The recent shocking tragedy in Beirut (Lebanon) is said to be from stock piled Ammonium Nitrate that was stored near port since year 2013. Now suddenly it got exploded with such a huge devastating effect that it claimed more than 150+ lives, thousands injuries and many more who are not yet known, lost their property, livelihood and survival base. Sadly, this is man-made tragedy and an environmental disaster where the blast not only created thick cloud upon the area but also tons of waste, loss of infrastructure, in addition to human tragedy.

Ammonium Nitrate is a chemical mostly used as explosive in construction and fertiliser industries. This chemical has history of causing huge explosions in other countries as well and few countries have their own regulations to monitor stockpiling of this chemical but still it doesn’t seem adequate.  Ammonium Nitrate (pure) is classified as an oxidiser (Grade 5.1) under UN classification of dangerous goods and it can increase fire and its heat when it burns.

Global Waste Cleaning Network (GWCN) is an international network that aims to stand on issues of environment and through this petition we ask:

- to have a special meeting of countries regarding the importation, transportation and storage of Ammonium Nitrate and to advise for making a SoP by the respective country which can be reviewed by UN for any improvement.

- to bring storage quantity country wise in public domain and to receive self-declaration certificates from respective countries that they inspected their storage for all safety.

- that while in transport, the route of ship with Ammonium Nitrate be shared with countries for keeping all safety while ships pass in or from nearby their maritime borders.

- to minimise waste and man-made environmental disasters through improved regulations.

We, at GWCN appeal that we must join hands with civil society, governments, and common people all across the globe for a common cause – Environment, Safety, Disaster Risk Elimination, and Waste Generation Reduction.  

Please help us sign and share this petition across the world.