The planetGOLD programme featured a side event and exhibition at the 3rd Conference of Parties of the Minamata Convention on Mercury(COP3). Outreach to the more than 500 delegates from over 160 countries at COP3 aimed at raising awareness of the importance of reducing mercury use in the ASGM sector.
The Minamata Convention is a global treaty that aims to protect human health and the environment from mercury pollution, including from artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM).
Parties to the Convention agreed to take steps to reduce, and where feasible eliminate, the use of mercury and mercury compounds from ASGM. The $45 million GEF-funded planetGOLD programme is assisting parties to fulfill their Convention obligations and reduce mercury use while benefiting sustainable development.
planetGOLD Side Event
At a side event organized by the GEF titled "planetGOLD—Solutions for the ASGM Sector," some of the main issues associated with the ASGM sector were presented, including formalization, finance, and alternative technologies to mercury. Through video, the event brought miners’ voices to the COP, to identify practical issues and barriers in reducing/eliminating mercury in ASGM. A panel of experts and the audience offered perspectives and possible available solutions.
Speakers:
- Anil Sookdeo, GEF
- Mariscia Charles, Ministry of Natural Resources, Guyana
- Dewi Krisnayanti, National Project Coordinator, planetGOLD Indonesia project
- Patience Singo, Advisor, IMPACT
- Priya Bala-Miller, Canadian International Resources and Development Institute (CIRDI), and Chair, Programme Advisory Group, planetGOLD
Photo: GEF
View more photos from the side event in the Minamata Convention Secretariat's photo album.
planetGOLD Exhibit
The planetGOLD programme also sponsored an exhibit in the COP3 exhibition space. Visitors stopped by during the week to speak with members of the planetGOLD team, to learn more about the programme, and to snap a photo.
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