This is the slogan for the process of removal of obsolete pesticides from Ivano-Frankivsk region. In total there were over 200 t of obsolete pesticides in Ivano-Frankivsk region, which caused a great concern of local residents.

The regional state administration addressed the Ministry of Environment of Ukraine for financing disposal of obsolete pesticides. General public is actively involved into this process.

The experience of the UNENGO «МАМА-86», obtained in the framework of the international project «Elimination of Acute Risks of Obsolete Pesticides», implemented in partnership with International Dutch non-governmental organization Millieukontakt International, and financially supported by MATRA Programme of the Royal Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is actively spread throughout different regions of Ukraine. The campaign reached the national level. Information materials of the Project are practical assistance in this activity for both specialists and common citizens.

Ivano-Frankivsk regional state inspection, State Department of Environment Protection, and Regional Public Council, according to the initiative of «МАМА-86-Yaremche» joined their efforts to clean up the region from obsolete pesticides. The process of removal of obsolete pesticides is being controlled by the regional state administration, State Environment Inspection in Ivano-Frankivsk region, regional department of the Ministry of Emergency Situations, law enforcement structures and representatives of local governmental bodies.

At the beginning of 2011 there were stockpiles of pesticides, herbicides and other hazardous chemicals in 6 districts of the region. Today there are 23 t of chemicals left in Dolynsky and Rogatynsky districts. It is important to complete their inventory process and with the help of citizens reveal unknown stockpiles of obsolete pesticides.

The other aspect is the educational activities for local population about the rules of behaviour on the territories cleared from chemicals but not remediated concerning prohibition of usage packaging or construction materials from warehouses and prevention of negative impact on environment and people’s health. These issues were included into the action plan of the work group for Environment Monitoring at the regional Public Council.

A number of classes dedicated to the protection of environment was held for school children and students and the information materials were spread in the framework of seminars for teachers and heads of environmental workshops at the regional level. The mass media was also involved into the process and this resulted in a number of publications in printed editions, electronic media, and programs on the regional TV “Halychyna”.

So, we hope that the joint efforts of all interested sides will be efficient for both total purification of the region from obsolete pesticides and elimination of acute risks of OP for environment and human health.

Marta Korchemlyuk, Head of  MAMA-86-Yaremche