In order to implement the Rotterdam Convention, the Technical Assistance programme of the Secretariat is developed based on the needs identified by developing country Parties and Parties with economies in transition.
To identify such needs, the Secretariat uses a variety of information sources such as specific surveys carried out every two years, National Action Plans as well as direct requests for assistance from Parties. A database is currently being developed on the basis of such surveys, and in order to centralize the collection of information related to needs of the parties to implement the Convention.