Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources to cooperate with the Secretariat of Minamata Convention on Mercury in issues of accession and implementation of the Convention by Ukraine

The Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine will cooperate with the Secretariat of Minamata Convention on Mercury in the issues of accession and implementation of the provisions of the Convention by Ukraine. The Minister of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine Ruslan Strelets agreed on that with the Executive Secretary of the Minamata Convention on Mercury Monika Stankiewicz in the framework of participation in the UN Biodiversity Conference (COP 15).

The parties discussed further cooperation and support of Ukraine in the implementation of the Convention.

Ruslan Strelets noted: "Ukraine is one of the countries in the world that has not yet acceded to the Minamata Convention. But after a long work on the relevant document, now our team is already at the finish line. I hope that in the near future the draft law on Ukraine's accession to the Convention will be submitted for consideration and supported by the deputies of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine."

In fact, for our country the approval of this document is only the start in the long process of joining the Minamata. Then a new important path awaits Ukraine, which we must begin with concrete steps to actually implement the provisions of the Convention.

"Ukraine has to implement breakthrough measures in the field of mercury management. In this context, it is essential not to delay and start communication with the Secretariat of the Minamata Convention today," Ruslan Strilets said.

According to the Minister, accession to the Minamata Convention is important for Ukraine not only in the context of protecting the environment and public health from hazardous emissions of mercury and its compounds, but also in the context of fulfilling our European integration promises to the EU. Ukraine must once again demonstrate to the entire civilized world that despite the war it continues to follow the European Green Deal.

Ruslan Strilets thanked Ms. Monika Stankiewicz for her support and willingness to help Ukraine to go through the process of accession and implementation of this important document.