Bio Vision Africa (BiVA) participated in the Africa Regional Preparatory Meeting for the Sixth Conference of the Parties to the Minamata Convention on Mercury (COP-6), held from 7–9 October 2025 at the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Complex in Gigiri, Nairobi, Kenya. As part of the African Group, BiVA contributed to strengthening the collective voice of the African delegation ahead of COP-6 in Geneva, Switzerland, advocating for a toxic-free future and stronger enforcement of environmental regulations aimed at reducing mercury pollution across the continent.
The preparatory meeting sought to align African delegates on key priorities and negotiation positions to ensure that decisions emerging from COP-6, including the proposed 2030 phase-out commitments, reflected Africa’s ambition for more stringent and accelerated regional action on mercury management. Discussions focused on enhancing regional cooperation, protecting vulnerable communities, and mobilizing the technical and financial support necessary to implement the obligations of the Minamata Convention effectively.
Several key outcomes emerged from the Africa Regional Meeting and informed the region’s positions for COP-6. African delegates called for stricter and earlier deadlines for phasing out mercury-added products, with particular emphasis on eliminating mercury in skin-lightening products and supporting the phase-out of dental amalgam by 2034. The meeting also highlighted the urgent need for increased support to implement National Action Plans (NAPs) aimed at reducing or eliminating mercury use in Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining (ASGM), a challenge identified by 32 African Parties to the Convention. Delegates emphasized the importance of regional collaboration to curb illegal trade in mercury and mercury-contaminated waste, particularly shipments destined for the ASGM sector. Furthermore, strong attention was given to adopting a gender action plan and addressing the disproportionate health impacts of mercury exposure on women and children through mining activities and the use of mercury-containing cosmetic products. Participants also underscored the need for enhanced financial resources, technical assistance, and capacity-building initiatives to support mercury waste management and effective implementation of the Convention’s provisions across African countries.
