The ECOWAS Commission recently organized a regional workshop from October 16 to 18, 2024, in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. The event focused on validating a regional information platform to monitor cross-border movements of obsolete chemicals and hazardous waste within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Participants engaged in discussions on several key topics. These included the existing national information platforms in member countries and understanding the roles and responsibilities of port structures involved in issuing storage and transit permits for transboundary movements. Additionally, they explored the functions of Basel Focal Points, Pollution Control Centres, and Maritime Safety Coordination Centres in monitoring these movements.
Another important aspect covered was collaboration methods for effective information exchange and traffic monitoring between port authorities and other relevant institutions across member states.
During the workshop, attendees visited the Autonomous Port of Abidjan. This visit facilitated discussions with port authorities regarding current management practices for hazardous waste and obsolete products.
Representatives from West African ports, regional institutions such as CRESMAO and the West and Central African Ports Management Association attended the workshop. The ECOWAS Commission was represented by its Directorate of Environment and Natural Resources team led by Mr. Y. Bernard KOFFI, Acting Director of Environment.
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