Frankfurt scientist represents German research landscape at UN environmental conferences addressing international waste trade and chemical safety
Goethe University Frankfurt is currently participating in an official observer capacity at the UN environmental conferences BRS-COPs, held in Geneva. The university is represented by researcher Alisson Felipe Moraes Neves from the Faculty of Biological Sciences. The conferences of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions address global environmental problems such as hazardous wastes, chemicals and pollutants.
Goethe University has received official observer status at the UN environmental conferences taking place in Geneva from April 28 to May 9, 2025. These Conferences of the Parties (COPs) are the highest bodies in international law for the enforcement of treaties. In this case, it concerns the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and Their Disposal, the Rotterdam Convention on the Prior Informed Consent Procedure for Certain Hazardous Chemicals and Pesticides in International Trade, and the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs).
Bridge Between Science and Global Environmental Policy
“Goethe University’s participation underscores our aspiration to directly incorporate scientific findings into the political process,” says Fabienne Beck, who heads the university’s Sustainability Office, adding that, “Having a presence on site allows us to gain valuable insights for our research and teaching in the field of international environmental policy.”
The university is represented by Alisson Felipe Moraes Neves, fellow of Alexander von Humboldt Foundation’s prestigious German Chancellor Fellowship, who is currently at Goethe University researching differences in the implementation of international environmental treaties between Germany and his home country Brazil. Moraes’ work is based at the Department of Evolutionary Ecology and Environmental Toxicology; Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Henner Hollert acts as his supervisor.
“These forums are real-world laboratories of environmental diplomacy,” Moraes says. “Participation offers a behind-the-scenes look at the decisions shaping global governance and influencing how international commitments become domestic public policy. The presence of academia in these processes reinforces the role of science as a strategic ally in the search for sustainable solutions.”
Concrete Topics with Global and Local Relevance
The three Geneva-based conferences address topics that are also relevant to Germany and the Rhine-Main area:
- Combating illegal transports of hazardous waste (Basel Convention)
- Control of trade in harmful chemicals and pesticides (Rotterdam Convention)
- Measures to eliminate persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the environment (Stockholm Convention)
- Advanced measures on electronic waste and plastic waste
The conferences are held under the motto “Making the Invisible Visible” and seek to raise public awareness of the often-overlooked dangers posed by chemicals and waste. “In the face of the triple planetary crisis – climate change, biodiversity loss and environmental pollution – Goethe University’s participation as an observer in these important negotiations underscores the growing importance of scientific institutions in multilateral environmental forums. More importantly, it strengthens the connection between scientific research and international environmental policy,” Moraes sums up.
Dr. Phyllis Mania
