This report summarizes the regional roundtable National Implementation Plans: Research Needs and Opportunities in Asia. The event convened Asian Parties to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), POPs researchers, regional centres and advanced laboratories, emphasizing that bridging the research-policy gap is essential for more effective, science-based NIP processes under the Convention.
Speakers highlighted persistent challenges – data gaps, weak monitoring infrastructure and fragmented institutions – while calling for coordinated, long-term monitoring and standardized sampling protocols. Stronger research engagement in NIP processes, increased laboratory funding and enhanced cross-border collaboration emerged as shared priorities.
As part of the GEF-funded and UNEP-led “Global Development, Review and Update of NIPs under the Stockholm Convention on POPs” project, the Green Growth Knowledge Partnership (GGKP) is executing Component 4, focused on disseminating information, managing knowledge and coordinating with the Stockholm Convention Secretariat to provide accessible, integrated tools and resources for all Parties.