STOP PESTICIDE DAY
MANIFESTO
Millions of people all around the world are daily exposed to the risks caused by massive usage of pesticides and weed killers in agriculture that have a very serious impact not only on human health but also on the environment. According to the World Health Organization, every year pesticides cause 200 thousand deaths on a global scale and according to the European Authority for Food Safety (EFSA), about 45% of the food we eat contains traces of pesticides.
These synthetic chemicals may be the cause of various forms of cancer and can alter the endocrine and immune systems with the consequent increase in the related pathologies.
The people who live and work in areas where intensive and chemical farming is practiced, which is typical of monocultures, are the most exposed; especially at risk are pregnant women, children and elderly people.
In the long run, pesticides damage agriculture itself by weakening plants, compromising the composition of the soil and the quality of the crops and by destroying plant and animal biodiversity.
They also cause soil, air and groundwater pollution and compromise the survival of many species, especially bees, other pollinator insects, earthworms and birds. Moreover, intensive chemically based monocultures gradually cause the depletion of the precious cultural resource of the Landscape.
As an alternative to this model of agriculture we support agricultural experiences such as organic and biodynamic farming, organic districts and short chains, that have proved to act in the respect of human health and of the environment. These agricultural models produce healthy food and fair jobs. They have also the power to increase the value of local products, to safeguard biodiversity, soil, water and to create resiliency, reducing the effects of climate change. At the same time, they protect our children’s health and well-being and every living creature.
We strongly support the transitional phase towards local, ethic, varied food production systems. It’s a social, economic and democratic imperative to us.
WE URGE THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION
to revoke the authorization for the use of glyphosate for the next 5 years, to reform the pesticide approval procedure and to set compulsory reduction targets at EU level regarding the use of pesticides, in order to ban them definitely by 2030.
WE ASK FIRM COMMITMENTS TO THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT, REGIONS AND MUNICIPALITIES
1 - As far as HEALTH is concerned, we ask to apply the precautionary principle by prohibiting the use of pesticides, as synthesis molecules, by activating appropriate controls and sanctions, definitely banning the chemicals that can be used according to the pesticide derogation procedure and setting reduction targets for other chemicals.
2 - As far as the ENVIRONMENT is concerned, we ask to strengthen all the control methods to safeguard the territory and prevent landslides, deforestation, disfigurement of the landscape as well as abusive landfills or improper use of the land. We ask to forbid in the Rete 2000 sites the use of pesticides, bad for wildlife and the ecosystems, in conservation areas, basins and wetlands (Ramsar Convention sites).
3 - As far as AGRICULTURE is concerned, we ask to defend and support Food Sovereignity, to take away the economic incentives given to intensive agriculture and monocultures; to give support and incentives to agroecology (organic and biodynamic farming) in the respect of biodiversity, local crops and typical food production.
We ask for a reform of the Pesticide Action Network plan, and the ban of the use of pesticides in urban areas and other areas where people live or work, establishing safety distances between fields and houses, organic farms, parks, private or public gardens, roads, paths or cycle tracks.
We appeal to everybody: Institutions, citizens, associations, movements, committees, groups, political parties, trade unions and social forces to sign this Manifesto and to march united in defence of Planet Earth and Public Health.
SUNDAY 19TH MAY 2019
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