Minamata Updates: UN Biodiversity
COP-16 |
The Secretariat of the Minamata
Convention on Mercury is attending the 16th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on
Biological Diversity (COP-16), held from 21 October to 1
November in Cali, Colombia. Under the theme "Peace With Nature",
COP-16 focuses on assessing progress in implementing the
Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF).
The fifth meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the
Minamata Convention on Mercury (COP-5) last year acknowledged
mercury pollution as a direct driver of global biodiversity loss and
recognized the opportunities for the implementation of both the
Minamata Convention and the GBF in a mutually supportive way. The
GBF includes 23 action targets for 2030 towards four long-term goals
for 2050 to halt and reverse the dangerous, ongoing loss of
biodiversity.
The Minamata Convention Secretariat has
submitted to the CBD COP-16 an information document
(CBD/COP/16/INF/21) that summarizes the relevant
decisions from the Minamata Convention COP-5, as well as recent work
under the Convention to help reduce the impacts of mercury pollution
on biodiversity, particularly in the context of targets 7, 11, 21
and 22 of the GBF.
Executive Secretary of the Minamata
Convention Monika Stankiewicz, who will participate
in the high-level segment, stated: "At COP-5 our Parties have taken
a significant step towards mainstreaming pollution and biodiversity
by adopting a decision on mercury and the Global Biodiversity
Framework. By aligning the Minamata Convention with other chemical
conventions and the GBF, we are united in our efforts to protect
people and nature. Together, we can achieve our common goal of a
healthier planet for everyone".
Learn more about the involvement of the
Minamata Convention Secretariat at COP-16
here.
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COP-16: Forest and Water
Day |
On 25 October, the Minamata Convention
is co-organizing the Forest and Water Day, and will lead the session
"Building peace: sustainable use of water-related
ecosystems among all stakeholders” (at 15h15 COT) with UN Water,
the Convention on Wetlands and the UN Development Programme. This
session will focus on connecting the GBF with the daily realities
around water use, discussing actions towards conservation and
sustainability, and the reduction of impacts on biodiversity. You
can also follow it live here. |
COP-16: Chemicals and waste side
event |
Join the new WhatsApp channel of the
Convention |
The Secretariat of the Minamata
Convention has launched a WhatsApp channel to inform about the
latest global efforts to address mercury pollution. Updates on key
stories and upcoming events will appear in the channel feed, with
the option to receive notifications whenever new content is
available. Click here to
subscribe. |
Infographic: Mercury and
biodiversity |
Explore how toxic mercury impacts biodiversity and human
health all around the world. From human-made sources, this highly
hazardous chemical accumulates in many ecosystems, such as tropical
forests, mangroves, oceans and the Arctic, leading to harmful
impacts on biodiversity. (Available in all six UN official
languages) |
Publication: Mercury and
biodiversity |
Read our 2024 publication on "opportunities for generating
co-benefits through coherent implementation of the Minamata
Convention and Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework".
(Available in English, French and
Spanish) |
Publication: Interlinkages with
biodiversity |
Read our 2021 key insights on the interlinkages between the
global chemicals and wastes conventions (Basel, Rotterdam, Stockholm
and Minamata) and the Convention on Biological Diversity. (Available
in English, French and
Spanish) |
World Migratory Bird Day – 12
October |
This year’s theme focused on the
crucial bond between insects and migratory birds. Mercury pollution,
including releases to air, land and water, harms insects which are
vital food for birds, affecting bird health, survival and migration.
Discover how to control those harmful releases of
mercury. |
International Day of Rural Women – 15
October |
Rural women are key players in the
global efforts for biodiversity, climate and gender equality. Yet,
their health, environment and livelihood are threatened by mercury
pollution. Learn more about how the Minamata Convention addresses gender to make mercury
history. |
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