8-29 July 2011, Libreville, Gabon - UNITAR attended the National SAICM Planning and Inception Workshop held in Libreville from 28 to 29 July 2011. The main objectives of the workshop were to launch and plan the implementation of the national project for the implementation of the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM). The project aims to strengthen the national capacity to implement SAICM through, inter alia, the analysis of existing gaps and mechanisms and the strengthening of national infrastructure for the sound management of chemicals.

The workshop was attended by more than 50 representatives of government, industry and non-governmental organisations. Fruitful discussions were held on key project activities, including the drafting of a National Profile to Assess Infrastructure and Capacity Needs for Chemicals Management, the strengthening of national governance structures, and the development of a national chemicals database.

Based on the outcomes of this workshop, Gabon will formalise the National Project Coordinating Committee and begin drafting various documents, including the National Profile and the Situation Analysis for the national chemicals database.

The National Planning and Inception Workshop was hosted by the Ministry of Housing, Planning, Ecology and Sustainable Development of Gabon, with technical support provided by UNITAR, and financial support provided by SAICM’s Quick Start Programme Trust Fund.