Environmental and Health Impacts of Pesticides and Fertilizers and Ways of Minimizing Them

The United Nations Environment Assembly in 2017 through Resolution 3/4 requested the Executive Director to present a report on the environmental and health impacts of pesticides and fertilizers and ways of minimizing them, given the lack of data in that regard, in collaboration with the World Health Organization, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and other relevant organizations by the fifth session of the United Nations Environment Assembly.

The summary for policymakers presents the main findings of the report in a concise form, together with options for action to facilitate global policy considerations in the UNEA process. The main report, which was developed by the United Nations Environmental Programme in close collaboration and consultation with the Food and Agriculture Organization and World Health Organization presents a comprehensive assessment of both technical and policy related information at broader global context.

An advance draft of the report's summary for policy makers is currently available online.

The report recognizes the importance of highlighting the heterogeneity of the status related to environmental and health impacts of pesticides and fertilizers across different parts of globe, when considering the key outcomes of the report and practical limitations in accessing all information sources and confirming scientific soundness.

It includes current management practices, legislation and policies and identifies opportunities for transformative actions and enabling policies to minimize the environmental and health impacts of pesticides and fertilizers, including both proven and innovative approaches.

The full publication will be made available on the UNEP website. detailed reviews on various topics and subject matters were undertaken in developing this report. Compilations of the technical information that informed the developments of different sections of the report will also be provided.