17 November 2010: Representatives from Belarus, Kazakhstan, the Russian Federation and Ukraine convened in Novopolotsk, Belarus, together with the Secretariat staff from the UN Economic Commission for Europe’s Convention on Long-range Transboundary Air Pollution (LRTAP), from 16-17 November, to discuss strengthening cooperation and activities under LRTAP.

A project aimed at assisting these countries in implementing and ratifying the Convention’s three most recent Protocols, on persistent organic pollutants, heavy metals, and multi-pollutant and multi-effects. Aimed at reducing harmful emissions of pollutants such as sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, persistent organic pollutants, and heavy metals within the region, discussions focused on assessing the current status of air pollution monitoring and reporting in each country, and the completion of national strategies on abating air pollution. The joint project is one of a series of initiatives under the Convention aimed at assisting countries with economies in transition in developing the capacity to effectively monitor and reduce air pollutants [http://www.unece.org/press/pr2010/10env_p38e.htm].