7 November 2014: The sixth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to Prepare a Global Legally Binding Instrument on Mercury (INC 6) concluded with the establishment of an Ad Hoc Working Group on Finance that will develop a new programme to support implementation in developing countries and countries with economies in transition.

INC 6 convened in Bangkok, Thailand, from 3-7 November 2014, to carry out work in preparation for the entry into force of the Minamata Convention on Mercury and for the first meeting of the Conference of Parties (COP 1). The Ad Hoc Working Group also is tasked with defining the scope of the programme of implementation, known as the specific international Programme (SIP), to ensure that it best serves countries’ needs. The SIP will begin after the Convention enters into force.

Delegates reached consensus on the format and content of trade notification forms that will help parties track mercury imports and exports, and also addressed issues including: registering exemptions; guidance and assistance to countries with artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM); storage, wastes and management of contaminated sites; and operation of the financial mechanism.

Over 300 participants attended the session, representing 122 governments, as well as many NGOs and intergovernmental organisations.

INC 6 was the first of two negotiating sessions planned for the interim period between the adoption of the Minamata Convention and COP 1. [IISD RS Meeting Coverage] [Minamata Convention Website]