Health concerns over contaminated fish trigger international decision World governments decide to pursue a global mercury treaty
[Nairobi, Kenya 20 February 2009] - After raising concerns for years about mercury contamination of fish, IPEN NGOs in developing and transition countries welcomed the international agreement to finally take action.
"Fish is a vital protein source for many of the world's peoples and its global contamination with mercury requires urgent coordinated action," said Professor Jamidu Katima, IPEN Co-Chair based in Tanzania.
More than 140 countries decided to pursue a global treaty on mercury at the 25th United Nations Environment Programme Governing Council meeting. The decision noted the urgent need for international action due to "the serious adverse effects of mercury on human health and the environment." Negotiations will start later this year.
"After many years of delay, the world community has finally committed to take global action," said Prashant Pastore of Toxics Link. "Public interest NGOs will actively participate in the negotiations to push for a comprehensive agreement that addresses all aspects of mercury pollution."
The decision calls for a treaty that will reduce mercury emissions, supply and trade; its use in products and processes; and one that addresses wastes and contaminated sites. The decision also notes the need for capacity building and financial and technical assistance in developing and transition countries.
"Developing and transition countries will need adequate new and additional resources to identify their mercury problems and make a plan to deal with them," said Jindrich Petrlik of Arnika Association.
The African, Latin American and Caribbean, Central and Eastern Europe, regions all supported a treaty along with the EU and many Asia - Pacific countries. After many years of opposition, China, India, and the USA shifted their positions to support a legally binding instrument at the meeting.
"These countries can now join the world community in developing global measures to reduce and eliminate mercury," said Professor Jamidu Katima, IPEN Co-Chair based in Tanzania.
Final draft text: UNEP Governing Council Decision 25/X Chemicals management including mercury http://www.eeb.org/activities/chemicals/Chemicals_management_including_mercury- COWdraft190209.pdf
Contact:
Jamidu Katima, IPEN Co-chair, AGENDA, Tanzania + 255 2410 024
Prashant Pastore, Toxics Link, India +91-11-24328006, 24320711
Jindrich Petrlik, Arnika Association, Czech Republic +420 (603) 582 984
Bjorn Beeler, IPEN International Coordinator, USA +1-510-704-1962
The International POPs Elimination Network (IPEN) is a global network of more than 600 public interest non-governmental organizations working together for the elimination of persistent organic pollutants, on an expedited yet socially equitable basis. This mission includes achieving a world in which all chemicals are produced and used in ways that eliminate significant adverse effects on human health and the environment, and where persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and chemicals of equivalent concern no longer pollute our local and global environments, and no longer contaminate our communities, our food, our bodies, or the bodies of our children and future generations.
