Globally, the illegal trade of mercury is estimated to have reached more than US$200 million per year and is expected to continue to increase, she noted in a statement issued on Wednesday.
Bakar stated that “this illegal industry is a challenge in our struggle to free the planet from mercury” during the fourth meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP-4).
Citing a report by the United Nations Environment Programme in 2020, she stated that most of the mercury used for small-scale gold-mining is illegally traded and some is easily accessible through ecommerce.
Bakar stated that illegal mercury trading could potentially weaken the collective effort of all stakeholders in implementing the convention.
Mercury exposure poses serious risks to human health, especially for women and children.
Illegal mercury trade can also cause ecosystem damage, from biodiversity to climate changes. It also affects the official data regarding global mercury trade.
The minister stated that illegal mercury trading is also cross-border.
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Without the support of neighboring countries or the international community, there is no country capable of effectively addressing this problem.
“This issue should be dealt with in cooperation and collaboration. She stated that the international community is eagerly awaiting to see how Minamata Convention will stop illegal mercury trading.
Indonesia, one of the countries impacted by illegal mercury trading, has taken prompt action to address this problem.
This would require a greater global awareness and commitment to fight illegal mercury trade through cooperation, prevention, monitoring, enforcement, and other measures.
The Indonesian government is intending to mainstream the issue of illegal mercury trade through the Bali Declaration during the fourth COP-4 meeting, which is being held in Bali from March 21–25.
Officially unveiled and adopted Tuesday was the Bali Declaration.
Muhsin Sihab, Head of the Indonesia Delegation, stated that the declaration will reflect the future direction of cooperation.
The goal of the collaboration is to stop the widespread spread of mercury in large amounts to prevent human and environmental health risks.
Many countries are affected by illegal mercury trading and the declaration has been supported.
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