Minamata Initial Assessments in Kiribati
As International Technical Experts, BRI is assisting Kiribati in conducting a Minamata Initial Assessment (MIA). BRI is providing expertise to assist with the development of a national mercury inventory using UN Environment’s Toolkit for Identification and Quantification of Mercury Releases. The results of the MIA will assist the country with meeting requirements outlined by the Minamata Convention to reduce mercury in the environment and exposure of mercury to humans.
Formal Capacity: International Technical Expert
Project Lead: David Evers
Funding/Implementing Agency: GEF/UN Environment
Executing Agency: SPREP
The State of Mercury in the Pacfic Region
Under the Minamata Convention, individual countries are charged with protecting human health and the environment from the risks of mercury exposure by systematically controlling mercury emissions and releases, including phasing out the use of mercury in certain products and processes. In order to assist with preparations for the ratification and implementation of the Convention, the Governments the Cook Islands, Kiribati, Palau, Tonga, and Vanuatu will conduct a Minamata Initial Assessment (MIA).
Country Profile
- Population: 102,351 (World Bank 2013)
- Surface Area: 726 sq km
- Capital City: South Tarawa
- Official Language: English, Kiribati
- Fish Production: 16,000 tons (FAO 1999)
- UN Membership Date: 14 September 1999
Inception Meeting and Mercury Inventory Training Workshop
Above: Participants at the Kiribati Mercury Inventory Training held in Tarawa, Kiribati, October 25, 2019.
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