This Bali Declaration became an instrument and a catalyst in fulfilling or implementing the Minamata convention.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Bali Declaration, made to declare war on illegal mercury trade and adopted within the Minamata Convention COP-4, became an instrument to implement the convention, Head of the Indonesian delegation Muhsin Syihab stated.

"This Bali Declaration became an instrument and a catalyst in fulfilling or implementing the Minamata convention," Syihab noted during the COP-4.2 Minamata Convention on Mercury Closing Ceremony virtual press conference on Saturday.

"Secondly, this Bali Declaration became a proof of the political will and good will from all parties to execute the Minamata Convention and also to fight against the illegal mercury trade," he remarked.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry's expert staff stated that all nations from various regions give their support to the Bali Declaration, which is the first declaration within the Minamata Convention COP.

The Bali Declaration also serves as a sign that Indonesia not only acts as the host of the Minamata Convention COP-4 but also actively contributes in fighting illegal mercury trade.

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

Several main points within the non-binding declaration include encouraging international cooperation in law enforcement and monitoring as well as conducive and possible policies, regulations, in addition to other internal actions.

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The other points within the declaration encompass the promotion of education, research, and study; promotion of third-party cooperation, such as donor, and e-commerce; and improvement of technical capacity and support.

During the event, President of COP-4 Rosa Vivien Ratnawati noted that the Bali Declaration demonstrates Indonesia's commitment in fighting against illegal mercury trade.

"Because this is an initiative from Indonesia, so that we can show the world that when it comes to handling the issue of illegal mercury trade, Indonesia is at the forefront," she remarked.

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

Translator: Prisca Triferna, Fadhli Ruhman
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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