Sebast ián Rubiano

D o c t o r a l r e s e a r c h e r

U n i v e r s i t y o f C a l i f o r n i a , B e r k e l e y

&

I n d e p e n d e n t C o n s u l t a n t

What is the goal of the report?

Aggregate mercury exports from Amazonian countries (mt/y)

• The possibilities for the Minamata Convention to be successful in the Amazon are finely balanced between the interest of several actors to promote mercury-free gold markets on the one hand, and the urgency to reduce emissions, formalize miners, protect communities from exposure, and stop the illegal trade of mercury.

• On its own, the market will not be able to prevent the Amazon from becoming another Minamata. Committed and active collaboration from governments and regional bodies like the ACTO and the CAN, together with support from the Minamata Convention’s Secretariat will be needed

1. More research and cooperation needed on intraregional mercury trade in the Amazon biome.

2. It’s urgent to address knowledge gaps and improve technical and scientific capacity to carry out mercury science. Also, indigenous and local voices, as well as social science perspectives are needed.

3. Regional action and cooperation.