GEF GOLD+: Advancing formalization and mercury-free gold in Suriname To reduce the use of mercury and increase incomes in the ASGM sector in the participating countries through a holistic, multisectoral integrated formalization approach, and increasing access to finance leading to adoption of sustainable mercury free technologies and access to traceable gold supply chains. Note: Disbursement data provided is cumulative and covers disbursement made by the project Agency. 235. The project’s goal is to minimize risks to mercury exposure to human beings and the environment due to the use of mercury in the ASGM sector in compliance with the Minamata Convention, recognizing the multi-dimensional impacts of artisanal and small-scale gold mining on the environment, health and poverty.236. At the district level, the implementation of coordinated demonstration actions with the private sector in the field will show the opportunities of institutional integration and coordination, private-driven investments, will demonstrate that the positive results of these pilot interventions would serve to improve and enforce current regulation for environmentally sound management of mercury in the ASGM sector. Innovative market interventions offer alternative solutions to other LAC parties of the Minamata Convention and will follow and integrate these strategies in their efforts to phase out chemical hazardous substances. For this, a public awareness and communication strategy for the elimination of mercury, related wastes and safer alternatives should result in direct gains for the citizens and the environment.237. Additional economic and social benefits that will be brought on by the project:• Reduced health impact from the exposure to hazardous chemicals, particularly the use of mercury for the amalgamation of gold for gold mining as well as for gold extraction. The project estimates to increase awareness of about 300,000 people, of which 150,000 females and 150,000 males.• Considered newly identified risks related to the global pandemic amid the COVID-19 virus that may affect the implementation of the project, especially to Indigenous and Tribal Peoples.• Job creation through opportunities enhanced in the deployment of mercury-free technologies.• Improved policy, regulatory, monitoring and analysis frameworks, to safeguard human health and the environment.How do these benefits translate in supporting the achievement of global environment benefits (GEF Trust Fund) or adaptation benefits (LDCF/SCCF)?238. In the BAU national context of the Suriname economy, limiting the country´s capacity on elimination of mercury in the ASGM sector will put a heavy burden in the compliance of international regulations committed by this country with the Minamata Convention. The Global Environmental Benefits (GEB) of the project at the CEO endorsement stage, are the same as presented at the PIF stage. The positive impacts of the project will include the following reduction:- Eight (8) tons of mercury avoided.The GEF GOLD+ mercury reduction target for Suriname is 8 t over five years. Components on formalization, financial inclusion and knowledge sharing are measures to ensure results are sustained, resulting in 24 t of mercury avoidance 10 years after project. In Suriname, for every Kg of gold produced, an estimated 3 Kg of mercury is emitted into the environment (NAP). To reach the GEF reduction target an estimated 2.6 t of mercury free gold would need to be produced during the project life span.