Mercury released into land and water can persist for decades, accumulating in sediments, entering the food chain, and impacting human and environmental health. The contamination of water bodies leads to the conversion of mercury into methylmercury, a highly toxic form that accumulates in fish and shellfish. Many communities, particularly Indigenous Peoples and coastal populations, are disproportionately affected due to their reliance on fishing for food and livelihoods. The Convention establishes a framework to minimize these releases through pollution control technologies, regulatory frameworks, and sustainable industrial practices.

Addressing the root causes
 

Article 9 of the Convention requires Parties to identify and manage relevant sources of mercury releases, ensuring effective prevention and mitigation strategies. Industrial wastewater from mining, chemical manufacturing, and metal processing plants is one of the most significant sources of mercury discharges into rivers and oceans. Parties also have an obligation to develop an inventory of mercury releases from relevant sources.

 

 

Guidance on mercury releases
 

At its fifth meeting (COP-5) in 2023, the Conference of the Parties to the Minamata Convention adopted guidance on best available techniques and best environmental practices (BAT/BEP) to control mercury releases from relevant sources. This guidance helps Parties implement effective strategies in line with Article 9, paragraph 7 of the Convention.

The Convention also promotes international cooperation in knowledge-sharing, capacity-building, and technological innovation to develop cost-effective and sustainable solutions for managing mercury releases. A coordinated global effort involving governments, industries, and communities is essential to achieving long-term reductions in mercury pollution.

 

Meet the expert

 

Should you need further information, please do not hesitate to contact Eisaku Toda, Senior Programme Management Officer of the Secretariat of the Minamata Convention on Mercury, at eisaku.toda [at] un.org (eisaku[dot]toda[at]un[dot]org).