Rationale
This training activity is carried out under the project entitled “Promotion of strategies to reduce unintentional production of POPs in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden implemented in collaboration between PERSGA and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization UNIDO. PERSGA countries are giving considerable attention to reduction or elimination of POPs in their national priorities, both those who have signed the Stockholm Convention and who have not yet. Particular attention here is given to taking appropriate actions towards the reduction of the releases of unintentionally produced persistent organic pollutants (UP-POPs; Annex C POPs). Due to the trans-boundary movement of POPs and the special nature of the coastal zone of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, it is of importance to take preventive measures to reduce the negative impact of industrial activities and human settlements on the environment of the coastal zone. These preventive measures can be more effective if they are undertaken in a coordinated manner at the regional level. It can be further improved if the regular collection and interpretation of environment related scientific data are also undertaken at the regional level, together with the development of harmonized legislation and interventions. National Annex C POPs inventories need to be updated and refined for the coastal zones in PERSGA region. The intention is to have solid baseline data for selected demonstration locations for BAT/BEP implementation. A training program aiming at creating capacity at the national level for taking samples for Annex C POPs analysis, specifically for dioxins and furans was carried out in 2010. This training program will go a step further and enhance national capacities in processing samples in the laboratory. The Project will enhance capacity at Ben Hayyan Laboratories Aqaba Jordan in processing and analysis of samples for dioxins and furans. The training program will benefit from this as it could be carried out at Ben Hayyan Laboratories.

Objectives
The main objectives of the workshop are to upgrade skills and capacities of qualified national specialists for processing of samples from different environmental matrices for hydrocarbons analysis in general, dioxin and furan in particular. This includes:

• General introduction to contamination of hydrocarbons, POPS and Stockholm Convention
• Introduction to sample processing and preparation for analysis including preparing ready samples for analysis in other laboratories
• Undertake a practical exercise of processing and persevering samples for analysis and getting results for the same sample processed by different groups
  

Participants
The most suitable participants in this workshop will be national specialists from specialised laboratories. It is essential that they have the following qualifications as minimum:

• Graduate degree in chemistry or equivalent ;
• Extensive experience in field assessments and industrial emission monitoring ;
• Good knowledge on contamination with hydrocarbons and Annex C POPs;
• Good knowledge of chromatography and laboratory practice concerning hydrocarbons and Annex C POPs
•  Proficiency in English language and good reporting skills.
  

Date and Duration
The duration of the workshop is three working days. Suggested in October 24th – 26th 2011

Location
Ben Hayyan Aqaba International Laboratories, Aqaba Jordan

Organizers
The Regional Organization for the Conservation of the Environment of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden (PERSGA) in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)

Language 
The language is mixed English and Arabic.