Mercury is a naturally occurring heavy metal that has been used for centuries for various purposes. However, since the Industrial Revolution, mercury emissions have significantly increased—primarily from artisanal and small-scale gold mining, power generation, and industrial activities—leading to widespread environmental pollution.

Mercury is highly toxic and poses serious risks to human health, particularly affecting the nervous system, as well as to ecosystems. Once released, it persists in the environment, cycling through the air, water, soil, and living organisms. Microorganisms can convert mercury into more toxic forms, which then accumulate in the food chain.

Using financing provided by the Global Environment Facility (GEF), UNDP provides technical support to developing countries and countries with economies in transition in their efforts to reduce mercury use and emissions. These efforts have primarily focused on the extractives sector, by assisting in phasing out mercury use in gold mining, and the health sector, by promoting the elimination of mercury-containing medical devices and reducing mercury emissions.