The Global Mercury Partnership explores ASGM and Biodiversity
Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining (ASGM) constitutes a important source of income for local communities in more than 70 countries, mainly in rural areas with limited alternative economic prospects. On the other hand, informal or poorly regulated ASGM, often using mercury can lead to land degradation, deforestation, contamination of soil and water bodies, and overuse of forest resources, including in biodiversity hotspots or sensitive areas. Pollution, including from the unsound management of mercury, is one of the key drivers threatening our planet’s biodiversity. Nevertheless, with the right support, ASGM has the potential to transition to more responsible and cleaner production methods with lower impact on our planet's fragile biodiversity.
What are the dynamics governing the interrelationship between biodiversity, ecosystem services and ASGM activities? How can livelihoods be sustained while minimizing the impacts on nature?
To answer these questions, the Global Mercury Partnership is undertaking a literature review on the topic. The objective of the work is to gather and curate existing information on the subject, by reporting on current state of knowledge and practices, and by highlighting ongoing and possible interventions to minimize the impact of ASGM on biodiversity and surrounding ecosystems.
The literature review focuses on five topics:
- Impacts and interrelationship between ASGM and biodiversity.
- Linkages between socio-economic aspects of ASGM and ecosystem services.
- Methods to monitor the impacts of ASGM on biodiversity.
- Good practices, including: (i) options for land restoration, and remediation of contaminated sites (phytoremediation, bioremediation, adsorption etc.); (ii) possible governance and finance models (jurisdictional approach, formalization, economic benefits of restoration of ecosystem services, etc.).
- Solution-oriented case studies, including e.g. case studies of ASGM in and around protected areas/biodiversity hotspots and case studies on the role of indigenous communities.
In order to enrich the research, we welcome expressions of interest from experts and other stakeholders wishing to participate in consultations on the topic planned for spring 2023, as well as share relevant resources.
Should you be interested, kindly fill in the form by Friday 9 December 2022.
Upon receiving your expression of interest, we will contact you directly regarding next steps as they become available.
For any questions, please contact Ms. Malgorzata Stylo (malgorzata.stylo@un.org), Ms. Imelda Dossou Etui (imelda.dossouetui@un.org) and Mr Kenneth Davis (kenneth.davis@un.org).
