Strengthening National Action to Eliminate Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)

October 7, 2025

A two-day endorsement and awareness workshop was held on 6–7 October 2025 by the Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change (ESWMCC), in collaboration with the UNDP and the Global Environment Facility (GEF). The workshop marked a major milestone in the review and update of Mauritius’ National Implementation Plan (NIP) under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs).

The opening ceremony was officiated by the Honourable Rajesh Anand Bhagwan, Minister of ESWMCC, and the Honourable Joanna Marie Bérenger, Junior Minister of ESWMCC. The event brought together representatives from ministries and parastatal bodies, academia, NGOs and the private sector to review the updated NIP, validate the final report and identify priority actions to reduce and eliminate toxic POPs - substances known for their persistence in the environment and harmful impacts on human health and ecosystems.

Technical presentations were delivered by Dr. Roland Weber, POPs Environmental Expert ; Dr. Robert Choong and Prof. Henri Li Kam Wah, Local NIP Consultants ; and Mr. Jean Lindsay Azie, Team Leader for the Environment Portfolio at UNDP. Participants engaged in in-depth discussions on integrating POPs management within broader national frameworks, including waste management, sustainable development and climate change strategies.

Photograph of an older man in a blue suit speaking at a lectern, banner behind him.

Man at podium delivering remarks at a conference; panelists at table with flowers, screen in background.

A man in a dark suit speaks at a podium beside a rainbow banner; projector screen behind.

Two men in a conference room sit at a table with papers, water bottles, and a laptop.

Group of diverse adults seated around a conference table in a wood-paneled room.

In his address, Mr. Rajesh Bhagwan, Minister of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change highlighted that the number of listed POPs has grown from 12 to 34, making the updated National Implementation Plan more comprehensive than ever before. While Mauritius does not produce POPs, many of these toxic chemicals persist through imported products such as fire-fighting foams, electronic equipment and printing inks. Outlining the country’s strategy, he emphasized that the updated NIP integrates the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and Polluter Pays Principle (PPP) mechanisms to ensure sustainable financing, while aligning with the Basel and Rotterdam Conventions, the Global Framework on Chemicals, and the national Circular Economy Roadmap.

Mr. Jean Lindsay Azie, Environment Team Leader at UNDP Mauritius and Seychelles, emphasized that “Together, through joint planning and coordination, we can drive innovation, build resilience and ensure every effort contributes to a sustainable and inclusive Mauritius.”

The workshop reaffirmed Mauritius’ strong commitment to the Stockholm Convention and its continued collaboration with UNDP and GEF in safeguarding human health and the environment. The updated National Implementation Plan will serve as a strategic roadmap for national action enhancing public awareness, mobilizing partnerships and advancing the country’s transition toward a POPs-free future.