Romania’s acceptance into the OECD Committee on Chemicals and Biotechnology marks an important step toward strengthening environmental protection and public health in line with the standards of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), said Environment Minister Diana Buzoianu.

“Romania’s acceptance into the Committee on Chemicals and Biotechnology is a significant step for environmental protection and public health at OECD standards. It is also an opportunity for Romania to actively contribute to shaping public policies at OECD level. Our country belongs at the decision-making table. We will continue to develop institutional capacity and inter-institutional cooperation for a safe and sustainable environment,” Diana Buzoianu said on Thursday in a statement.

The Ministry of Environment, Waters and Forests (MMAP), in cooperation with the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the National Agency for the Environment and Protected Areas, the National Environmental Guard, the National Phytosanitary Authority, and the Romanian Customs Authority, coordinated the activities related to Romania’s evaluation process within the Committee on Chemicals and Biotechnology, acting as the national focal point.

According to the statement, the evaluation covered key aspects of Romania’s legal, institutional, and policy framework in the field of chemical and biotechnology management, including prevention, preparedness and response to chemical accidents, as well as the operation of the Pollutant Release and Transfer Register.

“Romania is aligning with the Organisation’s best standards on chemical management and the responsible use of biotechnology. The concrete measures taken by the authorities to implement the Action Plan for aligning national legislation and policies with OECD standards include strengthening institutional capacity and inter-inisterial cooperation for environmental risk and hazard assessment; carrying out systematic inspections by the National Environmental Guard; and improving enforcement of legislation against the illegal trade in pesticides, including by tightening controls at border points and enhancing rapid information exchange through closer cooperation between the National Phytosanitary Authority and the Romanian Customs Authority,” the statement added.

Source: Agerpres