A meeting of National Coordination Committee on Minamata Convention held at Ministry of Climate Change to discuss the pros cons of ratification of this convention by Pakistan.
Dr.Zaigham on Minamata Convention gave a briefing to the participants. He briefed the participants this convention is related to banning of Mercury. Mercury is recognized as substance producing significant neurological and other effects, with concerns expressed particularly about the effects on unborn children and infants. The global transport of mercury in the environment was a key reason for taking the decision that global action to address the problem of mercury pollution in the environment required .In January 2013, the inter governmental negotiating committee concluded its fifth session by agreeing to the text of the Minamata Convention on Mercury. The objective of the convention is to protect the human health and the environment from anthropogenic emissions and release of mercury and mercury compounds and includes a range of measure to meet that objective. Pakistan signed the convention on 10th October 2013 at Kumamoto, Japan but has not ratified yet. Today, 128 countries have signed and 55 have ratified it.
It was also informed by the Dr. Zaigham that one significant achievement of Pakistan in reducing mercury use is Import Policy 2016.Under this policy an approval is required by Ministry of Climate Change for import of Mercury and its products. He also highlighted that awareness material has been developed for dental clinics and created public awareness through radio program.
It was discussed in the meeting the cost and benefits of ratification of Minamata Convention. Pakistan get funding if it ratifies this convention. The drawback of this funding is that Green Environment Facility (GEF) supports it but in this funding less amount shall be paid by Green Environment Facility and more by the countries. This convention has stringent rules that shall be binding on Pakistan. This convention talks about scaling down mercury from products before 2020 and phasing out till 2025.It also binds the countries who ratify it to phase out mercury within 10 years on existing coal plants and within five years for new plants.
The negative health effects of mercury were also considered most dangerous which are caused by use of mercury in food storage, contamination of soil and air with mercury and dental treatment. The representatives of Ministry of Information, Broadcasting and National Heritage to help in developing awareness material in the form of some documentary or using public service message free time on electronic media.
The Secretary Ministry of Climate Change decided to write to all stakeholders that an inventory would be formulated with the advantages and disadvantages. All stakeholders must give their input on pros and cons associated with this convention. The meeting was attended by representatives from provincial Environmental Protection Agencies, relevant federal ministries, departments, academia and other stakeholders.
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