COP-4 Minamata Convention on Mercury.

Why in news?

• In the Conference of Parties (COP-4) Minamata Convention on Mercury, the participating parties have agreed to expand the mercury-added products list that has been planned to be phased out.

Outcomes of COP 4

• The COP-4 Minamata Convention on Mercury, took place in Bali, Indonesia from 21^stto 25^th March 2022.
• This convention resumed after the conclusion of the first online segment which was held in November 2021.
• The COP-4 convention covered several crucial topics, like the framework to evaluate the Convention’s effectiveness.
• Annex A and B that contain information related to all mercury-added products, and their manufacturing processes were also reviewed.
• Nine decisions were adopted at this convention.
• The implementation of national reporting, international cooperation, artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM), technical assistance, capacity building, mercury waste thresholds, and releases of mercury are also on schedule.
• Efforts to mainstream gender under all projects, activities, and programs were also focused upon.
• The development of a gender action plan was also discussed.
• Also, during this meeting multilateralism and international cooperation were also reinforced.
• It was also decided to tackle the challenges of biodiversity loss, climate change, and waste and pollution.

Aim of the Minamata Convention

• This convention aims to protect the environment and human health from the release of mercury, and anthropogenic emissions.
• Phasing out of mercury-added products-In this convention, the phasing out of eight mercury-added products like cold cathode fluorescent lamps, compact fluorescent lamps, paper, photograph film, and propellant for satellites was listed. The dental amalgam phase-down has also benefitted substantially after two additional measures were added to protect the vulnerable populations against mercury use by dental practitioners in bulk form.
• Bali Declaration-The “Bali Declaration on Combatting Global Illegal Trade of Mercury” was also presented by the host nation. This political declaration of non-binding nature aims to develop practical tools and enhance international cooperation to share and monitor information, practices, and experiences to combat the illegal mercury trade.