UNEP’S ACTIVITIES ON MERCURY

Mercury is a chemical element that is harmful to human health and the environment. Many types of human activities have the potential to create mercury pollution. UNEP is working with governments and other stakeholders to reduce mercury pollution and its negative impacts. UNEP’s key activities on mercury are detailed on this page.

The Minamata Convention on Mercury is a legally-binding multilateral environmental agreement that was adopted by governments in 2013. It regulates the use and environmental releases of mercury from sectors such as artisanal mining, coal combustion, and mercury-added products. By ratifying and implementing the Convention, governments can protect citizens’ health and the environment. UNEP hosts the Interim Secretariat of the Minamata Convention.

The UNEP Global Mercury Partnership is a multi-stakeholder group of governments, NGOs, industry groups, researchers, and others that work together to take immediate action to reduce mercury pollution. Consisting of eight sector-based areas, the Partnership is dedicated assisting with timely ratification and implementation of the Minamata Convention.
Read the Summary presentation of the Global Mercury Partnership or watch the Overview Prezi

UNEP’s Global Mercury Assessments provide authoritative information on anthropogenic sources of mercury emissions to inform policymakers, researchers and the general public.

UNEP’s Mercury Inventory Toolkit is intended to assist countries in developing national mercury release inventories. The Toolkit provides a standardized methodology, enabling countries to produce consistent and well-document inventories. Published national mercury release inventories can also be found here

The Science and Risk Unit of UNEP Chemicals and Waste Branch supports waste-related projects and activities to assist countries in the environmentally sound management of POPs and mercury waste.

Mercury Programme
UNEP DTIE, Chemicals and Waste Branch
11-13, chemin des Anémones
CH-1219 Châtelaine, Geneva, Switzerland