness: Educating communities about the risks and history of PCNs helps identify and manage legacy pollution.​

✅ Strengthen Oversight: Push for monitoring and regulation to prevent further exposure.​

𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐩 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐎𝐏𝐬!
Confronting Nap’s legacy is essential to safeguarding both human health and ecosystems. Together we can break free from the shadow of past industrial practices and build a cleaner future.​
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​𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲?
Visit https://www.stopthepops.com/ to explore the UPOPs Family, understand the risks these pollutants pose, and discover how you can help build a cleaner, healthier future.

🔬 𝙃𝙤𝙬 𝙙𝙤 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙘𝙖𝙩𝙘𝙝 𝙖 𝙙𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙧𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙢𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙡 𝙗𝙚𝙛𝙤𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙩 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙧 𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙝𝙚𝙨 𝙖 𝙨𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙛? 𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙜𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙗𝙤𝙧𝙙𝙚𝙧 𝙘𝙤𝙣𝙩𝙧𝙤𝙡 𝙤𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙩𝙤𝙤𝙡𝙨.

This August, BCRC-Caribbean held national pilot workshops in The Bahamas (24–25) and Guyana (27–28), training Customs & Border Control officers on the use of XRF analysersanalyzers — handheld devices that identify hazardous chemicals and heavy metals in imports in seconds, without opening a single box.

Customs officers moved from the classroom to the port, conducting live inspections using the new pre-screening and inspection guidelines developed under the GEF ISLANDS Caribbean projects. To support continued use, the Ministry of the Environment and Natural Resources formally handed over an XRF unit to the Ministry of Finance.

Delivered under the GEF ISLANDS Programme (Output 1.3 — managing trade in hazardous chemicals), with the Department of Environmental Protection, the Pesticide & Toxic Chemicals Control Board, Ambiendura, Source International and EnviroAndinos.
Safer trade, healthier islands. 🌊