Minamata Convention: EU provides €500K for technical assistance, capacity building

With the contribution of 500,000 euros granted by the European Union for the 2019-2020 work programme, the Secretariat of the Minamata Convention on Mercury is preparing two workshops upcoming this month.

The first sub-regional workshop, on mercury trade, will take place in Bolivia, with the participation of Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama and Peru. The overall objective is to support these countries in the implementation of the Minamata Convention trade provisions.

The second sub-regional workshop, on mercury emissions, will be held in Viet Nam. As part of the workshop, officials from major coal-using countries in Asia are invited to discuss the use of the guidance documents on best available techniques (BAT) and best environmental practices (BEP), the development of emission inventory, and the planning for policy measures including the use of BAT/BEP and/or the establishment of emission limits.

Both sub-regional workshops will provide a platform to exchange information and perspectives on each country’s national circumstance, strengthen capacity building on challenges encountered, and explore solutions and approaches to strengthen the support to implement Minamata obligations at national and sub-regional levels.

The Secretariat of the Minamata Convention is also preparing some studies, publications and information materials with the EU funding to be developed during 2020.