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Daily Web Coverage/Daily Reports/Summary Report
IISD Reporting Services (IISD RS) has provided daily reports and web coverage of the Diplomatic Conference of Plenipotentiaries on the Minamata Convention on Mercury October 9-11, and its preceding preparatory meeting October 7-8. A joint summary report of both events will be posted October 14. To download our reports, please click the HTML/PDF icons below. |
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Diplomatic Conference of Plenipotentiaries on the Minamata Convention on Mercury and preceding Preparatory Meeting
7-11 October 2013 | Kumamoto and Minamata, Japan
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Daily web coverage (click on the following links to see our daily web pages)
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On Wednesday, the Government of Japan hosted a field trip for delegates to Minamata as part of the ceremonial opening of the Diplomatic Conference.
The day’s program started with a remembrance to the victims of Minamata Disease at the Minamata Eco-Park. This park is built on fill, some of which is confined mercury-contaminated sludge removed from Minamata Bay. Participants laid a floral tribute at the Cenotaph for Minamata Disease Victims and the ministerial delegates took part in a tree planting ceremony.
Participants were treated to a lunch prepared by Minamata community members and had the opportunity to learn about the many activities that have made Minamata the first Eco-Capital of Japan.
In the afternoon, delegates visited the grounds and the Minamata Disease Archive and Municipal Museum, and had the opportunity to hear Minamata Disease victims share their story and met with local civil society, government and industry groups.
Delegates then attended the Ceremonial Opening at the Minamata City Culture Center, where they heard opening speeches, including a video address by Shinzō Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, and welcoming remarks by Achim Steiner, UNEP Executive Director.
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