5th International Seminar on Asian Asbestos Initiative Mr. Ugyen Tshering Mr. Karma wangdi Bhutan

Structure of the Presentation Background about Bhutan. Overall profile on chemicals. Regulatory mechanism for chemicals Awareness on chemicals Issues & challenges A way forward

Country Background The land Location: Eastern Himalayas Borders with China in the North & India in the south east and west. Entirely mountainous Country Area 38,389 square kilometer Population Density 16.36 sq km Administratively: 20 districts Thimphu: Capital city Government: constitutional democracy(2008) *Source: 2005 NPHC 47000, scattered population Delhi alone has a population of >15

Country background cont… The People Population: 672,425 Male: 333,595(52.5%) Female: 301,387(47.5%) Rural population: 69.1% Urban population: 30.9% Literacy rate: (59.5 %) Religion:  Buddhist: 75.3 % Hindus : 22.1% others : 2.6 % Agriculture – 79% rural Export earning -hydropower generation Elevation ranging from 100mtrs - 7500mtrs (South-North). Per capita income – 1, 852 (USD). Country development philosophy –GNH Scattered population

Profile of chemicals (Asbestos) Chemical requirements are met through import. Hardly any chemical manufacturing industries. Chemicals imported respectively by sectoral/concern agencies Bhutan consumption levels were negligible until 2005, but steady increase in consumption from 113 in 2000 to 275 kg/1000 population in 2007 Data on reported asbestosis or other –related disease is lacking

Regulatory Mechanism Labour & Employment act 2007 Waste Prevention and Management Act of Bhutan 2009 Pesticide Act of Bhutan 2000 (Yet to be implemented). National Environment Protection Act of Bhutan 2007. Environment Assessment Act of Bhutan 2000 and its Regulation. Environmental Discharge Standards Ment act

Responsible Agency Sectoral Agency: National Environment Commission. Ministry of Agriculture and Forest. Ministry of Health. Ministry of Economic Affairs. Coordination: • Minimal

Awareness and understanding Knowledge and expertise very limited. Capacity to manage chemical related matter generally low. Awareness level low.

Issues & challenges Inadequate polices and rules to regulate the use, handling and disposal. Lack of knowledge and technical expertise. Poor coordination amongst relevant agencies dealing with any chemicals. Lack of awareness on the risks associated with improper use, handling and disposal. Poor information base on chemicals.

Way forward Implementation of SAICM Project Title: Strengthening National Capacities for Sound Management of Priority Carcinogenic Chemicals in Bhutan Development of National Chemical Profile for Sound Management of Chemicals; Setting Priorities for Sound Management of Carcinogenic Chemicals; Identification of Preventive Interventions for Sound Management of Priority Carcinogenic Chemicals; and Development of Programme for Sound Management of Carcinogenic Chemicals

“Bury asbestos, not people” Trashi Delek/Thank you