Prior to the Mercury Treaty Diplomatic Conference, IPEN and Citizens Against Chemicals Pollution held an International Toxics Metal Skillshare (3 & 4 October) and an International Minamata Symposium (5 & 6 October) in Minamata, Japan. The Skillshare included 42 participants from 26 countries, and the Symposium included those same participants as well as approximately 40 Japanese residents from Minamata and the surrounding area. The events were very successful in sharing informaton and experiences, and building new alliances. International participants were able to learn directly from the Japanese people more about Minamata Disease, while Japanese participants received information about mercury use, research, and activities around the world.

Additionally, IPEN presented its newly adopted Minamata Declaration on Toxic Metals to the Minamata community at the conclusion of the Symposium.

(All photos on this page by Shahriar Hossain unless otherwise noted)

IPEN International Toxic Heavy Metals Skillshare

Tour of Minamata

International Minamata Symposium

IPEN People