Minamata Initial Assessments in Georgia

Georgia signed the Minamata Convention October 10, 2013. As International Technical Experts, BRI is assisting the government of Georgia in meeting requirements outlined by the Minamata Convention to reduce mercury in the environment. These activities will complement efforts by Georgia to significantly reduce the exposure of mercury to humans and the environment.

Formal Capacity: International Technical Expert

Project Lead: David Evers

Collaboraing Ministry: Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources Protection

Funding/Implementing Agency: GEF/UNDP

The State of Mercury in Georgia

Georgia became a signatory of the Convention on October 10, 2013. To assist with preparations for the ratification and implementation of the Convention, the government of Georgia 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 Georgia mercury team can be found in this brochure.

Click to download the full brochure in English or Russian.

Country Profile

  • Population: 3.7 million (World Bank 2015)
  • Surface Area: 69,700 sq km
  • Capital City: Tblisi
  • Official Language: Georgian
  • Fish Production: 1,910 tons (FAO 2001)
  • UN Membership Date: July 31, 1992
  • Minamata Signature Date: October 10, 2013

Georgia is a country located at the intersection of Western Asia and Eastern Europe, neighboring Russia, Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan, and the Black Sea. The Georgian landscape is diverse, with several mountain ranges throughout the country and low-land marsh-forests, swamps, and temperate rainforests in the western part of the country.

Inception Meeting and Mercury Inventory Training Workshop

Participants of the Minamata Initial Assessment Mercury Inventory Training Workshop held in Georgia, September 28, 2016.