The UNDP Guide for Integrating the Sound Management of Chemicals into Development Planning is a learning tool, a primer that provides information on important concepts with respect to the Sound Management of Chemicals (SMC) and its role in supporting countries’ efforts to achieve sustainable development as well as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Above all, the UNDP Guide provides a systematic approach to countries to help assess their capacity for sound management of chemicals, identify needs, and ultimately “mainstream” or incorporate identified priorities into national development planning. Following a step-by-step approach, the Guide describes in detail the mainstreaming methodology, while addressing key considerations and providing “how-to” information associated with each step.

The Guide is based firmly on applied, practical experience accumulated in mainstreaming countries under the UNDP-UNEP Partnership Initiative for the Integration of Sound Management of Chemicals into Development Planning Processes (UNDP-UNEP PI).