On June 23rd, 2022 the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture hosted an internal workshop, “Review of the Existing National Legal Policy Instruments and Coordination Mechanisms Related to the Minamata Convention”, gathered over 20 stakeholders: the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), Waste and Chemicals Management Service (MEPA), Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), REC Caucasus, The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). The project is implemented by UNITAR, supported by the REC Caucasus and funded by the Swiss Government. The event focused on the review of the existing national legal policy instruments and coordination mechanisms related to the Minamata Convention, while providing an opportunity to discuss the matters related to the ratification of Minamata Convention.
“Georgia has already taken important steps towards the ratification of the Minamata Convention, we believe that with the support of this project we can successfully facilitate the accession process” Mr. Chankseliani stated.
During the internal workshop a number of important topics were covered, such as the industrial chemicals management scheme, Guidance on the Development of Legal and Institutional Infrastructures and Measures for Recovering Costs of National Administration for Sound Management of Chemicals, and the review of the existing national legal policy instruments and coordination mechanisms related to the convention. Ms. Valerie Friso noted “the main objective of the Inter-Organization Programme for the sound Management of Chemicals (IOMC) is to strengthen cooperation and increase the coordination in the field of chemical safety”.
During the workshop, the intention of the Waste and Chemicals Department regarding the ratification of the Minamata Convention without any delays was highlighted once more, and Georgia’s commitment to phase out the use of mercury in the industry sector was reiterated.
Background
The objective of the project is to protect human health and the environment from Chemicals and Waste emissions and releases by assisting Georgia to join efforts and ratify Chemicals and Waste related Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs), especially the Minamata Convention on Mercury.
Contact
Mr. Irakli Legashvili
Lead Waste Management Expert
Regional Environmental Centre for the Caucasus
Email: Irakli.legashvili@rec-caucasus.org
