There is a lot to update you on this week. Last thursday and Friday, MCA sponsored the Second Annual Conference on Hazardous Materials and Waste Management in Mongolia, "Advancing Management of Hazardous Materials and Waste from Cradle to Grave." Asbestos containing materials, lead-based paints, Polychlorinated Biphenyl (PCB), and mercury-containing light fixtures are still commonly used in construction in Mongolia, and the government does not have the capacity to regulate preexisting laws against their use in many cases. Proper disposal of medical waste poses another challenge in Mongolia, as does reduction of waste disseminated by households, including the ash that is spread into the air by gers being heated in the winter. In fact, according to one presentation by G. Chinzorig from GASI (General Agency for Specialized Inspection) at the conference, ash produced by heating gers provides 50% of hazardous waste in Ulaanbaatar. Furthermore, past studies have shown that only 30% of fees were collected for waste management in ger districts, thus posing a logistical problem for government in terms of having the funds to properly regulate these emissions.
This and other topics were addressed at the conference, which highlighted both the central problems facing hazardous materials and waste management in Mongolia, and the most realistic and effective ways to develop sustainable solutions. The discussions, which followed presentations by MCA consultants, government officials, and non MCA is also preparing guidelines and terms of reference for hazardous materials and waste management.
The Conference was a success, attended by around 60 representatives from government agencies and ministries, non-governmental organizations, international agencies, private entities, the media, and MCC-MCA officials.
There will be more to come in the next couple of days. The Health PIU set off on a two week trip to kick off their Anti-Tobacco and Alcohol Campaign on June 13 and will conclude the trip on June 25.
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