Minamata convention on mercury - our challenges and its future -

Abstract

Minamata Convention on Mercury entered into force in 2017 and a global and comprehensive mercury management has begun. The toxicity of mercury has been known since ancient times and Global Mercury Assessment published by UNEP in 2002 highlighted mercury released from various sources seriously affecting humans and wildlife. .

Because of its unique characteristics, mercury has supported people’s life for various purposes for long time. ASGM is the largest mercury-using sector globally which is widely practiced in developing countries. Mercury is released naturally from volcanic activities,etc. but anthropogenic activities are much bigger contributors to the global mercury emissions.

The Minamata Convention aims to protect the human health and the environment from anthropogenic emissions and releases of mercury and mercury compounds. The Convention calls for a comprehensive control of mercury for its entire lifecycle in cooperation with developed and developing countries.

While most of the heavy metals cause local pollutions with the 'traditional' pattern (use-emission-exposure-health impact), mercury circulates globally via atmosphere and oceans. The global environmental issues have very complicated nature, thus, they must employ scientific research and comprehensive planning. Mercury exists widely on the Earth and significant time gap exists between measures taken and the results achieved. For maintaining environment as a global commons, cooperation of all countries and stakeholders are extremely important.