Minamata Initial Assessments in Guatemala
Guatemala signed the Minamata Convention on October 10, 2013. Through our Center for Mercury Studies, BRI (an Executing Agency with UNIDO) will work with the Guatemalan Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources to conduct a Minamata Initial Assessment over the next two years. These activities will complement Guatemala’s efforts to significantly reduce the exposure of mercury to humans and the environment.
Formal Capacity: Executing Agency
Project Lead: David Evers
Minamata Focal Point: Fausto Cano
Collaborating Ministry: Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources
Funding/Implementing Agency: GEF/UNIDO
The State of Mercury in Guatemala
The Minamata Convention on Mercury opened for signature on October 10, 2013 and entered into force on August 16, 2017. To assist with preparations for the ratification and implementation of the Convention, the government of Guatemala 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 Guatemala mercury team can be found in this brochure.
Country Profile
- Population: 15.47 million (World Bank 2013)
- Surface Area: 108,889 sq km
- Capital City: Guatemala City
- Official Language: Spanish
- Fish Production: 38,000 tons (FAO 1999)
- UN Membership Date: November 21, 1945
- Minamata Signature Date: October 10, 2013
The Republic of Guatemala is a Central American country bordered by Mexico, Belize, Honduras, and El Savador, in addition to both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea. The country’s landscape is characterized by steep volcanoes and tropical rainforests, providing important habitat to many endemic species. The country is known for its many ancient Mayan sites and a rich culture characterized by Spanish and indigenous influences.
Inception Meeting and Mercury Inventory Training Workshop
Photos 1 & 2: Juan Gemmell presenting at the Guatemala MIA Validation Workshop on June 28, 2018.
Photo 3: Participants of the Guatemala Validation Workshop conducted June 28, 2018.
Photo 4: Participants of the Minamata Initial Assessment Mercury Inventory Training Workshop, held in Guatemala, February 13, 2017.
