Georgia Needs to Reduce Mercury Emissions

TBILISI– The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Georgia and the country’s Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources Protection have concluded that the Georgian government must pass legislation that will reduce the high levels of toxic chemicals, including the lethal element Mercury, often found in air samples throughout Georgia.

The recommendation came after the two parties reviewed the results of several tests done by international organizations who specialize in toxicology and environmental pollution.

The group’s analysis found major gaps in the existing national legislation and the data collection system related to the registration, usage, transportation, storage and sale of toxic chemicals.

The UNDP also found a major lack of understanding by the public about the serious dangers that high levels of mercury can pose.

The assessment will be followed up by a series of consultations with government officials and representatives from the private business sector. Concrete initiatives designed to help Georgia implement a global treaty on combating the adverse effects of Mercury, known as the Minamata Convention, will be enacted in the coming months.

By Natia Liparteliani

Edited by Nicholas Waller