This report responds to the request of the Governing Council (GC) of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), through GC decision 21/5, that UNEP undertake a global assessment of mercury and mercury compounds, in cooperation with other members of the Inter-Organization Programme for the Sound Management of Chemicals (IOMC), to be presented to the Governing Council at its 22nd session in 2003. The assessment would include contributions from Governments, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations and the private sector, and cover a number of specific elements defined in the GC decision. These elements are covered as far as possible in the different chapters of the report. As part of the implementation of GC decision 21/5, UNEP established a Global Mercury Assessment Working Group to assist in the drafting and finalization of this report, first through a comment round by mail, then through a meeting of the Working Group, which took place 9-13 September 2002 in Geneva, Switzerland. The Working Group was open-ended and consisted of members nominated by Governments, intergovernmental organizations and non-governmental organizations. This report will be forwarded to the Governing Council for consideration at its 22nd session in February 2003. By having initiated the development of this assessment report, the Governing Council will have a better basis for considering if any international action on mercury is called for in order to promote environmentally sound management of mercury and its compounds. The report will contribute to increased awareness and understanding among decision makers of the major issues related to mercury and its compounds, thereby facilitating the debate on the issue at the next session of the Governing Council.

The fertilizer industry remains concerned about the effects of its products even after they leave the factory gate and it began promoting efficient and balanced use long before most industries were adopting life cycle product responsibility. In theory, as many as two billion farmers could use fertilizers on any given day. Ensuring that they have the best agronomic information, quality fertilizers and appropriate and efficient technology is a daunting task. However, under-use, over-use or unbalanced use all unleash negative impacts that must be eliminated to achieve truly sustainable production of quality food. Technology has a role to play, but capacity building is probably the most important factor. Managing these key agricultural inputs on a global scale requires mobilisation of industry, international organisations, governments, scientists, educators and trainers, farmers, agricultural workers, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and local communities, all working together. Although the research to prepare this report revealed much progress, a number of challenges remain. This report is the first attempt of its kind to look at the contribution of the fertilizer industry to sustainable development, and to consider the challenges that face the industry as regards sustainability. Material from across the globe was reviewed, and we are grateful to the numerous organisations that provided information.