The International Chemical Secretariat
The International Chemical Secretariat (ChemSec) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to working towards a toxic free environment. It was created by environmental organisations and is funded by grants from authorities and foundations.
ChemSec:
• strives to bridge the gap between decision-makers, industry, NGOs and scientists, working with key stakeholders and offering expertise and guidance on chemical management policies.
• serves as a pool of excellence, bringing together professionals of different backgrounds to follow and influence international chemicals legislation.
• has built up comprehensive networks with key stakeholders in the EU and at the global level, e.g. in the SAICM process.
ChemSec works with:
Educating and promoting stakeholders’ understanding of legislative issues, for instance the report Cry Wolf investigated the estimated and real costs of proposed and existing environmental legislations in the EU and globally. Another example is a report commissioned by the European Parliament investigating the implications of REACH for the developing countries.
Bridging the gap between politicians and other stakeholders in the EU e.g. arranging seminars in the European Parliament with scientists and companies. In the report What we need from REACH, companies using chemicals give their views on REACH.
Support, collaboration and activities together with NGOs in Eastern Europe and the Global South on chemical safety and control of industrial chemicals.
Monitoring Global processes, e.g. SAICM, the Stockholm Convention, GHS,
etc. ChemSec is an active member of the IPEN (International POPs Elimination
Network).
ChemSec was founded in 2002 by four environmental organisations: the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation, WWF Sweden, Nature and Youth Sweden, and Friends of the Earth Sweden.
Board members
Hans Berglund, WWF Sweden (chairperson)
Sofi Holmin Fridell, Nature and Youth Sweden
Gun Rudquist, Swedish Society for Nature Conservation
Maria Löfstedt, Friends of the Earth Sweden
