UNEP Global Mercury Partnership April 2009 1 UN

UNEP Global Mercury Partnership April 2009 1

UN General Assembly Resolution 60/215 defines partnerships as… “voluntary and collaborative relationships between various parties, both public and nonpublic, in which all participants agree to work together to achieve a common purpose or undertake a specific task and, as mutually agreed, to share risks and responsibilities, resources and benefits” (Paragraph 2).

In practice… what is a Partnership? n n n Cluster of concerted initiatives. Potential to build on existing activities and build momentum. Maximize funding opportunities. Opportunity to be innovative. Learn from each other. Shared benefit / shared risk!

Experiences with the UNEP Global Mercury Partnership n Initiated in 2005 through UNEP Governing Council to address global concerns about mercury pollution. n Partnership was strengthened through a strong Governing Council Mandate in 2007. UNEP acted as a ‘broker’. n Currently 27 official partners.

Overall Goal of the Partnership Protect human health and the global environment from the release of mercury and its compounds by minimizing and, where feasible, ultimately eliminating global, anthropogenic mercury releases to air, water and land.

Mercury partnership activities currently underway n n artisanal/small-scale gold mining; coal combustion; chlor-alkali sector; reduction in products n n batteries, dental amalgams, measuring and control (largely medical sector), electric and electronic switches, flourescent lamps, cosmetics; and air transport and fate research; waste combustion; storage (NEW). 6

Current Status of the Partnership n Overarching Framework for the UNEP Global Mercury Partnership was launched in June 2008 q Partnership Advisory Group established to provide oversight and promote synergies. n Partnership is considered the vehicle for immediate actions in delivery of UNEP Governing Council Decision 25/5. n First meeting of the Partnership Advisory Group took place from 31 March – 2 April 2009. Key outcomes related to storage: q q Issue of storage was recognized as very important Zero Mercury Working Group to act as interim lead (until October 2009).

The partnership areas: q Establish specific goals and actions to address needs q Have business plans that outline their workplans q Membership varies according to interest q Contribute to the overall goal for the Global Mercury Partnership.

Various delivery tools are used and/or are under development n Technical Guidance q q q n UNEP Inventory Toolkit for quantification of mercury releases BAT / BEP Guidance under development for certain key sectors Identifying populations at risk (Joint UNEPWHO) Awareness raising package q A modular approach to reflect the different sectors and sources.

What is the role of a partner…? n Supports the overall goal of the Partnership n Commits to contribute resources or expertise towards the development and implementation of partnership activities n Networks with other organizations/agencies/ individuals 10

Supply and storage currently identified as a partnership area… n A draft business plan was proposed by UNEP in 2008, currently being updated. n A vehicle for immediate actions in this area: q q n Assist with information sharing and communication Collaborate on funding Need leadership. q Zero Mercury Working Group leading in the interim period

How to become a partner? n Submission of a letter to UNEP signifying support for the UNEP Global Mercury Partnership q q Includes recognition of the organization’s commitment to achieving the goal of the Partnership Specifies how the organization will contribute to meeting the overall goal of the Partnership.

Partnerships are not an end in itself… n A mechanism for sustainable social, environmental and economic development. n Focus must remain on the delivery of a successful programme of work. n Time is required to build quality working relationships to underpin effective collaboration.

Further information can be found at: http: //www. chem. unep. ch/mercury/ mercury@chemicals. unep. ch 14