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Minamata Convention Updates: February newsletter
The newest edition includes the launch of Minamata Online Season 5, updates on the Specific International Programme, key outcomes from the Bureau meeting, new publications and more highlights.
Save the date: Minamata Online Season 5
From February to November 2025, the fifth season will feature webinars on implementation review, mercury science and preparation for the sixth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP-6).
Webinar: Unmasking Mercury and Colorism in Cosmetics
On 5 March, this event co-organized with UNEP and the Geneva Environment Network will feature leading voices addressing the underlying socio-cultural norms surrounding skin-lightening products.
Specific International Programme: Ten projects approved in the Fourth Round
The Governing Board of the Specific International Programme met in Geneva from 22-24 January and approved ten projects for over 2 million dollars: please read the statement by the Co-Chairs, Mr.
Libreville commitment on the elimination of mercury-containing skin-lightening cosmetics in Africa
A high-level regional meeting in Libreville, Gabon, brought together African ministers, international experts and civil society leaders to address the public health and environmental risks posed by
Geneva Environment Network 25th Anniversary
Minamata Convention Secretariat enjoyed the celebration and presented on how the convention tackles mercury pollution through a life-cycle approach.
Serbia becomes the 152nd Party to the Minamata Convention
On 10 April 2025, Serbia will officially become the 152nd Party to the Minamata Convention on Mercury, a key step in joining the global efforts to make mercury history.
Monitoring mercury in and around artisanal and small-scale gold mining sites
This document highlights the importance of developing well designed, scientifically valid and clearly communicated mercury monitoring plans that can generate robust and reliable data.
Minamata Convention Updates: December newsletter
The Secretariat extends its warmest holiday wishes: with 151 Parties now united to #MakeMercuryHistory, we are paving the way towards a healthier planet for millions today and generations to come.
About the Minamata Convention
The Minamata Convention on Mercury is the most recent global agreement on environment and health, adopted in 2013. It is named after the bay in Japan where, in the mid-20th century, mercury-tainted industrial wastewater poisoned thousands of people, leading to severe health damage that became known as the "Minamata disease."
Since it entered into force on 16 August 2017, Parties have been working together to control the mercury supply and trade, reduce the use, emission and release of mercury, raise public awareness, and build the necessary institutional capacity to #MakeMercuryHistory