This Bali Declaration has become an instrument and a catalyst in the fulfillment or implementation of the Minamata Convention.

Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Bali Declaration, made to declare war on the illegal trade in mercury and adopted within the framework of the COP-4 of the Minamata Convention, has become an instrument for the implementation of the convention, said head of the Indonesian delegation Muhsin Syihab.

“This Bali declaration has become an instrument and a catalyst in the fulfillment or implementation of the Minamata convention,” Syihab noted during the virtual press conference of the closing ceremony of the COP-4.2 of the Minamata Convention on Mercury Saturday.

“Secondly, this Bali Declaration has become proof of the political will and good will of all parties to implement the Minamata Convention and also to fight against the illegal mercury trade,” he noted.

Expert staff from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that all nations from various regions support the Bali Declaration, which is the first declaration under the Minamata Convention COP.

The Bali Declaration also serves as a sign that Indonesia is not only acting as the host of Minamata Convention COP-4, but also actively contributing to the fight against illegal mercury trade.

Previously, the Bali Declaration was officially unveiled and adopted at the COP-4 of the Minamata Convention in Bali on March 21, 2022.

Several main points of the non-binding statement include encouraging international cooperation in law enforcement and surveillance, as well as favorable and possible policies and regulations, in addition to other domestic actions.

Related news: COP-4 Minamata Convention agrees on effectiveness assessment points

The other points of the declaration include the promotion of education, research and studies; promoting cooperation with third parties, such as donors, and e-commerce; and improving technical capacity and support.

During the event, COP-4 President Rosa Vivien Ratnawati noted that the Bali Declaration demonstrates Indonesia’s commitment to combating illegal trade in mercury.

“Because this is an initiative of Indonesia, so that we can show the world that when it comes to dealing with the issue of illegal mercury trade, Indonesia is at the forefront- custody,” she remarked.

Related news: Illegal mercury trade must be tackled quickly: Environment Minister