Minister of Hakob Simidyan met today the Coordinator of Technical Cooperation Programs of the Republic of Armenia of the Europe Department of the Technical Cooperation Department of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Carmina Jimenez to discuss the implementation of the national program of technical cooperation of the IAEA entitled "Strengthening mercury monitoring capabilities to bring in line with the requirements of the Minamata Convention".
The meeting was attended by Deputy Minister Tigran Gabrielyan and the Legal Adviser of the Minister, "On the procedure for a preliminary informed agreement on certain hazardous chemicals and pesticides in international trade" of the UN, "on persistent organic pollutants" of the UN, "on Mercury" of the UN (Minamata, 2013), the National coordinator of the Conventions Anahit Alexandryan.
Welcoming Ms. Jimenez to the Ministry of Environment, the Minister thanked her for the visit.
"As you know, the Republic of Armenia ratified the Minamata Convention on Mercury in 2017 and in 2018 became a party to this agreement, under which our country undertook obligations to monitor mercury and mercury compounds at environmental facilities, to implement environmentally sound management of mercury-containing waste. At this stage, we are implementing legislative changes within the framework of our obligations under the convention," and in general, we are working to bring our legislation closer," the minister said.
The Minister also touched upon the IAEA approved for 2022-2024. To determine mercury, the Ministry of Environment will be provided with a mercury analyzer, equipment for the analysis of methylmercury and sample collection. The mercury analyzer is designed to provide the "Hydrometeorology and Monitoring Center" SNCO.
"I am grateful for such support, it will improve our mercury monitoring capabilities, since at present the potential, technologies and equipment for monitoring mercury in the environment, detecting the most mercury-contaminated places are not enough to ensure a full-fledged result. From the point of view of accurate environmental monitoring, we generally need to strengthen and re-equip our capabilities," the Minister said and expressed hope, that as part of the expansion of cooperation and technical support to Armenia, it will be possible to provide equipment for the treatment of mercury-containing waste, as well as for the neutralization and processing of mercury-containing waste.
Ms. Jimenez, in turn, thanked for the meeting and assured that if the programs are in the focus of the government's attention, they have the opportunity for more effective implementation.
At the end of the meeting, the parties agreed to continue working with the Deputy Minister coordinating the sphere and representatives of professional units. The Minister expressed readiness to contribute to the smooth and efficient progress of all those programs aimed at ensuring sustainable management and environmental protection.