POPs are highly stable compounds that circulate globally through a repeated process of evaporation and deposit, and are transported through the atmosphere and the oceans to regions far away from their original source. They accumulate in the tissue of living organisms, which absorb POPs through food, water, and air. The effects of POPs exposure include birth defects, cancers, and dysfunctional immune and reproductive systems. POPs are also a threat to biodiversity, and even have the potential to cause disruption at the ecosystem level.

Criteria:

In accordance with any of the of following GEF Operational Programmes.

• OP14 – Draft Elements of an Operational Program for Reducing and Eliminating Releases of Persistent Organic Pollutants