Geneva Environment Network 88d ago

Transparency and access to environmental information are central to effective environmental governance and form core pillars of the Escazú Agreement. In this context, Pollutant Release and Transfer Registers (PRTRs) play a critical role as practical tools to collect, manage and disseminate data on pollution, enabling governments and the public to better understand environmental pressures and trends. Multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs), including the Minamata Convention on Mercury and the Aarhus Convention along with its Protocol on PRTRs depend on strong data systems and national reporting to assess implementation and measure progress. These agreements rely on accurate, timely information to support compliance, guide policy responses, and strengthen international cooperation. Enhancing the connections between PRTR systems and MEA reporting frameworks can make environmental data more accessible, reinforce coherence across policy processes, and contribute to more informed decision-making at both national and global levels. Such integration ultimately supports more transparent governance, improved environmental performance, and strengthened accountability. Leading experts joining this side event will showcase how PRTRs as effective instruments for advancing transparency and public access to environmental information; highlight synergies among the Escazú Agreement, the Aarhus Convention and its Protocol on PRTRs, and the Minamata Convention; present regional and national experiences in establishing and operating PRTR systems; demonstrate how mercury‑related data and national reporting under the Minamata Convention can complement PRTR frameworks; and foster dialogue and knowledge exchange among Parties, experts, and stakeholders. More information: https://www.genevaenvironmentnetwork.org/events/implementing-pollutant-release-and-transfer-registers-prtrs-for-fulfilling-international-and-national-commitments-to-mitigate-pollution-escazu-cop-4-side-event/