First National Action Plan on Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining in Suriname.

Article 7 of the Minamata Convention stipulates that those countries with ASGM using mercury in their territory, take steps to reduce and where feasible eliminate the use of mercury in ASGM. Countries where ASGM is more than insignificant, have the added requirement of also develop a National Action Plan (NAP). This NAP describes how Suriname plans to achieve mercury reductions in its ASGM sector. The plan firstly built on previous experiences and knowledge regarding the management and reduction of mercury use within ASGM and secondly aligns current projects and programs that contribute to mercury reduction and phase out.
Achieving this target is hindered by an inadequate legal framework, insufficient regulation and weak or nonexistent control of the ASGM sector, and poor institutional integration of knowledge and awareness of the Minamata Convention within the relevant Ministries and government departments. The action plan addresses these challenges with short-, medium-, and long-term objectives. The implementation strategy outlines four primary outcomes: legal and institutional reform to effectively reduce mercury use, a 30% reduction of mercury output from ASGM operations by 2032, a program to recognize and address adverse health impacts, and increased awareness and education.
The document is composed of six chapters and five annexes. The second chapter introduces the national plan, the national context, and the methodology used to develop the plan. The third chapter provides baseline information on the legal, demographic, economic, and environmental context, including the effects on health. The fourth chapter outlines the reduction targets, while the fifth chapter details the national implementation strategy. The sixth chapter is dedicated to monitoring and evaluation.