The Minamata Convention on Mercury, a multilateral environmental agreement that aims to protect human health and the environment from the anthropogenic emissions and releases of mercury and mercury compounds, came into effect in 2017. To assess the priorities for the ratification and implementation of the Minamata Convention’s obligations, the Government of Belize participated in the Global Environment Facility-funded Development of Minamata Initial Assessment in the Caribbean (Belize) Project.
The report highlights that approximately 95.72 kg of mercury were released in Belize in 2018 and the most significant source was determined to be the consumption of products with intentional use of mercury through their use and disposal. The information generated through the Minamata Initial Assessment will be used to springboard Belize to sign and later ratify the Minamata Convention on Mercury.
An assessment of the policy, regulatory and institutional framework related to mercury management was also conducted under the MIA Project, and analyses the major findings of the policy and recommends strategies to improve priority areas.