PUNE: The demand of waste pickers from across the world for recognition of their efforts in providing "a solution to climate change problem" has a Pune voice too.
Baidabai Gaikwad, who collects waste in Fursungi area, attended the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) held in Tianjin, China, recently.
"We told them how our recycling work is nature friendly and why all governments should take steps to increase recycling instead of burning the waste," said Gaikwad.
"Generation of a corpus fund is necessary for dealing with the health issues of waste pickers. Such an effort will help implement pension and other welfare programmes. Besides, we can increase recycling work and produce bio gas from the organic waste with the help of this money," said Gaikwad recalling her speech at the UN convention.
"The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) of the UN will be helpful for us in this fund raising," she said, adding, "right now the CDM finances private companies that burn waste. This burning leads to pollution. Instead, this waste could be recycled and composted. We will be able to do that and make our contribution to the fight against climate change."
Gaikwad also put up the demand for an identity cards for waste pickers. "I-cards will help us carry out our work more safely," she added.
A city-based NGO Kagad Kach Patra Kashtakari Panchayat (KKPKP), was associated with the arrangements of the tour. The organisation too has vouched for a CDM for waste pickers.
According to Nalini Shekar of KKPKP, recycling reduces emissions from deforestation, mining, manufacturing, transport and disposal. "The waste pickers' work has not got enough attention on the international platform. This picture should change. These people have made a lot of contribution in solid waste management," she said.
Read more: Pune's waste picker speaks at UN climate change meet - The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/Punes-waste-picker-speaks-at-UN-climate-change-meet-/articleshow/6756334.cms#ixzz12W2RwneP
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