The Minamata Convention on Mercury opened for signature in 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 São Tomé e Príncipe 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 São Tomé e Príncipe mercury team can be found in this brochure.

Click to download the full brochure in English or Portuguese.

• Population: 190,000 (World Bank 2015)
• Surface Area: 964 sq km
• Capital City: São Tomé
• Official Language: Portuguese
• Fish Production: 3,283 tons (FAO 2003)
• UN Membership Date: September 16, 1975

The Democratic Republic of São Tomé e Príncipe is an island nation in the Gulf of Guinea, off the western equatorial coast of Africa. These volcanic islands are known for their striking rock and coral formations, such as the skyscraper-like Pico Cao Grande. Once a Portuguese colony, São Tomé e Príncipe gained independence in 1975. Due to it’s colonial past, the country’s culture blends both European and African influence.

Photo 1: Participants of the Inception Meeting for the Minamata Initial Assessment, held July 13, 2016, in São Tomé.
Photo 2: Participants of the Mercury Inventory Training Workshop, held July 14-15, 2016 in São Tomé.