Legally Binding Minamata Convention on Mercury: Politics and Science Behind

Abstract

Mercury is a naturally occurring element having widespread uses globally. It is highly toxic, persists in the environment and has global ramifications on humans, wildlife and environment. Post the dreadful Minamata incident caused due to mercury contamination, there had been international endeavours to address this issue on a global level. The Minamata Convention on Mercury is a gallant global effort towards a legally binding instrument to protect human health and the environment from mercury contamination. Political and scientific factors played a major role in shaping the provisions of the Minamata Convention. This article addresses such factors including the rationale of adopting a legally binding approach instead of muchpushed voluntary measures and why did India, despite its active participation in the meetings, which shaped the Convention, refuse to sign it?