for theprotection of human health and the environment. We further recognizethat growing global production and use of chemicals and prevalence inthe environment calls for increased international cooperation. Wereaffirm our aim to achieve by 2020 sound management of chemicalsthroughout their life cycle and of hazardous waste in ways that leadto minimization of significant adverse effects on human health andthe environment, as set out in the Johannesburg Plan ofImplementation. We also reaffirm our commitment to an approach forthe sound management of chemicals and waste at all levels thatresponds in an effective, efficient, coherent and coordinated mannerto new and emerging issues and challenges, and encourage furtherprogress across countries and regions in order to fill the gaps inimplementation of commitments.214.We call for the effective implementation and strengthening of theStrategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM) aspart of a robust, coherent, effective and efficient system for thesound management of chemicals throughout their life cycle includingto respond to emerging challenges.215.We are deeply concerned that many countries, in particular leastdeveloped countries, lack the capacity for sound management ofchemicals and waste throughout their life-cycle. Additional effortsare needed to enhance work towards strengthening capacities,including through partnerships, technical assistance and improvedgovernance structures. We encourage countries and organizations whichhave made progress toward achieving the goal of sound management ofchemicals by 2020 to assist other countries by sharing knowledge,experience and best practices.216.We commend the increased coordination and cooperation among chemicalsand waste conventions, namely the Basel Convention, the RotterdamConvention and the Stockholm Convention, and encourage continuedenhanced coordination and cooperation among them and with SAICM. Wetake note of the important role of the Basel Convention regional andcoordinating centers and the Stockholm Convention regional andsub-regional centers.217.We commend existing and call for continued, new and innovativepublic-private partnerships among industry, governments, academia andother non-governmental stakeholders aiming to enhance capacity andtechnology for environmentally sound chemicals and waste management,including for waste prevention.218.We recognize the importance of adopting a life-cycle approach and offurther development and implementation of policies for resourceefficiency and environmentally sound waste management. We thereforecommit to further reduce, reuse and recycle waste (3Rs) as well as toincrease energy recovery from waste with a view to managing themajority of global waste in an environmentally sound manner and wherepossible as a resource. Solid wastes, such as electronic waste andplastics, pose particular challenges which should be addressed. Wecall for the development and enforcement of comprehensive nationaland local waste management policies, strategies, laws andregulations.219.We urge countries and other stakeholders to take all possiblemeasures to prevent the unsound management of hazardous wastes andtheir illegal dumping, particularly in countries where the capacityto deal with these wastes is limited, in a manner consistent withcountries obligations under relevant international instruments. Inthis context, we welcome the relevant decisions taken at the 10th COPof the Basel Convention.220.We recognize the importance of science-based assessment of the risksposed by chemicals to human beings and the environment, and ofreducing human and environmental exposure to hazardous chemicals. Weencourage the development of environmentally sound and saferalternatives to hazardous chemicals in products and processes. Tothis end, we encourage, interalia,life-cycle assessment, public information, extended producerresponsibility, research and development, sustainable design andknowledge sharing, as appropriate.221.We welcome the ongoing