Govt calls for action to mitigate dangers posed by Mercury

19/02/2014

Mercury, the silvery liquid metal, known to many from old thermometers, is one of the most toxic

Government has called for the need to take global action to mitigate the dangers posed by Mercury to human health and the environment.

Speaking when he launched the project ratification and early implementation of the Minamata convention on Mercury in Lusaka today, Lands, Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Minister, Harry Kalaba notes that mercury can cause serious dangers to human health and the environment if not managed.

Mr Kalaba says it has become imperative to ensure that the signing, ratification and eventual domestication of the Minamata convention on mercury is effected.

He says government is grateful for the support received from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and other co-operating partners towards the development of the mercury release inventory for Zambia.

Mr Kalaba notes that this process has assisted the country to identify priority areas which require further development and streamlining.

And speaking earlier United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) Expert Nelson Manda notes that Zambia has the opportunity to put in its best by sharing ideas with other countries.

And Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA) Director General Joseph Sakala says the agency is ready to continue protecting lives by continuous monitoring of emissions as they cause serious danger to human health and the environment.