Project

Close out of Past Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, Chemicals Inventory and Mercury Activities in Mexico

Status: Completed
Operational Plan: 2013 - 2014

This project is part of the Sound Management of Chemicals (SMOC) Program of the CEC, and gives priority to the management of substances of mutual interest that are persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic. Part of the SMOC’s work to date has focused on supporting Mexico to create capacity and have a common level of information on specific issues (mercury, inventory of chemicals, and environmental monitoring) to be able to implement sound management strategies. In 2013-2014, the CEC will assess accomplishments from past activities on environmental monitoring and assessment, the Mexican Chemicals Inventory, and mercury in Mexico, in order to develop policy recommendations to improve the sound management of chemicals in Mexico.

Building on the CEC’s work on persistent, toxic, and bioaccumulative chemicals since 1999, this project supported Mexico’s efforts to manage such chemicals, including mercury. Policies and practices were developed for chemical inventories and environmental monitoring, and the project helped Mexico consider sound management strategies consistent with international standards.

Scientist holding an Erlenmeyer flask - consumer products - flame retardants

Key Accomplishments

  • Assessed work accomplished by the three countries under the Environmental Monitoring and Assessment (EM&A) North American Regional Action Plan (NARAP), during which Mexico
    strengthened its Programa Nacional de Monitoreo y Evaluación Ambiental (Proname) and expanded its capacity to conduct environmental and human health monitoring programs through the establishment of nine monitoring sites and of a network of 21 laboratories
  • Prepared a report on institutional and policy options to inform decision makers in Mexico regarding the implementation of a chemicals registry
  • Prepared a set of policy recommendations and instruments for the sound management of mercury in Mexico, including guidance for compliance with UNEP’s Minamata Convention on Mercury

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