2021 Volume 32 Issue 5 Pages 327-335
The Minamata Convention on Mercury, which was adopted in 2013 and came into effect in 2017, regulates the overall life cycle of mercury, from its supply to waste disposal. In Japan, the Act on Preventing Environmental Pollution of Mercury and other relevant laws were enforced to implement more stringent measures than those specified by the Convention. The Conference of the Parties has adopted certain documents for guidance, etc., which are required for the implementation of the Convention. The main agenda for coming meetings includes how to evaluate the effectiveness of the Convention in light of protection of human health and the environment. The first effectiveness evaluation of the Convention is set to be conducted within 6 years of the entry-into force of the Convention, details of which are currently under discussion. Japan strives to not only make efforts to be an active participant in these international discussions but also to lead in the discussions.
