Minamata Initial Assessments in Azerbaijan
As International Technical Experts, BRI is assisting the government of Azerbaijan in meeting requirements outlined by the Minamata Convention to reduce mercury in the environment. These activities will complement efforts by Azerbaijan to significantly reduce the exposure of mercury to humans and the environment.
Formal Capacity: International Technical Expert
Project Lead: David Evers
Minamata Focal Point: Chingiz Mammadov
Collaborating Ministry: Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources
Funding/Implementing Agency: GEF/UNDP
The State of Mercury in Azerbaijan
The Minamata Convention on Mercury opened for signature in October 2013 and entered into force in August 2017. To assist with preparations for the ratification and implementation of the Convention, the government of Azerbaijan conducted a Minamata Initial Assessment (MIA) to quantitatively and comparatively determine the extent of local mercury pollution. Some findings from the MIA and recommendations from the Azerbaijan mercury team can be found in this brochure.
Country Profile
- Population: 9.4 million (World Bank 2013)
- Territory: 86,600 sq km on land, plus roughly 80,000 sq km over the Caspian Sea
- Capital City: Baku
- Official Language: Azerbaijan
- Fish Production: 1,194 tons (FAO 2013)
- UN Membership Date: March 2, 1992
Azerbaijan is a country located in southwestern Asia, neighboring the Caspian Sea, Russia, Georgia, Armenia, and Iran. Its capital city, Baku, is best known for its medieval walled city and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs which dominates the city’s skyline.
Inception Meeting and Mercury Inventory Training Workshop
Photo 1: Participants at the Minamata Initial Assessment Inception Meeting in Baku, Azerbaijan, September 6, 2016.
Photo 2: Participants at the Minamata Initial Assessment Mercury Inventory Training Workshop in Baku, Azerbaijan, September 8, 2016.
Photo 3: Participants at the Minamata Initial Assessment Validation Workshop, held in Baku, Azerbaijan, December 11-13, 2017.
